Men's rings as a symbol of power and wealth. Rings: symbolism, meaning and meaning What amulet is made of

It turns out that men wore rings just as much as women. And this decoration was very popular among them. Remember, in the Middle Ages, all noble and wealthy nobles, princes, and counts always had this accessory on their fingers. A king or king certainly had a massive family ring with a precious stone or seal. If you look far into history, King Solomon wore a ring with the famous inscription. The Pope still uses a signet ring with the image of the holy apostle. What functions did this accessory have besides decoration?

Why did men wear rings? Power. Even in past centuries, a man's ring had a special appearance and signified influence and strength. The symbol of power was the main feature of the person wearing this jewelry. What should it look like? Large, heavy, eye-catching, made of noble metal and with a precious stone. This is what a medieval ring looked like. Currently, it has changed greatly, but perhaps its function remains the same.

For example, the men's ring “Lion” from the recognized brand SOKOLOV personifies luxury and grandeur. It is made of white and red gold. On the front side, in the center of a black enamel circle, there is a white gold lion surrounded by 34 cubic zirconia. It represents success and courage. This is a great expensive gift for a birthday http://www.alltime.ru/presents/filter/povod:birthday/.

In the Middle Ages, the ring had another important function. The official seal was engraved on its outer part. They dipped it in ink and put a personal stamp on personal letters. From there the changed name came to us - “signet”. The shape of the accessory has remained virtually unchanged. Now the decoration looks like this. On top it has a round or square flat surface. The rest of the ring is wide and thick.

The signet of the famous Armani brand has a solid and strict appearance. Made of steel with black enamel finish. It will even fit into a business look. There is a signature engraving on the inside of the ring. It looks stylish and discreet.

Magic.

In ancient times, rings with stones were believed to have magical powers. They protect its owner, protect against misfortunes, and bring good luck and health. A ring with amber gives victory and good health. Diamond and diamond imparts physical strength. Pomegranate is a talisman against accidents. Therefore, the stone was chosen not for beauty, but as a talisman.

If you believe in magic, you can purchase the mysterious and enigmatic ring from the Lord of the Rings movie of the same name. Inscriptions are engraved across its entire surface. It is made of tungsten. The decoration will attract the eye and perhaps bring you the power of a ruler.

So, let's summarize the above. The stronger half loves to wear wonderful men's rings, which you can choose here http://www.alltime.ru/jewellary/rings/filter/gender:Man/. They look great and go with different styles. You can choose an expensive and beautiful ring, and it will become the best memorable gift. Therefore, if you are in doubt about your choice, give a ring!

Description

ring; ring
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Symbolically, it represents a combination of the meanings of a ring, a precious stone and an image applied to it.

Since ancient times, a ring with a stone, with a pearl, threaded into the edge of the nostril, into the earlobe of a child, has indicated that this child is dedicated to the deity and is under his patronage and protection. In South Asia, this custom has partially become a fashion tradition. Later adopted in some places in Europe and America.

Carrying poison in a capsule under a ring's precious stone has been known since ancient times. As we know from history, it was used by the great Athenian orator Demosthenes and the great Carthaginian commander Hannibal - they were threatened with cruel torture at the hands of their pursuers, but they preferred a quick death from their own hands.

The Doge of Venice was ceremoniously married with a precious ring from the side of a galley with the Adriatic as a sign of power over the sea until 1797 - the time of the entry of Bonaparte’s revolutionary troops into Venice.

Fashionable in the 16th century “Memento mori”, that is, “remember death”, a proverb about the frailty of all things, hence the rings with the image of skulls.

Depending on its position on the hand, the ring symbolizes:

on the index finger - endurance, pride, arrogance;
on average - caution, prudence, dignity;
on the nameless - love, sensitivity;
on the little finger - disposition to power.
Diana's ring - Moon. The ring with wings is the emblem of the Swan Maiden, the gift of prophecy.

Basic values

The ring is like a closed ring - eternity, continuity; integrity, intactness; the eternal repetition of the cyclical nature of Time; a snake with its own tail in its mouth.

Continuity, permanence, infinity, eternity;
magic circle, magic, mystery, talisman, amulet;
poison, poison;
unknown, Moon;
the connection between the clergy and God;
power;
connection between government and people;
seal, approval of a high-ranking person replacing his signature;
authority;
authenticity;
reminder;
union, commonwealth, vow, matrimony, marital fidelity, fertility, reliability;
dignity;
right, wisdom, justice, honor, honor, commanded (entrusted) work, rank, wealth;
freedom, bondage;
sadness...
pledge, guarantee of love, magical return of memory.
Ring - authority: evidence of an important assignment on behalf of high power. Ring, “signum” - wisdom. In addition, the ring is strength, dignity, honor, honor, wealth, a sign of establishing and establishing order. For many other peoples, the ring had meaning when it was worn on the left hand, most often on the ring finger, which was believed to be connected to the “heart vein.” The ring is like a link in a chain - a memory of wine and repentance. The return of the sinner to the camp from which he was expelled. Ring of love pact, betrothal. Engagement ring - marriage, fidelity, continuity of life, fertility, love. Ring - authenticity; justice; confirmation of the child’s similarity;

An amulet ring with the words SALUS - health, and HIGIEIA - well-being inscribed in a pentagram. V. Cartari, 1647

The symbolism of the ring is determined by its round shape, without beginning or end, it is a symbol of eternity.

The Egyptian sign of “eternity” is a ring that has a certain resemblance to a cord laid in a circle, the ends of which are tied in a knot. Animal gods, such as the soaring falcon from the Temple of Horus at Edfu, often hold this symbol of eternity in their talons.

In popular superstitions, magic rings are supposed to protect against illness and other misfortunes; knotted amulets in the form of a ring - a bow of life, the “blood of Isis” and a scarf.

