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Oh, these traditions - you rarely think about them in Everyday life, but they often have enormous cultural and historical significance.

Today website I decided to find out why married couples in some countries wear wedding rings on their left hands, and in others on their right. It's always damn interesting to learn about such small but important differences.

The ancient Romans and Egyptians had a belief that V ring finger there is a certain nerve or vein that directly connects it to the heart. The Romans even had a special name for it - “vein of love” (lat. vena amoris). If a person put a ring on his ring finger, it meant that his heart was already taken.

Wear wedding ring on the left hand is a relatively recent tradition that originated only at the beginning of the 18th century (before that, even in English-speaking countries, rings were worn on the right hand).

IN Sri Lanka The groom wears a wedding ring on his right hand, and the bride on her left.

Wedding rings are not commonly worn in most Muslim countries (the tradition of exchanging rings is also absent in religious marriage ceremonies), but if one is worn, it may be on the left ring finger ( Iran), and right hand (Jordan).

A ring on a finger is almost always a symbol. It will tell a lot about the tastes, wealth and status of its owner.

A special attitude towards the engagement ring.

Let's pay tribute to globalization: modern wedding rings in Russia are no longer the simple gold stripes that were on the fingers of our grandfathers and parents.

Modern symbols of marriage are much more varied, interesting and, so to speak, expressive. Today they are able to tell much more than just the social status of their owner.

Status, traditions and modern fashion in Russia

Let's start with the status. A wedding ring means that in front of you is a married man or a married woman.

And if earlier such a symbol of marriage could only be seen on the ring finger of a person’s right hand, then in recent years they often wear a wedding ring on the same finger of the left hand.

So often that you can’t help but wonder on which hand are wedding rings worn in Russia? We answer. By Russian tradition it is still worn on the right hand!

It is often worn on the ring finger of the left hand after a divorce or in the event of widowhood to demonstrate to others one’s social status. Also on the left hand wear a wedding ring Catholics and representatives of some other religions, more on this in our other article.

It should be noted that in recent years, wedding rings are increasingly worn in Russia on the ring finger along with another ring that matches the texture or, conversely, is very contrasting.

This tribute to fashion is not new: wedding rings were worn this way back in medieval Europe, where it was supposed to be the second one on the finger.

How and what to wear

As we said, the design of this timeless symbol of marriage has changed a lot in modern times.

Firstly, recently rings from white gold or platinum, which do not look as catchy as the usual ones, but at the same time cost much more.

Secondly, it is even more common couple ring fashion, when wedding decoration The bride and groom have the same unique design, the only difference is in size.

This could be the same diamond cut on the products or the same ornament - the main thing is that the people in the wedding rings can immediately understand that they are husband and wife. Such in jewelry stores More.

Today, the most popular patterns on Russian wedding rings are ancient Celtic ornaments.

But at the same time smooth traditional rings made of red gold do not lose their relevance; according to statistics, they are still the best sellers in this category of jewelry.
For example, the most popular (despite the huge assortment) are simple, smooth models from the Lucida series.

Their main advantage is affordable price compared to others and traditionality.

However, perhaps the newlyweds who choose them are guided by the traditional belief that with a smooth ring, life will be smooth.

In recent years in Russia, more and more often, women choose jewel with an expensive, sometimes quite large stone.

Comments

• Please tell us whether fur coats are worn in the USA, Canada, Scandinavia and other countries with cold climates, except Russia, China and the post-Soviet space?

  They take everything! But mostly Russians who live in the USA, CANADA, GERMANY, Europe.
  Once in Crete, French women came to our boutique and looked with amusement at the Russian women who were buying furs.
  They admitted that they envy Russian women that they can put on a fur coat and walk around the city calmly! This is not possible in France, they said.
  + Bulgarians, Poles, Romanians, Czechs take it.

Well, let them envy! Russians are free, Russians can wear whatever they want, but Europeans cannot! But they have democracy!

