The Wedding Ring

Recently I was inspired by the post of a friend and made a renewed effort to look around more carefully for the deeper symbolism of all that surrounds us and how it might point to Christ.  It's interesting that all we have to do is look and the world is full of symbolic representations of the Savior. Yesterday my wife and I were in the Provo Temple, and I was twisting my wedding ring.  As I looked down, it caused me to ponder the significance of this seemingly simple symbol.  As I pondered, I realized often times things can be viewed from a "worldly" perspective, or they can be viewed with "spiritual eyes."  Although the world may have a different meaning of what the wedding ring signifies, I believe there is actually a deep meaning in this simple ritual of exchanging rings when we enter into this exalting ordinance of marriage.

These are a few of the possible meanings related to the wedding ring and the exchange:

1) The Circle: The circle typically represents God, Unity, Heaven, and Eternity. As mentioned earlier, it may not have this meaning to the world, but I want to relate this meaning to someone who's seeking all the Lord has to offer. Heaven has to be involved in a celestial marriage. We use our hands to work, which is where the ring is located. As we work together, and make it a union between a couple and the Lord (think about the temple marriage ceremony and symbolism of that ordinance), that marriage [couple] can ultimately ascend to the highest kingdom of Heaven.

2) Gold: My ring happens to be made of gold and I realize all rings are not.  The gold color typically represents purity, royalty, and refinement.
       Purity: We should constantly be striving to purify ourselves of those things that don't bring us closer to God. It's interesting that it's symbolized in the wedding ring, which means that although it's an individual process, ultimate exaltation and purification will be a joint journey - the spouse has to be involved at some point if you will be an eternal partner.
       Royalty: D&C 131:2-5 "In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees; And in order to obtain the highest a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]; And if he does not, he cannot obtain it.  He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have  an increase." A couple who enters into this covenant and proves themselves faithful in all things will go onto become Kings and Queens.
       Refinement:  D&C 128:24 "Behold, the great day of the Lord is at hand; and who can abide the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap." All who enter his presence will have to have the impurities removed from their life. Just as the purest gold is refined in extreme heat, so we pass through tribulation and repentance to eliminate the impurities in our life. The only true way to be refined is when we allow and invite the atonement of Jesus Christ to work in our lives.

3)  The Ring Exchange: In the act of the ring exchange, one person typically slides the ring on the partners finger. This represents giving one's self to the other; mentally, physically, and emotionally.  We don't have the desire to lust after another or get emotionally involved with someone else. This is the person to whom we give ourselves completely. It's only through this union (when it is of the Lord) we can truly become an exalted being. As we give ourselves to her/him, it represents how we should treat that person. A celestial partner will not abuse, hurt, or criticize.

4) Location of the Ring:  The ring generally located on the left hand where it can constantly be seen.  This symbolizes how we should constantly be looking for opportunities to involve the Lord in our marriage and also how we might better serve our companion. Our marriage should always be something we're looking at.  Does it feel like a celestial relationship? Is the Lord involved? Do we have spiritual experiences together? Just as we can see the ring throughout the day, these important questions should constantly be in our focus.  1 Corinthians 1:11 "Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord."


Some might think I'm reading too much into this, but the closer we look at how those things which surround us point to the Lord, the more we will understand Him, love Him, and seek to serve Him.  In this case, the ring and what it represents should also spur in us a desire to treat our spouse better, lift them,  and serve him/her. When we do this, great things await us as heaven seeks to sustain those efforts.