The apotropaic (disaster-preventing) power of the ring served as protection for the king. Both the most important names of the ruler (the throne name, which characterized him as the king of Upper and Lower Egypt, and the name given at birth, which stood together with the title “son of Ra”) are placed on the royal ring, the so-called cartouche; the expansion of the name led to the elongated form of the cartouche. Since the knitted bow was also a symbol of “that which is embraced by the sun” (which includes the universe), the royal ring could also be an allusion to the world domination of the pharaoh.

Antiquity

At first, such rings were made exclusively of iron, then gold. In late Roman antiquity, the ring could be replaced by any other value for the parents of the young, because they did not meet one-on-one until the wedding day.

In ancient Greece, a ring was a sign of a free citizen. In Rome, wearing a gold ring was the privilege of legates, then senators and other representatives of the state, and finally, all free people.

There is a legend about the ring of Polycrates, the tyrant of Samos (538 BC). He boasted so much about his happy life, his luck and his wealth that his friend, King Amasis of Egypt, warned: “It is dangerous to arouse the envy of the gods! You need to sacrifice something very, very valuable and beloved!..” Polycrates threw his into the sea favorite ring. And - oh wonder! The fisherman, who caught the fish and ripped open its belly, brought the king his ring. The gods refused to accept the sacrifice! The Egyptian king broke off relations with Polycrates, and soon Samos was attacked by enemies, and the arrogant tyrant was killed and his kingdom was ruined.

The signet ring, with the sign of the owner of the ring carved on it, served the Romans instead of a signature - it was placed at the end of the letter, and they also sealed the necks of amphorae and various vessels. Iron rings - in honor of Hephaestus, the husband of Aphrodite, the symbol of the phallus, the Romans and Greeks wore on the thumb - it was believed that such a ring increased male potency. Because he gave fire to people and thereby committed a crime before Olympus, Prometheus was chained to a rock for many years and suffered from an eagle's beak. Freed by order of Zeus, he had to wear on his finger a ring forged from a link from his chain - like a ring.

RING, ring - decoration, symbol of wedding and marriage, as well as an amulet and amulet against evil spirits. The semantics of K. is based on the protective properties of metal and the magic of the circle. In the wedding ceremony, K. is a symbol of the unity of the newlyweds, performs a protective function, and in some situations becomes a substitute for the bride and groom. During matchmaking, betrothal, conspiracy or wedding, the parties exchanged K. The acceptance or gift of K. served as a guarantee of the girl’s consent to get married. In a forced marriage, the girl sometimes resisted her father putting K. on her (Russian). The Poles called betrothal “rings.” In the Bulgarian rite of sowing, when kneading the wedding roll, they threw the groom's K. or the K. of both young people into the flour, sometimes water was poured through the K. as well. The Eastern Slavs exchanged stones by putting them in a glass of wine, which also had the meaning of a talisman. Wedding kalachi were also used in other rituals: it was believed that a woman who kneads bread for Christmas should have a kalach on her hand, otherwise the kalachi will turn out “unclean” (Serb.); K., along with other objects, was placed on a table taken out towards a hail cloud to protect the crop from hail (Serb.). Sometimes a deceased person was buried with a betrothed K. (Ukrainian, Poles., Bulgarian), believing that it would help on the way to the “other world” (Bulgarian). There are also known prohibitions against putting on jewelry and other jewelry for the deceased (Ukrainian, Poles). In folk medicine, for the treatment of stye on the eye and scrofula, sore spots were circled with a wedding ring (Russian); K. were worn so that their hands would not hurt; put a sick child in the font (Ukrainian). It was believed that the bleeding would quickly stop if a few drops of blood fell through the K., taken from the hand of the dead man (Serbian) - During difficult births, the midwife removed the K. and other jewelry from the woman in labor, gave water to drink, which she poured over the wedding K. (northern. -Russian). According to Macedonian beliefs, if two women in labor meet each other's eyes, their children will die; to prevent this from happening, the women had to exchange K. To protect the newborn, they placed a K. under his head (Serbian), bathed him in water with a silver K. or a coin (Russian, Bulgarian). Also, K. should be worn as a talisman during pregnancy (Russian North). The Macedonians believed that a mother’s curses on her children would not be fulfilled if she wore K on her hand. The closed circle of the ring was interpreted as a symbol of secrecy, of keeping one’s own to oneself. When the wedding procession followed the bride, she tried to be the first to see the groom through K. (Bulgarian, Serbian). If one of the spouses left the family, the abandoned person should have sneaked a look at him through the wedding K. For protection and for treating livestock, cows and sheep were milked through the K. , for example, when blood appears in milk or after calving; on Yuriev day, through K., the first sheep was milked (Bulgarian, Serb.), the sheep after the first lambing (Serb.). In Transcarpathia, during the first calving of a cow, the owner took off her K. and other decorations for fear of “spoiling” the cow. In agrarian magic, K. with a red thread tied on it was lowered into a vessel with grain intended for sowing; with a sentence-amulet they passed through K. the wheat prepared for ritual sowing (Maced.). On the other hand, according to the beliefs of the Poles, the witch keeps evil spirits in her service. It was believed that beads or beads picked up by a girl on the road without K.’s blessing became the cause of amorous advances from the serpent, who lured the victim with these objects or turned himself into them (Bulgarian). In fortune-telling, K. symbolized marriage, less often - wealth and prosperity. In calendar maiden fortune-telling (such as Russian throw a ring), K. placed in a vessel with water symbolized the girls - K.'s mistresses, each of whom was assigned a “sub-watch” song, performed at the moment the K. was taken out. K. was also placed under the pillow, put on before going to bed on the toe of the right foot, expecting to see the groom in a dream (Russian). The housewife put K. in the porridge cooked for the New Year: if the owner got it, it promised prosperity for the house (white).

