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 those simple gold stripes like 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 about 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 previously such a symbol of marriage could only be seen on ring finger right hand person, then in recent years they have often worn wedding ring on the same finger and 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. There are more and more of these in jewelry stores.
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, sleek 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.
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, precious stones 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. This way the addressee knew 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 sign could tell the interlocutor with whom he was dealing.
- 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 determined 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).
- Some signets are credited with magical properties. These include Masonic rings, by which members of lodges recognized each other.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Big in ancient times it was considered a symbol of sexual power. Wearing a ring on it is inconvenient, but it attracts the attention of others. Wearing a ring on thumb strives for self-affirmation at any cost.
The tradition of wearing wedding rings exists among almost all nations. But many also have their own characteristics in the way they are worn. The portal www.site will trace the variety of such rituals, and also figure out where wedding rings came from.
History of wedding rings
According to archaeological finds, the first rings appeared in Ancient Egypt. They were used by the pharaohs as a personal seal and confirmation of their own will. The origin of the betrothal ceremony also dates back to this time. The groom brought a metal ring to the bride's parents as a symbol of his responsibility to them. Subsequently, such rings became bronze and then silver. Since then, the ritual has taken hold and has successfully survived to this day.
What makes an engagement ring different from others?
Today there are three types of wedding rings - engagement ring, engagement ring and wedding ring. The engagement ring is given to the bride by the groom at the time of the marriage proposal. This decoration is intended only for women and is made of gold or silver.
The wedding ring is a pair, intended for both the groom and the bride. It is the wedding rings that the couple exchanges at the registry office. They are made of expensive metals, possibly with inserts of precious stones.
Wedding rings are intended for those couples who decided to consolidate family ties in the bosom of the church and undergo a wedding ceremony. They exist only in the Orthodox tradition.
On which finger do women wear their wedding ring?
On the ring finger of the left hand
There is a legend that since the time Ancient Egypt The rings were worn by women on the ring fingers of the left hand, because the heart and this particular finger are connected by a thin nerve.
Over time, the question of which finger a wedding ring is worn on has been resolved in different ways. For example, in the Middle Ages it was not uncommon for many kings to issue decrees regulating the rules for wearing rings. And it was here until ten various options, including the thumbs.
After the strengthening of the positions of Catholicism and Protestantism in Europe, clear rules for wearing a wedding ring were established. So, the place was again assigned to the ring finger of the left hand. This was explained by the same reason as in ancient times - closeness to the heart. Today this tradition is honored by England, Germany, France, Canada, the USA, Brazil, etc. Muslims adhere to the same custom.
On the ring finger of the right hand
In this case, the rules are again dictated by religion. For example, the ring finger of the right hand, where a wedding ring is worn in Russia, is an Orthodox tradition. According to the canons, everything connected with the right side of the body is considered correct. In other cases, in the conditions of multi-religious Russia, spouses put wedding rings on the finger on which they themselves see fit, or in accordance with other beliefs.
Additionally, women often wear their wedding and engagement rings on the same finger. In this case, you need to think in advance about how to choose an engagement ring so that it matches the engagement ring in style and design.
Other cases
There are peoples who have alternative ways of wearing rings:
- according to Jewish tradition - on the index finger;
- according to gypsy customs - on a chain around the neck;
- Among the peoples of the North Caucasus, according to tradition, rings are not worn at all after the wedding.
Sometimes there are cases where the bride or groom wears a wedding ring on the middle finger of their right hand. Such behavior can sometimes be interpreted by others as defiant and contrary to social laws of morality and rules of behavior. However, there is a very specific explanation for this. The reason may be that the ring size is not suitable for the ring finger. Therefore, if its wearer or wearer does not want to go to a jewelry workshop for an adjustment or purchase another, for example, a wider ring for the bride, then it is moved to the middle finger of the right hand.
On which finger do men wear their wedding ring?
There are no separate rules for men. Everything is determined by the following factors:
- nationality,
- religion,
- personal preferences.
On which finger do widows and widowers wear their wedding ring?
A wedding ring is a symbol of endless marital fidelity. Therefore, even after the death of a spouse, their significant other does not stop wearing a wedding ring as a sign of devotion, especially if it is a personalized engraved wedding ring.
