A Wedding Ring is most important in all wedding ceremonies now. Whether you are a Christian, Hindu or Muslim you are obliged to wear one after marriage. Wedding Ring has different religious concepts .
According to Christians it is being said that, wedding ring originated in Babylon, which was in the shape of eternal serpent. Though the Christians believe that marriage was instituted by God in the Garden of Eden there is no mention of wedding Ring either in Old or New Testaments .There was no practice among early Christians to wear finger rings as a sign of marriage or engagement. A circular gold engagement ring signifies financial sacrifice and the circular shape is said to mean eternal or unending relationship.
Marriage in Hinduism is both an obligatory duty and a sacrament that extends across seven or more lives till each other progress spiritually. Concept of wedding ring could be traced in Abhignan Shakuntalam of Kalidas as the story is spun around a lost ring gifted by King Dhushyant to Shakuntala as a token of their marriage. Ancient kings used rings with special symbols to mark their identity and authority. In all Hindu religious functions and ceremonies wearing a ring called ‘Pavithram” made of Dharbha is essential. wearing gold ‘Pavithra ring’ made by artisans of Payyannur in Kerala is considered as most auspicious . Since India has diverse religious and cultural bases its wedding custom vary widely. Normally Hindus perform a ring exchange ceremony. Grooms wear wedding ring in their right fourth finger and brides on their left fourth finger as it is believed that fourth finger of the hand has a vein leading directly to the heart. But is not scientifically proved.
According to Islam Custom marriage is not a ritual but an act of worship and a contract between the groom and bride. In Islam culture also there is no wedding ring originally. There was no concept of engagement in Islam and The Engagement Ring is a later innovation. Most new generations conduct ring exchange functions with much fanfare. But all these take place not with religious fervor but to show off. Now a days wearing wedding ring is used as a medium to exhibit wealth. Above all it has much more importance and divinity and we should not forget that .