Shikuntala's ring is a pledge, a guarantee of love, a magical return of memory. The drama of the Indian poet Kalidasa was based on episodes from the epic “Mahabharata”: King Dushanta, who was in love with Shikuntala, left her a ring before separation as a pledge of love. However, as a result of the spell of the ascetic Durvasa, Shikuntala lost her memory of the king and his love. The ring, in the end, returned her memory and feeling. Shikuntala's ring is a pledge, a guarantee of love, a magical return of memory. The drama of the Indian poet Kalidasa was based on episodes from the epic “Mahabharata”: King Dushanta, who was in love with Shikuntala, left her a ring before separation as a pledge of love. However, as a result of the spell of the ascetic Durvasa, Shikuntala lost her memory of the king and his love. The ring, in the end, returned her memory and feeling.

Bible/Old Testament

“And Pharaoh said to Joseph, Behold, I have made you over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph’s hand.”
“I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant says the Lord, and I will hold you as a seal.”
“And the father said to his servants: Bring the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet” - the parable of the prodigal son.
Christianity

The ring in the Christian tradition is fidelity, heartfelt affection, first of all, connection with the church, with love for Christ: an attribute of the legendary St. Catherine of Alexandria and Catherine of Siena - both of them called themselves mystical "betrothed of Jesus." “Fisherman's Ring” is a symbolic ring of St. Peter with his image: the apostle pulls a net out of the water while in a boat. This is an attribute of papal power that the Pope puts on his finger immediately after he is elected by the conclave - after all, the Roman Church is considered the heir of St. Peter. There is also a “pastoral ring” - the insignia of a Catholic bishop. Four golden rings of Pope Innocent III, sent on May 29, 1205 to King John the Landless of England, their roundness is eternity, their number is four influences on the strength of spirit: justice, courage, boldness and moderation; gold - wisdom and greatness; green emerald (emerald) - faith; blue sapphire - hope; red garnet - mercy; light topaz - virtue...

Three intertwined rings - Trinity, brotherhood.

The ring has become a generally accepted symbol of eternity and unceasing existence.

It also serves as a symbol of eternal union.

The bishop's ring alludes to his union with Christ.

Wedding rings are a symbol of eternal union.

Two interconnected rings or two rings placed one above the other are a symbolic expression of earth and sky.

Three rings tied together signify the Holy Trinity.

The wedding ring is an attribute of St. Catherine of Siena, who devoted herself to religious life and prayed to become the bride of Christ.

Members of the hierarchy wear a ring that symbolizes not only their spiritual marriage to Christ, but also their spiritual responsibilities. The papal ring is known as the "fisherman's ring" because it features an image of St. Peter engaged in fishing. It is made of pure gold. It is placed on the finger of the new pope at the moment of his election. Since this ring is personalized, when dad dies, the ring is destroyed. The Pope also wears a cameo, for it is his privilege to wear a jewel carved from stone.

At the moment of his election, the cardinal receives a sapphire ring from the pope. On the inside of the ring is engraved the coat of arms of the pope who gave it to the cardinal.

The bishop also wears a ring with a precious stone, and for this he can choose any stone he wishes, with the exception of sapphire, which is reserved exclusively for cardinals.

Abbots and abbesses may also wear very simple rings with the gemstone. A simple ring, which is a simple metal hoop or hoop with a cross, may be worn by a nun as a symbol of her marriage to Christ. Such a ring is reflected in many masterpieces that depict the mystical marriage of St. Catherine of Alexandria. "

In addition, the ring is used in worship and is called a liturgical ring. This type of ring usually features a large stone and is sized to fit easily onto a gloved finger.

According to Arab legend, King Suleiman (Solomon) possessed extraordinary wisdom precisely thanks to the magic ring. There is a legend that it was on Solomon’s ring that there was an inscription: “Everything passes, this too will pass.”

In magical symbolism, the value of a ring is a certain combination of the meaning of a ring and a belt.

The loss or destruction of a ring was usually perceived as an ominous omen.

The ring of Gyges - the king of Lydia, Renart - from “The Tale of Lysia”, Othnitus - the king of Lombardy, etc. - according to legend, magic rings that can make their owners invisible. “Take that ring and put it on your finger with the stone inside your palm, and clench your hand into a fist. And how long you hide the stone in your closed palm, the same amount of time you will remain invisible” (“The Lady of the Source”); after all, man has always dreamed of hiding his weaknesses, showing only his strengths, because the world has never been kind to him...

according to popular beliefs, a magic ring or bracelet made of copper that cures rheumatism, arthritis, skin diseases, pain in the sacrum, etc. Oger the Dane's ring, which was given to him by the sorceress fairy Morgana: he treated all sorts of diseases and restored youth. “Whoever wears a ring,” said Mrs. Leones, “no matter how seriously wounded he is, will not lose blood,” - this is how it was told in the book of the anonymous English medieval author “The Exploits of King Arthur” (about 1400).

Art

A ring in folklore and fairy tales is a magical talisman that is capable of protecting from wounds, from the “evil eye”, protecting the youth of the wearer of the ring, disenchanting his castles, horses, property... For example, Aladdin’s ring from the tales of “A Thousand and One Nights”, as well , like the well-known Aladdin's Lamp. a sign of recognition in many fairy tales, legends, stories, theatrical plays, and songs.

The ring is responsibility. Greek proverb: “Never wear a ring that is too tight.” “A ring binds spouses - but doesn’t it look like shackles?” (“Mary Stuart” by F. Schiller).

“My honor, this is also my ring, but the best jewel in my house is my purity.”
W. Shakespeare “All’s well that ends well”
“Titus put a beautiful and expensive ring on Saphronia’s finger and said: But I wanted to be your husband. So how will we now complement our marital relationship?“
"The Decameron" by Boccaccio
Ad notanda

“To hit the ring” is a medieval knightly game, a combat test: on horseback, at a gallop, to hit the top of a ring attached to something with the end of a spear.

