💍My Love for Medieval Jewish Wedding Rings
A forgotten Jewish tradition that placed emphasis on the home.
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Speaking of Jewish love… Tu B’Av starts tonight! It’s a minor holiday celebrating a major theme: love.
According to the Talmud, it’s when young women dressed in white and danced in the vineyards of ancient Israel, while young men came to choose a bride.
Now known as “the Jewish Valentine’s Day,” it’s common for people to propose or marry on this day. Aside from coupling up romantically, Tu B’Av is also about finding connection—with each other, or with yourself (I made the latter up, but I love self love!). During these challenging times, it’s always a good reason to dress up and connect with someone.
💕👉7 lovely activities you can do to commemorate Tu B’Av
Which brings me to a topic I’ve been wanting to write about for a while.
Years ago on a solo trip to London, I was exploring the V&A Museum, when I stumbled upon a shiny case of ornate rings. Each ring was shaped like a house. Taken by their gold and silver splendor, I read the plaque next to the case and was astonished to learn these rings had Jewish origins!
They were medieval Jewish wedding rings! During the 12th-15th centuries across Europe, Ashkenazi grooms would place an elaborate, oversized ring shaped like a tiny house on their bride’s index finger, symbolizing the home they would share together. Index finger so it’s easier for the crowd to see, and because it’s said that the index finger has direct connection via artery to the heart. Aw.
These rings were purely ceremonial, since most people back then were too poor to own wedding rings. These house rings were often communal, passed down and loaned out by the local synagogue. The Monopoly piece-like rings were too big to be worn all the time, anyway! Kinda gangster, though…
The rings were often inscribed with “mazal tov” to wish the happy couple good luck. Some opened like a locket. Some resembled the Temple in Jerusalem.
I love these traditional rings, not just because I have a fascination with antiquated Jewish traditions (priestly breastplate, I’m looking at you), and not just for their beauty. But they serve as a reminder that the home is the heart of a Jewish marriage. Unless you’re one of those annoying digital nomad van-life couples who never shower.
See more antique Jewish wedding rings here!
Is this your first time hearing about medieval Jewish wedding rings? Let me know in the comments!
📰 Shabbat Thoughts
Bringing back another old tradition where I used to share Jewish articles I enjoy. Here’s one on kashrut and identity:
Shabbat Shalom. Connect with someone you love today,
P.S. Going on vacay mode for a bit. See you in a few weeks! ☀️
So cool. I never knew about these rings. It makes total sense however, since as I understand it, the origin of the chuppah is to symbolize the couple beginning their life together in their new marital home. This is also why Sephardic grooms lead their brides to the chuppah.
I’ve never seen these, they’re so cool! And now I want one. 😍