First off, Happy Easter, to all those to whom this greeting applies!

I was thinking about wedding rings the other day. Many elements shape this tradition and should be considered. Beyond whether or not to wear a ring at all, the spouses have to decide on which hand to wear their rings. Although the left hand is typical in many western cultures - arising out of the Roman association of the left hand with a direct connection to the heart - this is certainly not universal. The composition of the ring is another question. Should it be perfectly plain to symbolize unbroken and eternal unity? Or should it bear more personal elements, such as words of blessing or a pattern which represents the couple? Finally, the style of the engagement ring (if there is one - but that's a whole other issue!) may affect the choice of wedding ring.

For me, the wedding rings can be expressive of the uniqueness of the couple while also preserving the traditional symbolism. In this way, the spouses evoke both the individual and timeless characteristics of their love.