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In primitive societies cords were tied around the waists of
women in the hope that they would have some occult or supernatural effect
on the women would make them agree to
marry the men who wove them. The passage of time saw this custom of tying of cords
morphed into the
simpler and more refined practice of slipping rings onto the fingers
of women.
Rings are universal ornaments that are worn not only by
women but also by men and children as well. When times were safer
and better some years ago, babies were adorned with rings on 4
fingers, each ring linked to the others by a band. Even today such an
ornament is common among dancers.
Presenting a ring to the bridegroom as soon as he is
welcomed to the marriage venue by the girl’s parents is a custom
in most communities. The nature of a ring (whether it is studded
with diamonds or plain) directly reflects the status of the families
involved.
Apart from weddings and engagements there are occasions
like the upanayanam performed for Brahmin boys when special types of
rings are made.
Can
a ring be a surprise gift? Rarely, because unless one knows
the correct size they could lie unused. This reason makes it
difficult for them to be exchanged with loved ones and friends like
we do with other ornaments.
Devoid of any hinges, hooks etc. rings are comparatively
easy to make. Like other ornaments, rings too take different forms
– they could be intricately designed, gem-studded, painted or
simply engraved with designs on them.
They take various shapes too. While some are round, others
are elongated, square, oval or rectangular. A fascinating design
which was prevalent some decades ago, was the “shake hand” ring
which had 2 arms clasping each other in a handshake.
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