Wedding Ring Pillow – all about the symbolism of Wedding Rings and the Wedding Ring Ceremony

Wedding Ring Pillow

The tradition of wedding ring pillows dates back to Egyptian times, when pillows were used to present gold and silver. During a wedding ceremony, the ring bearer (usually a young boy) would carry the wedding ring pillow down the church aisle. As an extra precaution, some couples may choose to have the ring bearer carry only “dummy rings” on the wedding ring bearer pillow. The best man will then pass the real wedding rings to the couple when the rings are to be exchanged.

Which is the Wedding Ring Finger?

The wedding ring finger is the third finger on the left hand. Why? Traditionally, it was believed that a blood vein (vena amoris – the vein of love) ran directly from the ring finger to the heart.

And according to the Chinese, the ring finger represents your life partner. To complete the symbolism: the thumb represents your parents, the index finger represents your siblings, the middle finger represents yourself, and the little finger, your children.

Meaning of Wedding Rings

The wedding ring is a symbol of marriage and of the couple’s love and commitment to each other. Wedding ring inscriptions further allow couples to inscribe special, personal messages on their rings as an additional personal declaration of love.

Click here for more about wedding ring etiquette and why the wedding ring is worn below the engagement ring.

Beyond the wedding ring pillow and the symbolism of Wedding Rings: Promise Rings, Eternity Rings, Trilogy Rings

The Promise Ring is given when a couple’s initial relationship deepens.

The Eternity Ring is given on the birth of the couple’s first child, as a symbol of continuing commitment

The Trilogy Ring, with three round diamonds, is given to represent the past, present and future of a couple’s relationship.

Wedding Ring Vows

Here’s the classic wedding ring vow:

Groom to Bride: [Bride’s Name], with this ring I thee wed. Take it and wear it as a symbol of all we shall share.
Bride to Groom: [Groom’s Name], with this ring I thee wed. Take it and wear it as a symbol of all we shall share.

Catholic Ring Wedding Vow:

Groom to Bride: I, [Groom’s Name], take you [Bride’s Name], for my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. With this ring I thee wed, and pledge thee my troth.
Bride to Groom: I, [Bride’s Name], take you [Groom’s Name], for my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. With this ring I thee wed, and pledge thee my troth.

Baptist Ring Wedding Vow:

Groom to Bride: I, [Groom’s Name], take thee [Bride’s Name], to be my wife, and before God and these witnesses I promise to be a faithful and true wife. With this ring I thee wed, and all my worldly goods I thee endow. In sickness and in health, in poverty or in wealth, 'til death do us part.
Bride to Groom: I, [Bride’s Name], take thee [Groom’s Name], to be my husband, and before God and these witnesses I promise to be a faithful and true husband. With this ring I thee wed, and all my worldly goods I thee endow. In sickness and in health, in poverty or in wealth, 'til death do us part.

Wedding Rings Origin

Click here for more about wedding and engagement ring origins and traditions.