Symbolism of Wedding RingsWritten by Peter Breslin
"The meeting of two personalities is like contact of two chemical substances; if there is any reaction, both are transformed." -C.G. Jung Rings have been exchanged as a symbol of bond of marriage for so long, and in so many different cultures, that origin of practice is obscure. Certainly, circle of a ring represents undying love and continually renewed vows of married couple. Circles have long been archetypes for not only timelessness, but also wholeness and homecoming. The circle also speaks to constant round of heavens, as well as eternal return of seasons, marked by cyclical ritual and celebration. In addition, circle in rock art, sacred stone arrays, and astrology represents both Sun and Moon, themselves astrological and alchemical symbols for masculine and feminine aspects of cosmos. This correspondence with Sun and Moon is emphasized by frequent practice of choosing gold for one betrothed and silver for other, as gold and silver are metals long associated with Sun and Moon respectively. Rings in general have a deeply rooted magical significance. Enchanted rings figure in many ancient folk tales. Incantations and spells for protection of wearer of rings are common motifs. Today, in traditional religious ceremonies, Christian and otherwise, wedding rings are blessed by a minister or priest, thus continuing symbolic practice of imbuing rings with protective powers. The widespread tradition of embellishing plain gold or silver wedding band with various designs and patterns has been known since at least 700 AD, in both Pan-Hellenic and Celtic cultures. The quite ancient symbol of ouroboros, serpent which consumes its own tail, was a theme used for wedding rings made of iron in Rome. The ouroboros itself is a symbol of oneness of creation and destruction in renewal, and life principle which timelessly feeds on its own inspiration. It also represents hope for a lifelong marriage union that’s continually renewed. Celtic wedding rings are often gorgeously decorated with geometric knot work patterns that have a long history and central place in Celtic art. These patterns are strongly vegetative, suggesting tendrils and vines. In fact, in much of Celtic art, including famous illuminated Bible, The Book of Kells, these Celtic Knots emerge from or transform into vegetative foliage. The beautiful symmetry of these woven patterns is often not square, rigid, or overly formal, but organic, flowing, and a stylized reflection of curves and spirals found in nature. Indeed, Celtic Knots that embellish wedding rings herald ideas of spring, fertility, and eternal reawakening of life force - all of which bode well for a fruitful life partnership.
| | Women Own The Holidays!Written by Ed Williams
This week we’re gonna get serious and deal with one of life’s greatest mysteries - why are almost all of gift giving holidays slanted towards women? I know, I know, this is gonna arouse a little controversy, especially from some of you women out there. And ladies, please don’t take this wrong way - I still love ya‘ll as much as ever, but I have to tell it like it is. Bottom line, gift giving holidays are geared towards women receiving majority of gifts. It’s as simple as that. Ya’ll should know me well enough by now to know that I’m not going to say something like that without being able to back it up. It’s my responsibility as a serious journalist to support my statements with facts. So, in that spirit, here’s a list of six major gift giving holidays along with where all those gifts seem to be going: 1. Valentine’s Day - Is there any couple alive who can honestly say on Valentine’s Day that more money was spent on man than woman? If there’s a couple like that out there, please write me, cause your story would make a full length column in and of itself. We all know, just by what is put on sale on Valentine’s Day, that this holiday is slanted towards women. If you don’t believe me, kindly tell me many men out there are longing for gifts like flowers, balloons, heart shaped boxes of candy, or edible underwear? Hmmm? $$$ Advantage: Women. 2. Anniversaries - This is a slam dunk for women. Anniversaries exist solely to pay homage to female in relationship. Most times, she gets expensive jewelry, nice clothing items, trips, cars, etc., etc. What does man typically receive? Usually either a mailbox, some work clothes, or a gift certificate to a store that doesn’t exactly sell male oriented items (Victoria’s Secret, for example). In fact, to no man’s surprise, this certificate usually ends up being redeemed for items that benefit woman. $$$ Advantage: Women. 3. Mother’s Day - I can’t knock this one at all, but obviously gifts all go to women on this day. In fact, any man worth his britches loves his mama and should be glad to pony up big on this holiday. I know I wish I could.
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