Engagement

An engagement is an agreement to marry, and also refers to the time between proposal and marriage. Following the agreement, a couple are said to be "engaged to be married," or simply "engaged."

Engagement Rings

Engagements rings are to be worn on the third finger of the left hand. This tradition is thought to be from the Romans, who believed this finger to be the "vena amoris" (vein of love), the vein that leads to the heart.

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Romantic rings found were found in this era (from as far back as 4AD) which resembled the Claddagh Celtic symbol (two hands holding a loveheart) and so it is thought that this was used as some symbol of love and commitment between a man and a woman.

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However there is a lot of speculation about the origins of the engagement ring, see the link below for more information on the history of Engagement rings.

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Some people suggest that the rings could have evolved from slave shackles, and thus symbolise the future bondage of husband and wife.

Related Topics:
Evolved - Slave shackles

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The concept of an engagement period began in 1215 at the Fourth Lateran Council, when Pope Innocent III declared a longer waiting period between betrothal and marriage. The modern Western form of the practice of giving or exchanging engagement rings began in 1477 when Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring as an engagement present.

Related Topics:
1215 - Fourth Lateran Council - Pope Innocent III - Engagement ring - 1477 - Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor - Mary of Burgundy - Diamond

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