Abroad there is a slightly different philosophy. This is important to us, even if it’s cheap, it’s a FUR COAT. That’s why Chinese consumer goods are blooming in full bloom. In Europe and America, a fur coat is considered a luxury item and requires a certain lifestyle. There is no practical need for it, if we consider clothing made from synthetic materials to be more appropriate to the needs

A fur coat, to be honest, is a luxury item, and only then clothes for the winter. Therefore, furs are worn where there is culture and the opportunity to consume luxury goods. On a massive scale, this should still make sense, the climate should be sharply continental, where there is Cold winter. There are not many such inhabited places on the planet. In Canada, the main residential areas are located along the latitude of Crimea, and are also pressed against the oceans, where winters are milder. Scandinavia is not about luxury at all. In terms of mass consumption of fur, only northern China can compare with Russia, where there is an eastern craving for luxury, quick money and cold winters.
In particular, furs are consumed as purely luxury goods by that class of rich people who generally consume luxury goods. Typically, these are large cities with a developed culture of expensive clothing. But these are rarely full-fledged products. More like accessories, trims, etc.

This year I spent the winter in Europe. I was in Dresden, Salzburg, Bratislava, Prague. The winter was very frosty, even too cold for Europeans (I’m like a fish in water, I’m fine) - they said that this was the first time in 30 years that there had been such frosts. I was very surprised - every 3rd woman had a natural fur coat, but of very very old styles (70-80s), and one, quite wealthy woman, had an arctic fox, all yellowed, scary (only if on insoles or a dog rug ), but she walked with such a proud posture. Apparently, everyone took out their old fur coats - as soon as the moths had not eaten during this time. Italians and Russians had decent fur coats. Young people wore artificial fur coats. A lot of fur was worn in the form of capes over coats or down jackets, fur hats with earflaps, and fur snoods. Natural fur coats have also appeared in many boutiques, mainly rabbit and squirrel coats for a lot of money (1-2 thousand euros). Mink ones are even more expensive.

• that's right. If they always had cold winters, they would talk less about humane treatment of animals, and would start looking for warmer fur coats in stores.
  During perestroika, I also remember that Greenpeace tried to set our people on the true path. It didn't work. Now they are completely silent.

  The problem here is much broader, deeper and more complex than just humane treatment of animals or cold winter. Although the cold winter is very important factor. In Milan, anti-fur demonstrations during the spring exhibition are much more numerous than before the December auction in Helsinki.
  Today, breeding mink and fox is not much different in principle from breeding chicken or pork. With humanism everything is very similar there. In civilized countries they observe high standards, for this reason, the Original assured sign was introduced for fur on auction labels, this is precisely on the theme of the humanism of keeping and slaughter.
  For fur farming, the food supply is the remains of chicken and meat production, which are not suitable for human consumption. Therefore, from the point of view of ethical treatment of animals, we need to give up everything together, and there are orders of magnitude more consumers of chicken and meat than consumers of fur. Naturally, the integrity of people who have completely abandoned the exploitation of animals, meat, milk and eggs for food, leather for shoes and accessories, wool and fur for clothing evokes only respect, but there are not many of them.
  With commercial fur farming, everything is also not easy. in Russia, this is employment of the population in remote areas, where there is simply no other work and is not expected, in Canada, in addition to employment, this is a fairly large environmental program to preserve the diversity of the animal world, so hunting there is a way to maintain population stability, scientific institutes conduct continuous monitoring and determine the optimal number of animals in a given territory, from this the number of hunting licenses is determined, which the huntsman cannot, but is obliged to close. Some furs are generally a historical trade of the small peoples of the North.
  In Russia there is no historical antagonism towards fur as a class attribute. In Europe, for hundreds of years, fur was the prerogative of the aristocracy, then it gradually passed to very rich people. Furs there are strongly associated with luxury, so the struggle against wearing fur in the West is clearly of a class nature, against the attributes of wealth, for democracy and equality. In Russia, fur is a historical necessity, the result of hunting (which was much easier than in populated Europe); all classes wore furs, especially when fur was an accompanying prize for meat. Actually, sheepskin sheepskin coats or fur cuffs for the winter among coachmen can hardly be classified as luxury goods.
  Further, today the production of clothing is being transferred to huge international corporations. New materials are being developed, their cost is reduced, mass production is simplified, it is automated, wear time is reduced, profitability and turnover are increased. Things become essentially disposable. All natural materials are very expensive and difficult to produce. Fur is an expensive raw material that cannot be unified; it is an expensive manual production; with conveyor belts and technology optimization, the quality decreases. The item turns out to be expensive at cost, the markup on it cannot be large, it lasts a long time, the turnover of such goods is much lower. For modern economy These are all completely undesirable characteristics. Therefore, large clothing corporations are trying to push not only fur, but also other natural materials into the category of impractical, old-fashioned, and outdated. In this regard, they have common interests with animal rights activists, which is why such organizations and sentiments are sponsored.
  From an environmental point of view, fur is a renewable resource, while synthetics are petrochemicals. With pollution - both refineries and chemical plants cost one another, the latter are only tens of times more. Natural fur it is repairable, can withstand restyling, fundamental alterations (even down to the car seat mats), ends up in the trash after 20 years, or even later, and decomposes entirely, the lifespan of synthetic is one or two seasons, after which it loses its appearance and relevance, but it doesn’t rot in the trash, but requires more serious disposal.
  

