Commitment rings or promise ring as they are also known symbolise a commitment between two individuals, often a promise of fidelity and eternal love. Many younger generations are now taking vows of commitment and exchanging commitment rings, instead of the usual path of engagement and then marriage. Because of the relative expense of marriage and a change in cultural and religious beliefs, the numbers of marriages have in the last few years decreased; which has in turn increased the popularity of commitment rings.
Rings are iconic of eternity as the never ending circle promotes the idea of no beginning or end, which makes them an apt symbol of eternal love and fidelity. Traditionally rings are exchanged in a wedding ceremony; however, with the number of marriages decreasing and the recognition of gay and lesbian relationships, there has been an increase in the sale of commitment rings.
Commitment rings are, however, not a new way of exhibiting your commitment to one another - in fact they have an incredibly long and interesting history. Originally known as 'promise rings', they were exchanged before engagement to show one's commitment to marriage. They have also been used to show commitment to a friendship or a religion, creating the 'promise ring' as a signifier of love, whether platonic or not, as well as a symbol of one's adoration.
In the 16th century, lovers use to exchange a version of the commitment ring known as a 'scribbling ring'. This ring was encrusted with diamonds, which were used to scribble notes on glass or mirrors to their lovers - how romantic!
Diamonds have also become heavily associated with commitment rings, not only because of the 'scribbling ring', but because of their durability and clarity, which is iconic of eternal love and purity. The fact that natural diamonds are rarely altered in any way, apart from cut, further suggests the pureness and naturalness of love. It is certainly significant that diamonds have been used to write love messages, from one lover to another - you could almost say that diamonds are the messengers of love.
In the era of Shakespeare, commitment rings were termed 'posey rings'. These were exchanged amongst lovers, and inscribed with a personal poem, a message, or a date that was important to the wearer. These words or dates were either inscribed inside the ring or on the outside. It was believed that words of commitment close to the skin had a supernatural effect upon oneself and their relationship.
Commitment rings have been used for centuries as a symbol of eternal love and monogamy - and are still today an important symbol of this, whether the couple decides to marry later on or not. Akin to engagement and marriage rings, this ring signifies an endless and unmoving love through the traditional circular shape. Its message is further enhance by the use of diamonds - the clearest and most resilient natural stone.
RSS Feed (xml)
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น