Draft materials

indissoluble unity, dominance, obedience

The ring is associated with the solar symbolism of the circle - a symbol of the supreme power of the solar deity and the divine power of pharaohs, kings, and church ministers. Dominion, mental and material, as well as spiritual superiority, is embodied by the circle. O The Ring is close in meaning to magical circles that have a feminine negative nature and the ability to exert harmful influences.

O The symbolism of the ring also stems from the symbolism of a strong knot, which limits, erects a barrier, means stopping, obstacle, dependence, coercion. In this reading, the ring symbolizes “immobility,” voluntary dependence (the bonds of marriage; the novice’s belt is a symbol of his submission). O The marriage union contains the idea of ​​​​recreating Unity in the image of the first married couple, as it was before the Fall; the idea of ​​a New World through acquired Unity. The origin of the ring goes back to the Chinese harem: a silver ring was placed on the left finger of a courtesan as she approached the emperor's bed. After performing her duties, the courtesan put the ring on her right hand. The gold ring was intended for women in the last month of pregnancy. O In ancient culture, a ring, bracelet, ring, necklace played the role of stabilizers, cementing the connection between soul and body. They were worn to hold the soul in a bodily rim, and were removed to facilitate the separation of the soul from the body, for example, at the time of death or the performance of a mystical rite. (It is not surprising that the bracelet as a “amulet” has long been popular among soldiers from different countries.)

O The ring served as an identification mark for the first Christians.

O In China, the ring is a symbol of the endless cycle, corresponding to fire, the sun and the trigram li.

The Jade Pi Ring, a sacred sign of royal and imperial dignity, consisted of a flat jade disk with a hole in the middle; the dimensions of the latter varied, maintaining a constant proportion between it and the disk (the diameter of the disk was equal to two diameters of the central hole). Pi symbolizes the sky, and the central hole is the focus of celestial influences. During the solstices, a ritual was performed to bring Pi as a gift to the gods.

The same symbolic meaning is expressed by the bowl: the sculptural allegory on the capital of Louvier represents a man in whose hands is a bowl with a hole in the middle, denoting the bottomless “circle of the Universe,” incomprehensible” but subject to the one who, mastering the craft, can “hold it in his hands.”

O The dreamed ring is associated with the symbolism of the circle and reveals a thirst for power, domination, achieved in both righteous and tyrannical ways.

About The necklace corresponds to the symbolism of a ring, a vicious circle: in Egypt it was a symbol of dependence, enslavement (the wearer of the necklace was a slave of his master).

To some extent, it shares the symbolic meaning of the circle in the aspect of eternity, continuity, and the divinity of life. Means power, dignity, supreme power, strength, protection, delegated power, completeness, cyclicality of time. The ring is identified with a person. To bestow a ring means to impart power, to bind oneself with a word, to associate oneself with the qualities of a given person. In addition, the ring carries symbolism of connection and bond: a wedding ring binds with the promise of a new union. The head of a beast or monster with a ring in its mouth represents the guard on the path: the open mouth is the gate of death, and the ring is the path, the “narrow gate” (see passage), or the “door of deliverance.” The door ring, the keystone of an arch, the handle of an urn are all symbols of entrance or passage. In China, the ring symbolizes eternity, the source of creation, power, and high position. The whole ring means acceptance, favor; broken is ambivalent and represents either rejection and unfavorability, or (for example, halves of the same ring kept in different places) a concluded contract or renewal of friendship. The ring sent by the emperor meant an order to return to court; half of the ring - exile and exile. In Christianity, the ring symbolizes eternity, union, spiritual marriage with the Church. The ring indicates the rank of its owner. A sapphire in the ring of a cardinal or bishop is the sign of the “groom of the Church.” The newly elected Pope wears the "Fisherman's Ring" - the emblem of the Apostle Peter. Coronation ring

tso in Great Britain is “a sign of royal dignity and protection of the Catholic faith.” Emblem of Saint Edward the Confessor. In Egypt the origin of the ring and staff symbolism is unknown, but it is believed to represent the axis mundi and the rotation of the universe; eternity. In Hinduism, the ring of fire around Shiva symbolizes the cosmic cycle of creation and destruction. In the Sumerian-Semitic tradition, a ring, or more often three rings, is a divine attribute (all gods wear it) and a symbol of royal dignity along with the crown, scepter and sickle. A flaming ring surrounding the Indian god Shiva, dancing a cosmic dance - the life cycle of the Universe in every living entity: the order of births and deaths; eternal, transcendental wisdom.

The symbol of power comes from the use of a signet ring, which was known back in ancient Greece; also a symbol of entrusted power, since such a ring could be transferred to another person (see Joseph).

The ring symbolizes union, as is the case in the rite of marriage.

The ring is also one of the church insignia. In the latter case, it can be considered both as a symbol of power and as a symbol of union. The "Fisherman's Ring" worn by the Pope is decorated with a carved image of St. Peter in a boat, pulling a net. Cardinals and priests of lesser rank wear rings appropriate to their rank.

Three rings connected together are a symbol of the Trinity.

Both Catherines of Alexandria and Siena are depicted as "Brides of Christ": a mystical betrothal to divinity, when Christ - either an adult or, more often, an infant sitting on the lap of the Virgin Mary - places a ring on the saint's finger.

Francis of Assisi is depicted becoming engaged through a ring to Lady Poverty.

Regarding the betrothal of the Virgin Mary and Joseph (other suitors for her hand are present, holding their wands), see Betrothal of the Virgin Mary.

The Doge of Venice receives a ring from a fisherman (Mark).