• From an environmental point of view, fur is a renewable resource, while synthetics are petrochemicals. With pollution - both refineries and chemical plants cost one another, the latter are only tens of times more. A natural fur coat ends up in the trash heap after 20 years, or even more, and decomposes completely; the lifespan of a synthetic fur coat is one or two seasons, after which it loses its appearance and relevance, and in the trash heap does not rot, but requires more serious disposal.

  Most opponents natural fur They don’t understand this, but by buying clothes made from synthetic materials, they harm the environment much more than those who wear clothes made of leather or fur. But, of course, we need to develop civilized fur farming. And gradually give up wild fur.

• And gradually give up wild fur.
  

  Licensed, regulated hunting not only does not harm nature, but can maintain the balance and health of the population. As an example, beavers, whose fur is relatively cheap and very poorly pays for the costs of its extraction in self-financing. In Russia, beavers have proliferated greatly, since they have no natural enemies. Therefore, they massively destroy forests and turn them into swampy areas. In Canada, there is a state program to regulate the beaver population, where hunters are required to harvest a certain amount and are paid extra for each pelt.
  By the way, even in Russia now the problem of poaching in the field of commercial fur-bearing animals is not acute. Too few people are doing this. There are problems in hunting large rare animals, like the tiger, which from a fur point of view is completely useless, this is a completely different story. Nowadays, more damage to fur-bearing wild animals is caused by uncontrolled deforestation than by hunting itself.

• I don’t think that sable, marten, and lynx harm nature so much that their numbers need to be “regulated” on the scale that is being done now. And beavers, yes, do a lot of damage to the forest, and, as far as I know, in Russia the larger beaver imported from North America has completely displaced the local population.

  Regulated hunting stabilizes the state of the population, providing an external negative factor that forces the creation of surpluses. If the food supply decreases or weather conditions are unfavorable, hunting is prohibited and these usual surpluses are used for compensation. This is, to put it correctly.
  

  It is also interesting how things are now with cage breeding of sable and marten, what are the differences between wild sable fur and cage fur. I think the marten is only wild? And there is also some kind of “Bob Martin”, is it a marten or a sable?

