A ring is a circular band, usually of metal, worn as ornamental jewellery.
The term “ring” by itself, always denotes jewellery and worn on the finger. The body part is specified within the term, e.g., earrings, neck rings, arm rings, and toe rings.
Rings may be made of almost any hard material: wood, bone, stone, metal, glass, gemstone or plastic. They may be set with gemstones (diamond, ruby, sapphire or emerald) or with other types of stone or glass.
Although some wear rings as mere ornaments or as conspicuous display of wealth, rings have symbolic functions concerning marriage, exceptional achievement, high status or authority, membership in an organization, and the likes.
Rings can be made to sport insignia which may be impressed on a wax seal or outfitted with a small compartment to conceal things.
In myth, fable, and fiction, rings are often endowed with spiritual or supernatural significance.
History
Rings have been won in almost all civilizations and have particular significance in those particular civilizations.
Ancient India
Rings and other types of jewelry including necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, bangles and pendants have been discovered from the 3rd millennium BC Indus Valley Civilization.
Factories of small beads have been discovered in Lothal, India.
Ancient Near East
Finger rings have been found in tombs in Ur, dating back to 2500 BC.
The Hittite civilization produced rings, including signet rings, only a few of which have been discovered.
People in Old Kingdom of Egypt wore a variety of finger rings, of which a few examples have been found, including the famous scarab design.
Rings became more common during the Egyptian Middle Kingdom, with an increasing complex designs. Egyptians made not only metal rings but rings from faience, some of which were used as New Year gifts.
Archaic and classical Greek
Archaic Greek rings were to some extent influenced by Egyptian rings, although they tended to be less substantial and were not generally used as working signet rings. As gold was not locally available, rings made in the eastern colonies tended to be made from silver and bronze, while Etruscans used gold.
The classical period showed a shift away from bronze to a wider adoption of silver and gold.
The most typical design of the period involved a lozenge bezel mounting an intaglio device. Over time, the bezel moved towards a more circular form.
Ring location
Each finger had a symbolic association or meaning (most of which were lost in antiquity and varied with culture) for the placement of a ring.
The fourth digit or ring finger of the left hand has become the customary place to wear betrothal, engagement and wedding rings in much of the world, though in certain countries the right hand finger is used. This custom was established as norm during World War II.
The use of the fourth finger of the left hand (the ‘ring finger’) is associated with an old belief that the left hand’s ring finger is connected by a vein directly to the heart: the vena amoris, or vein of love. This idea was in vogue in the 16th and 17th century England, when Henry Swinburne referred to it in his book about marriage.
It can be traced to ancient Rome, when Aulus Gellius cited Appianus as saying that the ancient Egyptians had found a fine nerve linking the fourth finger to the heart.
Occasionally rings have been re-purposed to hang from bracelets or necklaces.
The signet ring is traditionally worn on the left pinky or little finger.
A birthstone ring and/or “birthday” stone ring is customarily worn on the first finger of the right hand and indicates respectively the month and day of the week in and on which the bearer was born.
Amulet rings, meaningful for various purposes from protection (pentacle rings) to augmenting personal attributes (wisdom, confidence, social status etc.), are worn on various fingers, often depending on the intent of the ring’s design or attributes of the stone inset. Although it has been thought that amulet rings worn on specific fingers for specific purposes enhanced their powers, most people simply wear them on any finger on which they fit.
Thumb rings were originally worn to protect the thumb from injuries caused by the launching of arrows and are a sign of an archer.
Selection of rings
Jewelry has a way of saying everything you want to, without ever having to say a word. Buying a ring might seem daunting at first, especially when a guy is buying for his girl.
But do not fear. Here’s everything you will need to know before buying a ring so you can understand what you are doing.
Rings and meanings
Each finger brings with it a different meaning. It is key to understand what each finger symbolizes in order to understand where to wear each ring.
The ‘wedding’ finger
The most common known symbolism for fingers is the fourth finger on the left hand, which in many cultures is reserved for the engagement ring, and later the wedding ring. However, be warned: in some parts of the world this finger reserved for the engagement and wedding rings is the fourth finger on the right hand.
I once made the mistake when speaking to a guy from Poland and presumed he was single until he told me that the wedding ring was worn on the right hand in their country!
In some traditions it is believed to be bad luck to wear rings on this finger before you are engaged, tempting fate to slow down bringing you true love.
The ‘pinky’ or ‘index’ finger
The little ‘pinky’ finger and the first ‘index’ finger have become fashion statements only in recent years.