Three rings connected together, decorated with a precious stone (diamond) - the emblem (impresa) of Cosimo the Elder Medici (1389-1464); diamond ring in the claws of a falcon with the motto "Semper" [lat. - "Always"] - the emblem of his son Pierrot (1414-1469). Three feathers of Lorenzo de' Medici the Magnificent (1448-1492) can be threaded through the ring. The last two emblems were used by the Medici popes - Leo X and Clement VII. The Medici "balls" that appear on the coat of arms of the Medici dynasty are usually six or seven in number, but sometimes there are as many as eleven. They can be seen, for example, on the friezes of the Medici palaces.

Magic ring, see Angelica.

Like any closed circle, the ring is a symbol of continuity and wholeness. This is why the ring (or bracelet) is used both as a symbol of marriage and to signify the ever-repeating cycle of time. Sometimes it occurs in the form of a snake or eel biting its tail (Ouroboros), and sometimes as a pure geometric form (8, 20, 32).

In some legends, the ring is seen as the only remaining link in the chain. So Jupiter allowed Hercules to free Prometheus so that he would henceforth wear an iron ring with a piece of Caucasian rock set into it as a symbol of submission to punishment (8).

Another type of ring is found in the circle of flames in which Shiva performs his cosmic dance; this “fiery” ring can also be attributed to the Zodiac. Like the Zodiac and Ouroboros among the Gnostics, it has an active and passive halves (evolution, involution) and appears in the meaning of both the life cycle of the universe and the individual being: the circular dance of nature in the eternal process of creation and destruction. At the same time, the light emitted by the ring of flame symbolizes eternal wisdom and transcendental illumination (60).

The traditional symbol of infinity (eternity), the transformation of the circle of the symbol into the tangible reality of an actual object.

In Greek and especially Roman antiquity, the right to wear iron rings was granted as an honor to worthy citizens.

Priests of Jupiter were required to wear gold rings (the origins of the bishop's ring), as did knights and senators in later times.

Magical ideas were also associated with rings, such as the legendary signet ring of Solomon.

Aristotle (384-322 BC) mentions an oracle in which the joint sound of two rings suspended on threads was supposed to indicate readiness for the ritual.

The rings suspended above the alphabet board were supposed to. by touching certain letters, indicate the names of the conspirators against Emperor Valens (32S-378).

In early Christian times, Macrobius (c. 400) reports ring-shaped jewelry enriched with the symbols of fish, dove and anchor (see Cross).

The papal “fisherman’s ring,” which is always broken after the death of Peter’s successor, characterizes the image of the Apostle Peter as a fisherman with a net (Luke 5:4-6).

Since the Middle Ages, the ring has been a symbol of engagement (see Knots) and marriage.

Rings with precious stones (rings) were also worn as amulets against diseases, for example, with carnelian - against bleeding. “Spasmodic rings” served as protection against paralysis; amulet rings were supposed to protect against all kinds of temptations. The literature on magic, starting with Agrippa of Nettesheim (I486---1535), contains endless instructions for making all kinds of rings with secret powers.

Broken rings symbolize broken vows. Losing rings is believed to mean bad luck.

Documents were certified with a signet ring with heraldic type symbols (most often inherited). which from that moment received legal force and certified property claims.

The ring was removed from the dying person to facilitate liberation from earthly burdens: already in antiquity, during some cult rituals it was forbidden to wear rings. since they allegedly prevented contact with the other world.

Great importance was attributed to treasure rings (“Ring of the Nibelungs”) in the German early Middle Ages, since, in all likelihood, they were inextricably linked with a blessing or a curse.

Fairy tales and folk legends have preserved the memory of wish rings and other magical jewelry.

Regarding the existence of rings in heraldry, G. A. Böckler (1688) writes:

Rings are repeatedly found in coats of arms, which indicate honor, loyalty and inviolable constancy. When a subject receives a ring from a ruler, this is a sign of special, high esteem: similarly, Aristotle says that the Carthaginian dedicates as many rings to his military leaders as the number of victories they win over their enemies, which, therefore, from ancient times to this day - a ring, to- apparently, is a distinctive sign of nobility.

Later heraldry associates rings as armorial figures with the episcopal rank, but gold and silver rings with precious stones are also found in city and family coats of arms.

The medieval collection of short stories "Gesta Romanorum" (c. 1300) contains a story about a king who had three sons: one of them was especially loved by his father. A ring with an expensive precious stone was to be inherited by him. However, the father ordered two duplicates of this ring to be made, which he bequeathed to his two other sons. “After the death of his father, each of the sons believed that he was the one who owned the best ring with a precious stone. And so one of them said: “Let's test which ring is capable of driving away diseases. It is the most valuable.” It turned out that two rings did not work the desired result, while the ring of the beloved son showed healing properties. Symbolically, this story is interpreted as follows: "The three brothers are the three races of humanity. Namely: the first (corresponding to the beloved son) are the sons of God due to his incarnation in Christ, the other two are these are Jews and Saracens (Muslims). But now it is obvious that God loves the Christian people more; therefore, he left behind him a ring that makes the blind see, heals diseases, casts out demons and works all other miracles. This ring is true faith... »

In the Jewish collection of legends “The Source of Judea” by E. bin Gorion there is a parable about two precious stones (religions) that look the same, it is said that only the “Heavenly Father” can decide which one is better. This plot seems to be a prototype of Lessing’s parable about the rings “Nathan the Wise”.

Rings with amulets functions. Blue ancient Egyptian ring with udshat-eye and bone ring with seven-point snake. Upper Bavaria. c.1800

Bibliography

Ring // MNME
- Valentsova M. M., Ring// SMES
Notes and comments

Go Genesis 41:41-42
Go to Haggai 2:23
Go to Luke 15:22

Even in ancient times, people used jewelry and costume jewelry as distinctive signs of wealth and high social status. Rulers always wore signet rings. The imprint of a gold or silver ring on the document represented the personal seal of the sovereign. Due to the fact that power was extremely rarely given into the hands of women, the signet ring gradually began to be perceived as a purely masculine decoration.