  Marten is not bred; it is purely commercial fur.
  There are several farms left in Russia that are engaged in caged dark sable, their position is not great, since it is valued lower than wild sable, the cost of breeding it is very high, and the small number does not allow for a marketing program to popularize it. Last year, the Saltykovskoye farm, owned by Mikhail Gutsiriev, made an attempt to organize a company for sewing sable fur coats in order to get additional profit from each skin, but nothing sensible came of it in terms of selling sable. If interested, you can google the brand Gutseriev & Maximova.
  Bob Martin is a singer.
  Martes is the zoological name of the species. Martes martes - pine marten, Martes foina - stone marten, Martes zibellina - sable, Martes pennanti - fisher, etc. The English word comes from Latin - marten (marten). Martes americana lives in Canada, in English - American(Canadian) marten. Previously, when translating, they used the name American (Canadian) sable, after the scandal with Soyuzpushnina that only Russian Martes zibellina could be called sable, they began to use the translation American (Canadian) marten. In terms of the texture of its fur, the animal is much closer to the sable than to the pine marten. Its hair is lower than that of the same barguzin, but it is delicate, unlike the pine marten. The Canadian marten is more similar to the sable of the eastern ranges, such as the Yenisei or Tobolsk. The skin of a breeding sable is heavier due to thicker hair and flesh.
  Here's a farmer's sable
  
  But the dark tones of Barguzin
  
  The underfur of the bargusin is gray-blue, which gives depth of color even when tinted in dark colors. Farmhouse color is more “flat” ×

Awards and insignia are regaining their honorable status in society. Now not only the state, but also private companies or enterprises present badges of honor to their employees.

Such signs tell the world about your merits, status, corporate affiliation and even worldview. And the correct wearing of badges is also an important element of social etiquette.

In this article we will talk about insignia: how the tradition of their use began, what badges are worn now, and how not to make a mistake when wearing an honorary badge.

From the ancient history of badges

Badges were not always just a reward. Initially, they served as a symbol indicating the special status of the owner. This need arose back in primitive society, when people began to have social divisions. To identify themselves, people used stones, products made from bird feathers and bones, and later - metal products.

Then society began to highlight brave warriors and all kinds of craftsmen. As a tangible sign of gratitude, they were presented with honors with wreaths, crowns, breast and wrist chains. And subsequently the badge begins to have another function: they were worn by pilgrims, confirming the fact of visiting holy places. Such icons appeared in the 12th century in Rome, and were decorated with images of Saints Peter and Paul.

The first badges - faleras - appeared in ancient times. Were they round or oval metal jewelry with images of Medusa the Gorgon, the god Mars or a lion's head. These signs were worn on a belt. They were used to mark important government officials. Subsequently, the meaning of the faleras changed: they began to be awarded only to legionnaires.

Appears in the Middle Ages new type insignia: each guild of merchants and craftsmen used its own special symbol. At the same time, the first medals and orders appeared in the field of military affairs.

At first, the order looked like a cross made of fabric, which was sewn onto clothes. Later, orders began to be made of silver and gold, and not only in the shape of a cross, but also a star inlaid with precious stones. The order was supposed to be worn on a ribbon: either over the shoulder, or around the neck, or on a ribbon rosette.

Development of the award system in Russia

IN ancient Rus' had their own insignia. In the 9th-11th centuries, Russian princes awarded warriors for feats of arms with gold hryvnias, crosses and chains, weapons and armor. And the beginning of the award system of orders and medals in Russia was laid by Peter I, who established the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called for special services to the Fatherland.

An interesting solution was also smaller copies of breastplates - the so-called tailcoats. Tailcoats are miniature versions of awards and breastplates, specially made for wearing instead of full-size ones. The name itself suggests that initially such signs were worn on ballroom tailcoats in cases where it was inappropriate to wear the original.

The tradition of making miniature signs (their size ranges from 12 to 24 mm) in Russia began in the 19th century. Such a task required special precision from the jeweler, because the distinctive features of the award, no matter how small they may be, must be reproduced very carefully.

Breast badges became widespread in our country not so long ago. Originating in the military industry, since 1827 they began to spread across all spheres of society. These were the signs civil service, academic institutions, various unions and communities. There were even commemorative badges - jubilee, coronation or in honor of reforms.

