RINGS
Rings set with certain precious stones or engraved with mystic
characters were in all times supposed to influence the character and
conduct of people. There are many old legends about the wonderful
effect of these charms.
The ring worn by the Jewish High Priest was supposed to possess
wonderful powers, given by heaven. The ring worn by Solomon gave him
divine powers by which he acquired the knowledge of the laws of the
universe.
The wedding ring which Joseph was supposed to have given to the Virgin
Mary was an object of adoration for many ages, and many miracles were
accomplished by it. It is still shown in the Cathedral of Perugia,
but it seems that other churches also make claim to possessing the
original. This ring, however, has been described as a very thick gold
circlet, large enough to fit a man’s thumb.
The power of making its wearer invisible was ascribed to the ring worn
by King Gyges of Lydia, and it had also many other powers, such as
bringing together long separated friends, allaying jealously, etc.
Astrological rings are worn to the present day, the stone or metal
being in conformity with the signs of the planets, and thus bringing
luck to the wearer.
Rings are often used for divination. A number of rings, each inscribed
with a name, are thrown into a bag, and one drawn at random. The answer
to any question is thus given.
Rings are considered a preventive of many diseases. For the cure of
croup an amber ring is often worn. For cramp and abdominal pains,
a ring made of a coffin nail is supposed to be efficacious. For
rheumatism, a copper ring, or one of copper and zinc welded together,
is thought to have curative powers.
Marcellus, an old Roman physician, prescribed for a pain in the side, a
gold ring inscribed with certain Greek characters and worn on the hand
of the side opposite the pain. Trallian, another ancient doctor, cured
colic and bilious complaints by an octangular ring of iron on which he
engraved a message to the disease to leave the body.
Rings on which were engraved the names of three kings of Cologne were
considered efficacious in the cure of various disorders. On them were
also engraved the words, “God is a remedy.”
For sore eyes, a plain gold wedding ring is considered a sovereign
remedy to this day.
A ring made of a silver coin, taken from a beggar, is supposed to be a
cure for epilepsy.
Among the peasantry of France, before a couple are wed, a ring of iron
is put on the forefinger of the bride. It is usually made of a nail of
a horseshoe. In certain parts a ring of straw is used. These are first
blessed by the priest and insure a happy life.
In Russia, in order to discover which girl of a village shall be
married first, each places a ring in a little heap of corn on the barn
floor. A rooster is then let loose among the corn. He pecks at the
grains until one ring is exposed. The owner will be married before her
companions.
In Sweden girls hide under teacups or kitchen pots a ring, a coin and a
piece of black ribbon. If the ring comes to light first, the owner will
marry, if the coin, she will get a rich husband, but if the ribbon, she
will die an old maid.
To find a ring is a sign of good luck if it be gold, of peace of mind
if it be silver, but of trouble, if it be brass.
ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING RINGS
Rings have figured prominently in marriages from prehistoric times, and
many superstitions cling to them. It is not strange that a rite that
is fraught with such serious results to the contracting parties should
have awakened a sense of dread and a desire to foretell the future by
speculation and divination.
Among some peoples instead of exchanging rings a piece of gold or money
is broken in halves, each party keeping a half. To lose one’s half is
considered very unlucky.
An engagement ring is supposed to be: is a harbinger of luck and
happiness.
An engagement ring with the bride’s birthstone
“A contract of eternal bond of love,
Confirmed by mutual joinder of your hands.”
Formerly men wore engagement rings as well as women, but in the course
of time left them off as being a sign of bondage.
A diamond engagement ring is especially lucky, as diamonds are
considered the highest form of gift, and the sparkle is supposed to
originate in the fires of love.
A pearl in a ring is unlucky, as pearls signify tears.
To lose a stone out of an engagement ring foretells bad luck, unless it
is replaced before the wedding takes place.
During the Commonwealth in England, the Puritans tried to abolish
wedding rings as being a remnant of heathen practice.
The ring, being round and without end, is a symbol of never-ending love
and affection that should continue to flow in an uninterrupted circle.
If a wedding ring breaks, it is a sign of marital trouble.
A wedding ring that has been worn to a thin thread is lucky and brings
luck to the wearer’s children.
The wedding ring is usually worn on the fourth finger of the left hand.
The probable reason is that the left hand is not used as much as the
right and the fourth finger is rarely used alone.
It was formerly believed that a special artery led from the heart to
the fourth finger.
Among Orientals the ring is usually worn on the index finger of the
left hand, which is called the lucky finger.
A wedding ring rubbed three times on the eye is supposed to be a cure
for styes.
A wedding ring should be turned around three times if you want your
wish to come true.
It is unlucky to take off your wedding ring except in cases of
necessity.