With This Symbol, I Thee Wed

 By Kathy Kovach

Let's go way back into history. The date was July 12, 1975. An epic day, at least in my life, when I wed the cute boy from church. Okay, 46 years may not be way back there, but it does give me the opportunity to highlight the time honored tradition of marriage.

Specifically, the ring.

This tiny piece of metal, (or leather, or twine, or thimble...more on that later,) really packs a punch in the symbolism trade. Let's take a stroll—to the tune of the Wedding March—through the years to explore this trinket of love.

We'd have to travel back some 3000 years to Egypt to find the first wedding ring. Several symbols were attributed to it because, well, ancient Egyptians loved to attach meaning to inanimate objects. The design of the ring meant no beginning and no end. A pledged love throughout eternity. The circle reminded them of the sun and moon, which they worshipped. Today, we could say the sun and moon represent our heavenly Father and His Son. The empty space within the circle was said to be a pathway to the unknown as the happy couple stepped into the future together, naïve and probably a little frightened. They wore this symbol on the fourth finger of the left hand, just as we do today, with the belief that the vein in that finger is directly connected to the heart. We know now this isn't correct, but the sentiment is lovely and worthy of continuing today.

The tradition continued into Greece and later into Rome. The material varied, with copper and iron most prevalent. In some cases, a key motif was worked into the metal to symbolize that the wife was now in control of the household goods. By the 2nd century CE, gold had become the preferred metal.

On into Medieval times, the gems themselves carried significance. Sapphires symbolized the heavens, rubies were for passion, and diamonds reminded one of steadfast strength. Of course, diamonds did hold steadfast, especially thanks to marketing in the 1950's where we were told diamonds are a girl's best friend.

Amongst all this talk about gold and shiny gems, the Puritans went the practical route. A thimble was given as a pledge of love. The new bride accepted it in the sweet way that Wendy presented the kiss—or thimble— to Peter Pan. The puritan bride then went on to sew items for the couple's new home. Once that was done, her groom would often cut off the top of the thimble for her ring. Now, I'm as pragmatic as the next gal, but give me a sparkling bauble and I'm good.

The Hebrew nation eventually adopted the ring from the countries in which they lived. However, they kept them free of jewels or intricate embellishment. Rather, the idea of a simple gold band held monetary value, as could a coin, property deed, or any other token of worth. The groom was not buying his bride as his property, but more precisely buying her intimacy, sealing the contract that she agrees to be with him and him alone. Traditionally, the ring had no gems, as the ring itself was to be presented as the true worth. Once precious stones were finally allowed, they needed to be of the finest quality, and not imitation. For the union itself should be pure as the purest gold, free of distractions, and simple in its faith between two people and their God.

Symbolism is an excellent way to ground one's belief. Yes, we've exchanged rings, but what does that mean? They are a reminder that our marriage is to be steadfast and true, free from distractions, and intimate in its very nature.

James and Kathleen, July 12, 1975

Happy 46th anniversary, my love! 

MissAdventure Brides Collection
Seven daring damsels don’t let the norms of their eras hold them back. Along the way these women attract the attention of men who admire their bravery and determination, but will they let love grow out of the adventures? Includes:
"Riders of the Painted Star" by Kathleen E. Kovach

1936 Arizona
Zadie Fitzpatrick, an artist from New York, is commissioned to go on location in Arizona to paint illustrations for an author of western novels and falls for the male model.

Kathleen E. Kovach is a Christian romance author published traditionally through Barbour Publishing, Inc. as well as indie. Kathleen and her husband, Jim, raised two sons while living the nomadic lifestyle for over twenty years in the Air Force. Now planted in northeast Colorado, she's a grandmother, though much too young for that. Kathleen is a longstanding member of American Christian Fiction Writers. An award-winning author, she presents spiritual truths with a giggle, proving herself as one of God's peculiar people.

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Mourning the Dead: Ancient Hebrew Traditions and Rituals

Blogger: Amber Schamel

Death is as much a part of life as birth. You can learn so much about a civilization based on how they mourn their dead. Their values, religion, family life, and even their level of prosperity is sowed into these traditions and rituals. 

Unlike most of the pagan societies around them, the ancient Hebrews valued life, and this was evident in their funerals and bereavement. Many of the rituals were taken from the Mosaic law, but some were just tradition passed down through many generations.

Sackcloth and Ashes

Upon hearing the news of a death, the loved ones would often tear their clothes, throw dust on their heads, or even sit in piles of ashes. When David heard of the death of his son Absalom, he tore his clothes and lay on the earth. (II Sam. 13:31) Sackcloth was a special cloth made of goat hair. It was very uncomfortable to wear as it was rough and plain. Mourners would often don this material to evidence their inner pain. It is unclear where this custom came from, but it is mentioned in Job, the oldest book of the Bible.

Other mourning customs included baring the head, and veiling the face, especially the lips and lower part of the face. (Ez. 24:17)

Fasting

Obtaining from food and even water was also a common aspect of mourning. On the day of death, the mourners would not eat. At the end of the day, they would not prepare food for themselves, but their friends would serve them and offer them what was known as the 'cup of consolation.' This is possibly where the tradition of bringing food to the family after a death originated.

David fasted upon hearing that Saul and Jonathan had been killed, and those who were with him did as well. (II Sam 1:11-12) When Abner the captain of the host died, people brought bread to David, but he wouldn't eat until nightfall. (II Sam 3:35)

Burial

Burial Site outside of Jerusalem.
Hebrews use rocks and candles
rather than flowers to adorn memorials.

The Hebrews view the body as the "temple of the soul" therefore they always bury their dead. Cremation is looked upon with horror. Their belief in the resurrection also contributes to this thought process. Modern Jews are still this way. The Chabad.org website states their view very well. "Six million of our people were denied proper burial, most of them cremated. Should we willfully continue that which our enemies began?"

Depending on the financial status of the deceased, the body may be entombed or buried beneath the ground. The Mosaic Law dictates that one who dies must be buried the same day. This was probably a smart idea when you consider the hot climate Israel inhabits. (Deut. 21:22) This law also applied to criminals, which is why Jesus and the two thieves were killed and removed from the cross before the Sabbath. 

Funerals

Hebrew funerals typically consist of a eulogy, Psalms, and Scripture readings, lasting around 20 minutes. One very special element of a funeral is that in some instances, a poem or psalm would be composed to honor the deceased. One example of this is David's psalm for his friend Jonathan in II Samuel 1:18-27.

The one thing that stands out most to me about the procession and traditions of Hebrew funerals, is the respect of the dead, and their value of life. If the deceased had left wishes regarding the funeral, even if they are contrary to tradition, those wishes were to be honored. This exhibits a lot of respect and honor that is lacking in our culture today.

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 Amber Schamel writes riveting fiction that brings HIStory to life. She is the author of the Days of Messiah Series and the Amazon bestselling Christmas novella, The Swaddling Clothes. Visit her at www.AmberSchamel.com.