For the first time, men's rings became truly fashionable during the times of Ancient Rome. Moreover, the Romans could wear about a dozen rings decorated with precious stones at the same time.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the tradition of wearing rings migrated to the Christian world. The most famous is the so-called "Fisherman's ring", or the ring of the Pope, certifying his status as the vicar of St. Peter. At different times, “Fisherman’s rings” were made of lead or bronze. Then the rings began to be decorated with the papal coat of arms, which represented crossed keys or a triple crown. None of the newly made “Fisherman’s rings” were similar to the previous ones. Papal rings were not empty decoration. With their help, the Pope signed documents of the papal curia. After dad died, his ring was also destroyed. Only copies that the Pope gave to individual pilgrims or church ministers who especially deserved papal favor could survive.

However, the Popes were by no means the only Christians who wore signet rings. So many rings were passes to closed meetings of monastic orders. They were actively used by the Templars, Jesuits, as well as representatives of many other orders and sects. The most interesting are the Masonic rings. The uniqueness of these rings is that they were made of cast iron and decorated with a design of Adam’s skull and his shin bones, which were crossed crosswise.

Muslims also used signet rings. In the east, rings with carnelian were in use, because according to legend, the Prophet Muhammad himself had such a ring, and therefore only such a ring can ensure “prosperity and joy.”

In general, rings have always been surrounded by many legends. So they believed that rings with turquoise could endow a person with wealth. But they said about Cesare Borgia that he killed people with the help of his rings.

What people haven't said about rings. For example, the Nibelungen Saga tells us about a ring that gives its owner power over gold. According to Eastern tales, genies should also be summoned using a special ring for this purpose. The Old Testament describes the ring of King Solomon, which has the ability to fight disease and help maintain power. Legends about rings are still popular today. Suffice it to recall Tolkien’s world-famous work “The Lord of the Rings”.

Modern fashion for men's jewelry does not forget about rings. Today, massive men's rings are worn on the little finger, and signet rings are worn on the index and ring fingers. The most popular are men's rings in yellow or white shades. The main trend in ring decoration is constructivist style inserts in green, blue or black. Sometimes transparent inserts are used. Some representatives of the stronger sex prefer to wear signets decorated with their own initials.

Many famous jewelry companies develop entire collections of men's rings. Wellendorff brand collections, made in a strict classical style, are very popular. True, in order to be able to purchase for yourself a creation by the Wellendorff masters, one condition is necessary - you must be married. The fact is that the Wellendorff company believes that the only ring that a modern respectable man should wear is a wedding ring. Wedding rings from Wellendorff are decorated with various geometric patterns and enamel is used. The rings are made very slowly and only by hand. The main material is white or yellow gold.

Another leader in the production of men's rings is the Italian company Baraka. This brand is famous for its original design jewelry. The “millitary” style is the most loved by fans of the Baraka brand. For men who don't mind making a strong impression on others from time to time, the Baraka company creates birthday gifts for men - unusual rings with diamond and rubber inserts.

Many men don't want to admit that they like jewelry. In such cases, they focus not on beauty, but on the benefits of their rings. For example, they say that this is not just a ring, but a kind of amulet, or that this ring is necessary for free access to some closed club. However, even without these stories, modern men's rings, just like their distant ancestors, have one undoubted business quality - they allow their owners to elegantly demonstrate their high social status.

Sometimes one glance is enough to assess who is in front of you. In the history of culture, there have been thousands of years of traditions, rules, regulations, and restrictions in this regard. And in painting, jewelry was far from the main thing, but very eloquent details for revealing the image. Well, let's try to understand the symbols of rings, rings and signet rings.

Fragment of the painting “Portrait of Josephine Marie Pauline” by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres

The discreet, modest rings of the inhabitants of the Ancient World carried important information about their owners and testified exclusively to their status, belonging to a certain circle, special position and were valued, first of all, for this.

In ancient Rome, only senators, later also equestrians, and later, from imperial times, all freeborns had the right to wear certain jewelry. For another thousand years, the transfer of the ring symbolized the legitimacy of power and victory over a rival. It was the ring and the severed head of Pompey that were presented to Julius Caesar as a sign of triumph. And the notorious ring of the Pope - the “fisherman’s ring”, which was destroyed after the death of the owner - became a symbol of unlimited power.

Filippo Bellini. Portrait of Pope Sixtus v
16th century, 110 cm

They started talking about faith, friendship and love much later in the late Middle Ages. The monarchs still tried to limit their vassals in luxury and the use of gold, like precious stones, was still regulated by edicts and laws.

However, over time, the rings acquired many additional meanings. For example, in the 16th-17th centuries, the theme of “memento mori” (“remember death”) penetrated into jewelry art. Decorated, as a rule, with black enamel, rings with images of a skull, skeleton, quotes from the Holy Scriptures or sorrowful sayings: “My hour has come,” “Pray for me, who has left you,” etc. These items were given in memory of a departed relative or friend, as a reminder of the frailty of existence. In this regard, it is worth taking a closer look at the portrait of Henry Risley by John de Crites. It was not without reason that the artist left one hand without a glove so that the viewer could see the ring with a black stone on his left little finger. This is not just jewelry: behind it there is a dramatic story of its owner.

As you know, Risley took part in the rebellion led by the Earl of Essex and was sentenced along with him. But given his young age (27 years), the execution was replaced with life imprisonment (this is evidenced by the image of the Tower hanging on the wall), and the dates of his stay in the Tower: 1601−1602−1603 behind his left shoulder. Evidence indicates that Henry Risley wore a mourning ring on his finger in memory of the Earl of Essex.

