New-York tribune., 1899-12-31
RINGS AND THEIR MEANING
CUSTOMS REGARDING THE WEDDING
CIRCLET
ODD suPERsTITIoNs AND PRETTY LEGENDS THAT
SURROUND THE WEARING OF THE
DAINTY ORNAMENT.

DAINTY ORNAMENT.
II Is doubtful whether the origin OF the custom of
wearing a ring as a symbol of engagement or
marriage has ever been established beyond dispute.
1t is certain, however, that the custom Is an an
cient one for in the Bible may be found several
references to rings and the Christians used the
ring as a symbol Of marriage in 800
Regarding the custom OF wearing the wedding
ring on the most useless finger Of the left hand
the third hnger-the explanation has been made
that the helplessnes OF that finger is protection
to the ring as the weakest finger 1t Is pre-
served from rough usage. Another reason given
is that on the third finger there is vein leading
from the heart, hence the same excuse as tna1
given for shaking hands with the left hand, nearer
the heart"
in olden times kings and others In authority
wore on the ring a seal or image that indicated
power and in the time OF Moses the priests wore
rings as symbols of office. In the British Museum
quaint rings made of porcelain, which once sdorneo
the fingers Of the poorer classes In Egypt may %
seen.
Among the Jews the ring is an important factos
in the marriage ceremony and in Germany the hus-
band and wife exchange wedding rings. Inc nus
band ia expected to wear his marriage ring con-
t!nuousy In fact. 1t would be difficult matter
for a man 10 re-establish harmony in his nome
were he discovered to have removed the symbol or
marriage from his finger. the inference being thas
he had been trying to conceal the fact OF MS mar
riase.
, Queen Victoria possesses many rings but thred
OF these have a special value in view OF the MIS-
tory connected with them. One is her wedding
rinoa narrow gold band. The second is her be-
trothal ring a snake made Of emeralds. and tha
third is a diamond ring given TO her oy Frihce A'-
bert when she was young girl
oueen Elizabeth who was noted for her love ot
iewelry wore many rings The Emperor OF Ger"
MANY is another royal parsonage who mas cis"
forr is
portant occasions the Kaiser will be seen to wear
on his left hand massive gold ring set with
large dark stone The ring is credited with beins
an heirloom of the Hohenzollern family ano came
into the possession OF Margraf OF Ulrch way oack
in the thirteenth century. After a series OK ad-
ventures and mishaps the ring became the property
of the Kaiser who. although not supersutious
man. is seen on occasions or state ana ms
Rings have been fashioned from every material
OF sufficient strength to be put to sucn use, In
Guiding gold silver, steel brass iron, bronze, Worys
jet earthenware and wire.
Curious instances have been cited wnere MAKE. i,,
shift substitutes for the conventional wedding
ring have been utilized during the marriage cere-
mony One such instance occurred some ums ssnH asa
Nothing better being available as substitute,
nn be ring hande of the church key was utilized
A couple in this state used In such an emergency
a ring formed from the outer edge or a coin, ana
which had been carried by some one present as
a curiosity.
at the right time He drew from his tie the slender
the wire into ring shape, handed the improvised
wedding ring to the distracted groom
said to bring a great deal of luck to the owner.
and the lead eramp ring worn SIX SIX centuries r or r. ago
vent and cure rheumatism
| Teeth We're at time fashionable for adornins
sought O after 1" The f9sRocabe women OF today
| prefer the more costly jewels.