By 1917, there were a huge number of badges in our country. Badges were widely available, and faleristics, along with philately, became a favorite Soviet time the badges were very popular: a dozen and a half enterprises were producing them. a type of collecting by Soviet people.

In the USSR there was a huge number public organizations for children and adults, each of them had its own icon. Today, corporate badges that were issued in the pre-war period in the young Soviet republic are considered of great value: “Friends of Radio”, “Society for the Promotion of Defense, Aviation and Chemical Production”. These badges were produced on equipment left over from tsarist times and were issued in limited editions.

Reward for the hero

There is a lot associated with awards and their presentation. interesting cases. One of the facts perfectly illustrates the breadth of the Russian soul: for example, the famous princely award - the hryvnia - was a weighty gold hoop-collar, which was worn on the “nape” (neck).

To withstand the weight of princely affection was a feat in itself. The chronicle of the 11th century tells that one of the heroes generously awarded by the prince was a certain Alexander, the priest’s son. Researchers believe that later it was this Alexander, a great warrior and strongman, who turned into the well-known hero Alyosha Popovich. Thus the reward created an immortal hero.

Badges in the modern world

Today, badges are becoming increasingly popular. In Europe and democratic America, medals and corporate signs are widespread. Gold and silver badges with a company logo or slogan are considered important element company image. Their main goal is to show that the employee belongs to a particular company, to note his outstanding achievements, and to create a feeling of unity and pride.

In Russia, badges have also become fashionable, and more and more interesting examples are appearing. Recently, a large company, a leader in the real estate market in its region, contacted our jewelry house. This company pays a lot of attention to corporate culture: it holds many events and organizes competitions among agents.

Previously, they awarded cups, diplomas and certificates to the best employees. But such insignia are difficult to show to others, because they are usually stored on the desktop. So the company decided to make a badge that would be given to the best employee every month.

This interesting solution gave the company additional benefits. Firstly, there was healthy competition among the team for a tangible and valuable prize. And, secondly, when the agent met with clients, it was immediately clear what was working best employee. This greatly increases loyalty.

How to wear a badge?

The rules for wearing badges were once striking in their strictness. Today, the requirements boil down to the following: if there are no special instructions in the certificate for the award, state and especially revered insignia and their reduced copies are worn on right side jacket or tunic, and all the rest - on the left.

There are also rules good manners in wearing medals and orders: full-size insignia in all its glory are appropriate at official receptions and events, parades, holidays and on especially special occasions. Tailcoats are provided for wearing on ordinary days: their discreet elegance will demonstrate both your good taste and respect for the award.

Today it is quite acceptable to wear lapel pins that have nothing to do with official awards. This may well be a sign that has a special meaning specifically for you.

If you want to emphasize your status with a special insignia, visit ours. Jewelry house Kvashnin will produce elegant accessories of any size and value, with fastenings using collets, pins or screws. Craftsmen will create tailoring, lapel signs or pin badges according to your designs, or offer their own.

Stay tuned for our blog updates and learn more interesting things about jewelry!

The ring, as a decoration, gained fame in ancient times. Rich ladies hung themselves with jewelry from head to toe. The men did not lag behind them. At first, jewelry, especially with stones, was used as amulets in the form of amulets. Later, with fashion trends, gems began to be introduced into numerous jewelry.

Years passed and all that remained of men's jewelry was a ring, the so-called signet. There was even a special etiquette for wearing rings. After the revolution in the Soviet Union, the wearing of jewelry by the stronger sex was unofficially prohibited. And now it is gradually becoming fashionable to wear a signet.

What is a signet and how is it customary to wear it?

At its core, this is the same ring, with carved initials or a coat of arms. They wore such a ring on their little finger and used to seal letters. Wax or sealing wax was dripped onto the letter and pressed on top with a ring. In this way, the addressee found out who the letter came from.