John DeCrits. Portrait of Henry Risley, Earl of Southampton The Earl of Southampton
1603

A lot has been written about wedding, wedding and engagement rings. The custom of exchanging rings as a sign of strengthening the marriage union has its roots in the hot sands of Ancient Egypt. Each nation has developed its own traditions in this regard, knowing which, you can reveal the secrets of the past. This happened with Rembrandt’s painting, called “The Jewish Bride.” The canvas haunted art critics for a long time. Disputes about who is depicted in the paired portrait lasted for centuries. It was the ring on the index finger, which the girl diligently presents to the world, after a century and a half, that gave researchers grounds to claim that the bride is depicted on the canvas.

Rembrandt Van Rijn. Jewish bride

The Great French Revolution of 1789 and the events that followed it made adjustments to fashion trends. Revolutionary laws required men and women to renounce external adornment. Therefore, for some time the number of decorations was reduced to a minimum. In the early years, it was safe to wear only jewelry glorifying its heroes, or even even the edged stones of the destroyed Bastille. The era of the Directory eliminated the fear of owning luxury and marked the rise of the Empire style. As a tribute to antiquity, the Renaissance idea of ​​the beauty of the body came to the fore. The girlfriends of Napoleon's comrades no longer hesitated to wear jewelry, completely exposing their hands; the ladies began to actively decorate them: they wore bracelets just below the shoulder and on the wrist, rings covered all fingers. A woman has become a “showcase” of a man’s well-being and his position in society.

Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres. Portrait of Marie Marcose (Mme de Sennon)
1814

Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres. Portrait of Madame Rivière, née Marie Françoise Biben Blau de Beauregard
1806, 116×90 cm

Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres. Philibert Riviere
1805, 89×116 cm

However, it is worth noting that in most cases, the characters - saints, ancient gods and goddesses, and those portrayed - depicted in paintings from various eras did not overuse rings. But they generously decorated themselves with pearls.

Joos van Cleve. Portrait of Eleanor Queen of France

Sandro Botticelli. Venus and Mars
1483, 17×69 cm

Most often, people in portraits wear rings on their little finger, or on their little finger and index finger. Rings are found almost equally on the ring and thumb fingers, but are extremely rare on the middle finger.

Hans Holbein the Younger. Portrait of Anna of Cleves

Lucas Cranach the Elder. Portrait of a young woman

There has never been a rigid set of rules (on which finger and on which hand to wear a ring), although in Ancient Rome there was a certain order for wearing rings, since in those days each finger had its own “meaning”. Well, let's try to understand the symbolism of the rings and count them on our fingers.

Archer's Ring or Mars Root

Decoration on the thumb is in most cases perceived as a symbol of wealth and influence. The thumb is also often associated with warlike Mars and masculine strength (after all, in ancient times, men wore a ring for archery). Therefore, in ancient times, having a ring on the thumb was associated with courage and the ability to wield weapons.

Lucas Cranach the Younger. Portrait of Elector Joachim of Brandenburg
1555

During the time of George I in England, the wedding ring was moved to the thumb.

Bartholomeus van der Helst. Abraham del Court and Maria de Kaarsgieter

Pointing finger

Ever since the times when people exclusively from the upper classes wore stamp seals, a solid seal on a man’s index finger was considered the personification of power and privilege, testifying to leadership and ambition. Therefore, in some regions of Europe, decorating the “pointing finger” was prohibited for persons below a certain status.

Hans Holbein the Younger. Portrait of Henry VIII
75×88 cm

Large rings and rings adorned the index fingers of many famous rulers and commanders, such as Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, Cardinal Richelieu, Ivan the Terrible. At the same time, it is believed that a ring on the index finger of the left hand indicates delusions of grandeur, and on the right - the prudence of its owner.

If you look closely at the historical portraits depicting King Henry VII, you can see large rings on the index fingers of both of his hands. History knows that the king became famous as a great monarch of his time, a reformer, but also as an unbalanced person.

Rings, usually oval in shape, symbolized belonging to some kind of fraternity, membership in an organization, etc. On the same finger they wore “kleinods”, which were awarded to those awarded a high order.

Quentin Masseys. Portrait of Erasmus of Rotterdam

Lucas Cranach the Elder. Portrait of Johann Cuspain

By the way, back in the first half of the 19th century, wedding rings - smooth, without stones (strictly speaking, this is a wedding ring, and the wedding ring, usually with a small stone, was given by the groom to the bride during the engagement) - were worn on the index finger. In Vasily Pukirev’s painting “Unequal Marriage” you can see how the girl extends the index finger of her right hand to the priest.

Vasily Vladimirovich Pukirev. Unequal marriage
1862, 173×136.5 cm

Safe Balance

Looking at the portraits, you can notice that rings were surprisingly rarely put on the middle finger, partly, apparently, because it is located next to the index finger, and two rings next to each other are an obstacle to various small actions. So there is no special symbolism in this arrangement, except that, thanks to the central location, the ring on the middle finger embodies balance.

Georges de Fur. Thoughts

Matters of the heart

It is believed that the blood in the veins from the ring finger of the left hand goes straight to the heart, and this is the reason why a wedding ring is worn on it in most countries.

In medieval Europe, wedding rings were generally worn on different fingers. At the same time, jewelry on this finger may mean that its owner is just about to get married (engagement ring). A promise ring (romantic promise) could be worn in the same way, despite the fact that this arrangement of the ring carries the status of a formal proposal.

Juan Pantoja de la Cruz. Isabel

For delicate natures

Wearing pinky rings is generally associated with intelligence and creativity. A ring on this finger is chosen by those who want to “make a statement” about themselves, since a little finger with a ring involuntarily attracts attention. In addition, he is less associated with any cultural and religious traditions than others and therefore speaks exclusively of remarkable individuality.

