Matching Rings in Turkey
What does it mean and what do you need to wear?
The hand that the engagement ring is worn on isn't a requirement and isn't the same in all countries. In Turkey, where engagement followed by a celebration has been practiced for many years and is extremely important to the couple and their families, the ring is worn on the left ring finger, as in Germany. We will explain what engagement in Turkey is, the significance of the ring, and the way it is worn. Additional reading tips: Marriage proposal in Turkey and Weddings in Turkey.
A significant event
While in Germany the proposal is more of a romantic thing that occurs between two people - of course there are exceptions the general rule - and is not often celebrated with family and friends The situation is quite different in Turkey. In the country along the Bosporus the proposal for marriage has a long tradition and is often associated with various rituals and celebrations. There is nothing wrong with a modern marriage vow in Turkey today that the bride and groom can take their time celebrating the wedding ceremony on their own. But once the marriage proposal is accepted and accepted, the traditional ceremony will begin. The traditional wedding ceremony includes a sparkling engagement ring. However certain couples are religious and don't wear the ring. Of course, there are always couples who adhere to traditional beliefs or who have a different perspective.
Not without the parents
Asking your spouse if she would like to get married and putting the engagement ring on her finger? In Turkey, this is not enough. A truly "complete" proposal will include an interview with the bride's parents. The groom asks her parents permission to marry their loved one, along with his parents, who have been informed of the planned wedding. If it is done in a very traditional way even the groom's father will take on this task.
The small engagement party
If both families agree that marriage should take place, the engagement rings are exchanged. This is only the case with couples who do not strictly follow the Islamic faith: In this scenario the bride isn't actually the groom's spouse until the marriage ceremony, but she is a stranger who is not wearing a ring. Similar to us, the bride wears an engagement ring with a solitaire design as a proposal. After the exchange of the ring, the celebrations can begin. Other family members are often invited to attend the visit to parents as well as the small celebration of the engagement that follows and the party is usually held with grandparents or aunts and uncles in the event that the engagement ring is been put on the lady's hand (or both partners') in Turkey.
The big engagement party
It's time to go all out and not smaller: up to 200 guests are not unusual at an Turkish engagement party. In Turkey, too, people are averse to sticking to traditional customs of the past. What color is the bride's dress? Who pays for it? Who will pay for the engagement party? At this time the rings of the proposal are exchanged again in the presence of all guests. If both spouses wear rings to propose, the rings later used as wedding rings are usually used. The majority of people will spend more on engagement rings due to this. There aren't any additional charges for wedding rings. After the "official" part is done the party begins - often extravagantly late into the night.
The meaning behind the engagement ring and of the ring itself in Turkey
In Turkey and not like in Germany, the USA and many other western countries, the engagement rings have a completely different meaning. In Muslim countries, it is a symbol of love and a bond between two people without any significance to religion. Depending on the degree of devotion a couple has and how the Koran is considered by the responsible imam A couple should not only forego a ring for the proposal, but even wedding rings. This religious practice is rooted in the belief that by wearing a ring in plain view it is a way to emulate people of non-Muslim faith. For example when a ring for a proposal is considered to be a present from the man, the lady can wear the ring and wear it without hesitation.
The left hand
The question, "On which finger do you wear your engagement ring?" is a simple question to answer If you are a Turkish couple decides to wear a ring for their proposal, it is worn on the left ring finger, like in Germany. After the wedding, it may be placed on the right ring as an additional ring to the wedding ring.
No gold for religious men
When an engagement is made in Turkey when the engagement rings also serve as wedding rings, the choice is often made of jewelry that is not made of gold. Men who belong to the Muslim faith are not permitted to wear any gold jewelry because the precious metal is often associated with excessive luxury and should be avoided. The majority of couples, if religious, should opt for rings that are made of silver or platinum. It is debatable whether platinum isn't an even greater luxury. If only the lady wears a corresponding ring, it can be made from gold, in the alloy she chooses Women are permitted to wear gold jewelry without any restriction and are able to use it frequently.
Beautiful custom
The ring for the proposal in Turkey is often purchased by the bride's family - and of course, a secret promise of marriage between two individuals is not possible and the beliefs of the religion have to allow for the rings to be worn. If you decide to wear rings on both hands, a beautiful ribbon will be used to connect the two rings. The ribbon will be cut during the time of the engagement celebration. The ceremony will take place following the exchange of rings, as both of the partners have the jewelry on their fingers. The proposal rings take on new meanings, for instance the bond between man and woman, which is sworn by parents and the family members and friends who attend the party.
in the end - the engagement ring in Turkey
Although it is not often worn by couples or even by every bride-tobe, the proposal ring is still a common sight in Turkey. Although strictly religious Muslims are often against it, it's a part of many other couples and plays a crucial role in engagement celebrations. Wedding rings are commonly used as engagement rings and are more expensive. While religious men are not allowed to wear jewelry made of gold women are permitted to decorate themselves with gold as they wish. If a couple decides to propose using an engagement ring, it's worn on the left hand, as is customary in Germany and is worn on the right hand as a ring along with the wedding band following the wedding. It can be worn on the left ring-finger in the event that the bride wants.