Marriages have always been fascinating. The traditional believes and rituals create an enchanting ambiance that is second to none. In such a scenario, how can one forget the pious rituals of Israeli weddings and the traditional believes, that still plays an integral role in the occasion.
Do you know that Israeli rings are not a part of the ancient tradition? So how and when the changes become relevant?
In this blog, we will walk you through the historical lanes of Israeli weddings and show you how they have evolved in recent decades. Special attention has been made on the custom of jewelry and how it has evolved in the changing times.
History: Gradual, and as it happened.
The traditional weddings differ from the concept of wedding rings. To add on top of it, there is even no mention of wedding rings in the Bible. However, gradually with time, the concept of Israeli rings has surfaced in recent times.
If traditions are to be believed, there are three ways in which a man could marry a woman. The significant offerings in the marriage ceremony end with the groom providing the bride with any of the following items.
- Giving her Money
- Signing a marriage Contract
- Consummating the Relationship
Any of the following is sufficient, though most of the time, all the three items are gifted.
The Rise in the Concept of Wedding Rings
Despite being not a part of the Jew tradition, the wedding ring has witnessed a central role in the wedding ceremonies. The concept of wedding ring arose during the medieval period on account of western influence.
The wedding ring is considered equal to the monetary value of that one pays to the bride. As per the historical scriptures, a man can offer even the lowest fortune to make the marriage legally accepted. Thus, a large number of Jewish weddings do not occur in much pomp and show or fanfare.
Bride and the Concept of Money
The concept of money should not be confused with the act of buying or enslaving a person’s freedom. However, what the groom wants in the act is to accept him by acknowledging by accepting the ring and avoid sexual intimacy with no other man or woman.
If the bride accepts the token of love, she is expected to approve the laws that come with it.
Man and his Concept of Ring
During the event, the groom places the ring on the right index finger of the bride. This is the clear and loud message that from the day onwards, the bride is solely dedicated to the groom.
However, under Western influence, the tradition has changed, and as per western culture, the ring is removed from the right index figure to the left ring figure. However, there have been no cultural issues regarding the changing norms and hence is widely accepted by society altogether.
On a side note, the Israeli tradition is also comfortable with the changing human relations as well. Considered a taboo in many countries all across the globe, Israeli society proudly accept gay marriages. This, in turn, has introduced the concept of the double-ring ceremony. In the act, both the partner agreed to exchange the ring on the desired finger.
Stop worrying about the Groom and Bride’s Wear
Although there is a vast section to select from, the groom and the bride wear is not a concern anymore. However, the fascinating aspect of the wedding is that both the bride and the groom wear white robes known as Kittel. The white color symbolizes the couple’s rebirth as they head towards a new life together.
The Groom’s Table
The Groom’s Table represents a warm, light-hearted event in which the groom and his male friends gather at a table. As per the rituals, the groom is expected to give a lecture on the week’s Torah portion. To add the element of fun in it, the family members interrupt the groom and prevent him from finishing.
The entire concept of the act is to create an ambiance of humor and boost confidence in the groom.
Selecting the Right Ring
When it comes to choosing a metallic Israeli ring, it is a no brainer. As per the traditions, the right Jewish wedding band should be a simple metal circlet without any gemstones or embellishments on top of it.
The ring satisfies the monetary value that is customary to the Jewish tradition and hence plays a pivotal role. On the other hand, a golden ring is preferred over other metals as the element does not tarnish or attract dirt. The principal cause for the use of gold rings is that it signifies a long-lasting bond that is beautiful and till its end.
However, the golden metal is not customary. As per the traditions, the bride and the groom can celebrate their marriage with a silver metal as well. Silver is also counted among the pecuniary subject for the bride.
But Why Simple Rings?
The exchange of pure gold or silver jewelry made in Israel represents multiple aspects as per the ordinary folks. Some of the significant elements are as follows:
- To make sure that the value of the ring is apparent. This ensures that the value of the ring is evident, and there is no misconception during the ceremony.
- On the other hand, a lot of many people argue that a simple ring signifies simplicity in the marriage as well. A marriage that is honest and pure forever.
- A lot many others see this as the symbol of equality among both the partners who decide to have an equal stake among both the partners.
- Another popular belief that the ancient Greeks see as the perfect symbol that encompasses an irrational number pi. Similar to this, the ring represents the bond between both the bride and the groom, a bond between two irrationals that make a perfect circle.
Smashing the Glass
The ceremony ends with the groom breaking glass with a stomp. The ritual has countless meanings; some of them are listed below.
- To scare away the demons.
- It helps us recall the fall of the Temple.
- It reminds us that joy can be shattered at any moment.
However, that is no end to it. The shattered glass also represents a marriage that, if once shattered like glass, could never be fixed again.
Concluding Remarks
When it comes to the jewelry made in Israel, there are a ton of factors that comes to play. From valuing the traditions to mixing the blend of modern styles, only a few companies have mastered the art. The scenario is still evolving, and a lot many couples have shifted their preference from plain, solid gold ring to the more unconventional ones.
Looking for the best deals on Israeli rings? Visit the Zvuartisan Jewelry for an exciting range of options at affordable pricing. Make sure to check out the latest designs that are handcrafted for special occasions.