Understand the Symbolism of Rings
Perhaps the most well-recognized significance of ring symbolism is that of a wedding ring. Rings have been used throughout history on many levels to convey a similar message to that signified by the wedding ring. Many people place rings in high esteem, whether that be wealth or power. A ring's symbolism carries its power in spite of what the particular symbol or meaning might be, and the reverence for it seems to spread across whatever group or culture carries the particular regard for it. It seems to be a universally understood symbol that carries respect, whether the ring itself is good or bad.
Steps
- Recognize some of the common and traditional meanings behind rings. A ring is an unbroken circle, which many cultures understand as representative of eternity. The ring is used in applications to signify something that is never-ending. This meaning is carried over into the exchange of rings in a marriage--the continuation of the couple's love and union. The ring is a reminder and an outward symbol to others of that eternal commitment.
- Consider an alternative symbolism that rings carry. The world of magic commonly holds a reverence for rings as they carry with them some kind of magic or power. The wearers of certain rings possess particular powers. The material a ring is made from as well as what finger a person wears the ring on can allude to specific powers.
- Realize the purpose of the ring in religion. When a ring is shown in religious context, it signifies the eternalness and the perfection of God. Like the ring, God has no beginning and no end.
- Esteem the ring as a symbol of power and wealth. For centuries, the type of material a ring was made from or the presence of a precious stone let others know the wearer was in a high-class position in society. Peasants could not often afford such luxuries. A ring has also been proven to represent the power of royalty. A king's ring given to someone could pardon or protect that person from destruction. A document from a king marked with the emblem on his ring carried with it the power of his throne.
- See the ring as a symbol of wholeness or completeness. In a ring, we see the circular pattern of life. It is faithful to continue around and around like the daily repetition of our lives and the cycles of years and life and death cycles. Some see the ring as a representative of reincarnation. Some are comforted by the peace it provides as it promises to fend off things not complete with its wholeness.
- Be unified with a ring. Rings have come to be a source of unity for many people. Marriage and the sharing of rings in that adventure was probably the beginning of groups of people sharing a commonality bonding together with a ring. People wear rings to join others in decisions that have been made, like with an abstinence ring. People wear rings to join others through a journey that has been made, like sports teams who have won great victories. By wearing a ring they are unified in the same cause.