Rogier van der Weyden. Man holding a book

Right hand little finger: In the 19th and early 20th centuries, in a number of countries, two rings on the little finger showed that a person was married (divorce ring). The bottom ring was a wedding ring, and a ring was put on top. In Great Britain and other Western countries, men wore a signet ring on their left little finger, and in many families they were passed down from generation to generation.

With the emergence of exquisitely spicy Art Nouveau on the artistic scene, numerous decorations, as a rule, testified to the creative pursuits of their owners.

Valentin Aleksandrovich Serov. Portrait of Ida Rubinstein
1910, 233×147 cm

Today, in most cases, the sacred meaning of jewelry has sunk into the realm of legend, and the rings on the fingers correspond, at best, to the situation: a party, an office, a walk... Our contemporaries have remained faithful exclusively to the tradition of exchanging wedding rings. How long?

Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres. Josephine-Eleanor-Marie de Pauline de Galard Brassac de Béarn, Princesse de Broglier
1853, 121.3×90.8 cm

Everything is impressive. And the weightiness of the volume, and the beautiful bright illustrations and the fact that they depict things stored in famous museums around the world and under lock and key in private collections. The name is also impressive: Rings. Symbols of power, love and fidelity. It’s impressive to the point of trembling in the fingers for which these same rings and rings are intended. However, not for us mere mortals.

The book opens with a preface, moderately solemn and lyrical, but not devoid of factual information: a shank (rim) and a nest with a stone are the traditional shape of the ring, the rest are just variations on the theme, says the author of the introductory word. However, an object that is quite stable in shape, and the ring has been worn for almost four thousand years, has a variety of meanings and meanings. Diana Scarisbrick's work is both an educational encyclopedia and a fascinating narrative with a special charm directly related to the subject of the study.

A ring is more than just a ring - that's what this book is about.

Ring as status

The signet - it is with this object that Diana Scarisbrick begins her story about rings - an attribute of kings and statesmen.

Even in ancient Egypt, they used signets with a pattern in the form of a scarab, symbolizing the sun. In Greece, craftsmen engraved signets with various scenes, and quite complex ones, like scenes from Homer’s Odyssey. And if in pagan Rome the images on signets could be associated with a variety of spheres of life, even politics, then with the accession of Christianity, the design and wearing of rings were regulated with an eye to the church.

Strict religious asceticism was intertwined with mysterious superstitions throughout the Middle Ages, which was reflected in the wearing of rings, and did not disappear in later times. True, the highest church officials did not shy away from the shine of gold on their fingers. The clergy wore rings over their gloves, as is clearly demonstrated by the portrait of Abbot Nicholas e Spira (1563)

In general, this edition contains a lot of beautiful paintings and interesting engravings - it seems to be designed to be admired. There are a huge number of illustrations of the jewelry itself and no less interesting facts: several centuries ago, they tried to treat gout with precious stones inserted into jewelry, but none of the contemporaries answered the question of whether this method can really be considered truly medical. However, the utilitarian purpose of the rings was adjacent to the high. Philosophical questions of life and death are embodied in elegant little things with diamonds, rubies and other precious stones - memento mori rings.

The business cards of jewelers who specialized in making memorial rings were full of inscriptions like, mourning rings in the shortest possible time, and the nobility who owned family jewelry kept scatterings of rings with skulls in their boxes.

In the ring of feelings

The depth of feelings and frivolity of desires were intertwined in the rings of love, marriage and friendship.

Decorate your finger, ring, for my dear beauty.../This is a gift of love, this is its whole value, wrote the Roman poet Ovid. The ring as a sign of love was known back in Ancient Greece, and in medieval England there was a fashion to make love inscriptions on the outside of the tavern: You have my heart! - could be read on the gold ring of some fashionista of that time.

In the 20th century, the genius of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud gave his best students rings with antique intaglio. Freud was fascinated by antiquity, and his hand was decorated with a similar ring.
After all, rings are not only a symbol, but also a decoration. And in this sense, there were and are no limits to the imagination of customers and the skill of jewelers.

At the beginning of the 20th century, rich people wanted to look rich - rings were supposed to shout about their fortunes. After World War II, the jewelry houses of Cartier, Tiffany and many others flourished.

Today, the ring, of course, is expensive, and is still an object that emphasizes the status and condition of the owner.

However, a book that talks so fascinatingly and in detail about this decoration involuntarily suggests the thought: the sparkle on your hands is wonderful, but it is not so significant if it is shine without meaning, without history and without life.

Review: Lisa Roslova , Labyrinth-Review.

Summary of the book
Rings. Symbols of power, love and fidelity

This book is of particular interest to readers interested in the history of jewelry.

The author, a world-class expert with extensive historical knowledge and literary gifts, introduces us to different styles of rings from all eras. Looking at signet rings, wedding and memorial rings, amulets and clergy rings, rings of famous personalities and those associated with great events, as well as jewelry rings and accessory rings, we once again admire these works of art, the meaning of which comes to life in paintings and drawings and literary quotations.

The book describes rings from Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, up to the works of the 20th century. It features rare pieces from famous and private collections, as well as from the collection of the famous jeweler and collector Benjamin Zucker.

The book contains 483 illustrations, 455 of them in color.

The author is a historian, a jewelry expert, describes the History of rings - the oldest jewelry - as symbols of power, love and fidelity. From the rings of the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt to works of art of the 20th century in paintings, drawings, events, people. If Tolkien's Lord of the Rings is fantasy poetry, then this book is prose, classic, history, no less interesting and exciting.

The book is extremely interesting, after reading it you will learn everything about rings, but there is also something that is upsetting: after the fabulously beautiful illustrations, visiting jewelry stores will become faded. The legends surrounding the rings, myths, symbols, real stories, styles, all the secrets are revealed in an elegantly designed truly gift edition.