The upper part of the ring with engraving was made as a mirror, so that the print had the correct image. The design could be carved either on the ring itself or on a stone inserted into the ring setting.

The founders of wearing a signet ring, as it should be, were the French. They introduced rules for wearing an engraved ring:

To this day, in France, people wear a signet ring and try to follow the rules. Over time, a lot has changed, but there a man tries to wear a ring engraved part facing out. If someone wears an engraving on the inside of their palm, then it means that they are engaged.

Under no circumstances should you think that only nobles wear signets. Previously, this may have been the case, since it was a privileged class. Now you just need to follow the prescribed rules.

History of wearing a signet ring

Since ancient times, the signet has been less a decoration, and more a symbol of belonging to power. Kings, high clergy, famous generals - this is who in ancient times could wear a symbol of power on their finger. Ring letters were sealed. Even a document could be recognized as legally competent if it bears the personal seal of the owner.

When there were no photographs and television, only a signet could tell the interlocutor with whom he was dealing.

1. The coat of arms on the ring spoke of belonging to the clan, and the finger on which it was worn indicated who its owner was (the head of the clan or a simple representative). Sometimes the rank of the owner could be recognized by the engraving. This happened among the highest ranks of the church or the elders of the workshops. The transfer of a family ring by inheritance could mean the appointment of a new head of the clan or the head of the church (guild).
2. Some signets are attributed magical properties. These include Masonic rings, by which members of lodges recognized each other.
3. In Nazi Germany, engraved rings were awarded as a sign of distinction. At the end of the war, all manufactured rings were destroyed. The leadership of the Third Reich believed in their magical powers.
4. Each new Pope is given a seal with the image of St. Peter and the name of the Pope. After the death of the Pope, the ring is destroyed, since giving it to someone is considered blasphemy.

Modern men do not bother themselves with the question: on which finger do they wear the signet? Today it is simply beautiful stylish decoration . Both men and women wear such rings. Of course, I liked this type of ring more male half humanity. Most people, without thinking about traditions, wear those rings that are available in jewelry stores. It is very rare to see an engraved ring on a hand - this means that it is made to order.

Today there are no restrictions on wearing. That's why they wear a ring on any hand. The man himself chooses how to wear the signet.

On which finger is the signet worn nowadays?

Psychologists make up their own rules for wearing rings. This is what they are trying to do determine a man's temperament. And in their opinion it turns out the following:

• worn on the little finger creative personalities;
• on the ring finger - lovers;
• on the average - people who consider themselves irresistible;
• the thumb indicates increased sexuality.

Of course, all this is, to put it mildly, prejudices. But a strong opinion has been established in society that a ring on a hand determines the status and position of its owner.

Astrologers involved in solving this issue also claim that It is not the signet that determines the fate of an individual, and the finger on which it is worn. Since the signs of the Zodiac are divided according to their elements, they decided to divide the fingers:

• the little finger was “given to the water”;
• nameless air;
• the middle one went to the land;
• indicator light;
• and the big one was assigned to the kingdom of ether.

IN real life everything looks a little different. Comparing all astrological, psychological and historical research, we get the following picture of the fingers:

1. Little finger. It is believed that people of creative professions can have a signet on it. They also say that a person with a pinky ring is prone to gambling and flirting.
2. Nameless. The history of wearing a ring on this finger dates back to ancient times and signifies status married man. Great lovers of beautiful and expensive things began to wear the ring on it. So the nameless devotee of beauty on display remained.
3. Average, if you wear a ring on it, it will help overcome difficulties and increase the prudence of the owner. It is customary to wear family jewels on it.
4. Pointing has always been considered a symbol of power. If a signet is put on the left finger, it leads to delusions of grandeur, but on the right - to prudence. But in both cases, a person strives for leadership.
5. Big in ancient times it was considered a symbol of sexual power. It is inconvenient to wear a ring on it, but it attracts the attention of others. Wearing a ring on thumb strives for self-affirmation at any cost.