the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
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Bible Dictionaries
Ring
The American Church Dictionary and Cyclopedia
or The custom of the Wedding Ring was probably adopted by the early Church from the marriage customs of the Jews and also of the heathen, as its use has been almost universal. From its shape, having neither beginning nor ending, it is regarded as an emblem of eternity, constancy, and integrity. It is placed on the fourth finger of the woman's left hand, and the ancient ceremony of doing so was to place it first on the thumb at the Name of the first Person of the Trinity; on the next finger, at the Name of the Son; on the third at the Name of the Holy Ghost, and then on the fourth finger, and leaving it there at the word "Amen." The ring is, also, frequently given at the consecration of a Bishop, to symbolize his espousal with the Church in his Diocese. Thus bestowed, it is the symbol of authority and is called the Episcopal Ring.
These files are public domain.
Miller, William James. Entry for 'Ring'. The American Church Dictionary and Cyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/acd/r/ring.html. 1901.