People choose to wear rings on these fingers to bring added attention to the hand. They can be quite daring as they really do make a statement, but they can look amazing! It’s a way to say “I am a fashionista in my own right!”
The ‘middle’ finger
The middle finger is the most popular finger of all for rings. This was due to people not wanting confusion between which hand the wedding finger was on. This being the case, the middle finger was a safe default.
Due to its location on the hand, rings on this finger show a sense of balance and responsibility.
Rings on this finger add glamour and class to an outfit. It gives it an extra sense of style without being too forceful.
They don’t think to consider what they are communicating when they wear a ring on a particular finger.
Spiritual meanings of wearing rings on differential fingers
Pinky fingers
Wearing a ring on our pinky finger can mean quite a few things.
Motion pictures have made it out that it’s only for those running organized crime or pimps, but there is more meaning to it.
The pinky is said to represent Mercury, which stands for intelligence, intuition, persuasion, and also communication.
Given that creative people tend to exude all these qualities, it makes sense for artists to wear rings on their pinky fingers.
You don’t have to be in the creative field to wear a rink on your pinky finger. You’ll find that a lot of graduates in various rings will wear rings on the last finger of their dominant hand, which is mostly the right hand.
If there’s something you’ve achieved and you’re proud of, you can wear it on your pinky ring finger, especially if it holds spiritual significance.
One such example is to display strength; you can wear a ring on this finger to remind you that when you’re going through hard times.
Ring fingers
Ring fingers are synonymous with love and relationships, but it can also mean creativity and beauty.
For the most part, however, the world has come to see the ring finger as a symbol of a love commitment or covenant and a promise to someone for eternity.
Most people wear their wedding bands on the left ring finger, but there are those countries that wear it on the right instead.
Single people can also wear rings on their ring fingers for religious or spiritual reasons. The most common is wearing a celibacy ring or a sacred ring to show their dedication toward abstaining from physical intimacy until marriage.
Others wear it to signify vows they’ve made to a higher power or displaying allegiance to the same.
On a romantic level, couples that, for one reason or another, cannot get married soon do wear promise rings as a symbol of their serious commitment towards each other.
Even so, single people who wear a ring on this finger are letting others know that they love themselves and have a high level of self-worth.
Middle fingers
The location of the finger says a lot about what it symbolizes.
It lies in the middle of the hand and has spiritual significance in the areas of balance, law, justice, and also responsibility.
Overall, there is no set meaning of the ring finger so you can ascribe whatever meaning you want for it.
It is, however, agreed that wearing a ring on this finger shows the power and also a responsibility.
If you’re going through a spiritual journey, or perhaps soul-searching, then you can wear your ring on the middle finger.
It will act as a reminder of what you’re going through and thus choosing to remain open.
Also, if you want to make a statement about your life, you can also wear a signature ring on this finger to attract attention.
In cultures where the middle finger is considered an insult, it’s something to keep in mind when you wear a ring on this finger.
Index fingers
In the Jewish culture, the wedding ring went on the right index finger. The bride also had the option of putting it on their left index finger after the ceremony.
Apart from that, the index finger has been ascribed different meanings depending on who you ask. It is considered to represent leadership, ambition, and self-confidence.
If you want to demonstrate a hunger for or having power and authority, you can also wear a ring on this finger.
The other meaning that exists is that this second finger depicts one’s ego.
That is especially so when it comes to professional circles or other spaces that require leadership.
In some circles, it also relates to spirituality.
You can, therefore, put a ring on both the index and middle finger to remind you of the internal journey that you’re going through.
Thumbs
It’s not uncommon to find men opting to wear rings on this finger.
The thumb does also has a variety of meanings. For the most part, the stronger significance attached to it is freedom and willpower.
It is also a way to show people that you are independent and also a free-spirit. When you wear it on your dominant thumb, you’re communicating your individuality and strength to the world around you.
The other spiritual meaning ascribed to the thumb is showing your commitment to those you’re in a relationship with, such as family, friends, and a romantic partner.
When you do, it is said that you’re investing positive energy into them.
Wearing the ring on your non-dominant hand is thought to also invite better relationships to yourself with the hope that you’ll get into return the good that you put in.
Conclusion
Next time before you wear a ring, consider what message you want to communicate to yourself and others before putting it on.
We all need external reminders about the things that we experience, even on a spiritual level.
Compiled by RUTH KATTAH/ AHOTORNEWS
CREDIT: Various website sources