If widowers continue to do this, as they did during the life of their beloved, then there are several models of behavior for widows:
- The woman removes her ring from the ring finger of her right hand and wears the ring of her departed husband in this place.
- The woman removes her ring from the ring finger of her right hand and wears it on the ring finger of her left hand.
- A woman wears two wedding rings on the ring finger of her left hand.
All these cases are purely voluntary and are not mandatory or traditional. Only the widow herself can decide what to do with her loved one’s belongings.
Modern traditions of wearing wedding rings
Nowadays, many married couples stop wearing wedding rings after marriage. This is due to work circumstances, safety reasons or simply a desire for comfort. In this case, there is nothing terrible or controversial, the main thing is that both family members do not experience negative emotions about this.
Young couples are looking for new ways of expression and departure from traditions, but, at the same time, preserving family principles. Therefore, more and more people are turning to non-standard ways of handling wedding rings. For example, wearing them in an unusual way - on the neck. For adherents of orthodox practices, a reasonable question arises: won’t a wedding ring on the neck look like an ordinary piece of jewelry and is it even possible to wear it like that? Here, again, everything depends on the type of ring (naturally, a ring with a diamond will look at least strange on the neck), the worldview of the spouses, and family traditions.
Now you know almost everything about how to wear a wedding ring correctly in any life situations and why representatives different nationalities Wedding rings are placed on the ring finger. The wedding portal Svadebka.ws notes that our time allows spouses to move away from traditions and choose for themselves which finger the wedding ring should be on, how to wear it and whether to wear it at all.
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How the Sun shines! Its rays warm us, nourish us, heal wounds, and a bad mood on a bright bright day simply disappears. Our stone jewelry...
It is common for a woman to decorate herself, thereby not only attracting the eyes of fans and ordinary people, she expresses her true essence. And this essence is this: the desire to please, the desire to love, the desire to give. Happy beautiful woman A woman who knows the value of her beauty and confidence is like a rare diamond that everyone is looking for and trying to acquire. Real men know that the love and brilliance of such women gives everything. And if they are also modest and wise, then they are priceless.
Look at the stone. Imagine that this is a whole universe, with its own laws and inhabitants. The stone lives its own life. He has a history and destiny, just like a person. He is alive and can feel any shades of mood, accept them or not. He can rejoice, love, be tender and jealous, he can serve you, protect you, he can control you.
Take a closer look at your favorite jewelry and stones - after all, you have never looked at them like that. Listen, and maybe you will feel the soul of the stone. And she is very mature and wise! Many stones live for centuries, centuries, and there is a lot to learn from them. Take a closer look, and maybe you will see pictures of the fate of the stone, where it comes from, where it lived before, the history of its cultivation and domestication.
Imagine that a stone, which for eternity was a mountain, or simply the firmament of the earth, became something separate and individual. Those. he became himself, separated and began to live his own life. We can say that his birth took place. He carries with him the spirit of the place from which he came, the smell of that sea, the radiance of that sun, the beauty and heat of the night, as well as the age-old wisdom of the earth, sky and ocean. Although it is so small, it captures the history of the earth and, of course, man.
Important - What to wear, Where to wear, How to wear and When to wear?
What to wear?
In every jewelry store you can see the scale approved by the International Jewelers Association, which determines the correspondence of the gemstone and the month of the year or the sign of the Zodiac. But, perhaps, you have already encountered a paradoxical, at first glance, phenomenon, according to the table - the stone is yours, but you don’t like it at all, and you don’t want to wear it at all. What's the matter?
The point is that it is truly wearable and giving energetic force the owner can only have stones and minerals associated with the dominant planet in the horoscope, in harmony with the prevailing element.
Not everyone has horoscopes, but everyone wears gemstone jewelry. The best advisor can be your own intuition!
Fire Stones - Aries, Leo, Sagittarius - all bright expensive transparent stones - diamond, emerald, ruby, sapphire, etc.
Earth stones - Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn - all opaque semi-precious stones - jasper, agate, jadeite, turquoise, malachite, etc.
Air Stones - Gemini, Libra, Aquarius - all translucent semi-precious stones - carnelian, obsidian, amethyst, chrysoprase, jade, etc.
Water Stones - Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces - all stones that are similar in color to the sea, to the night, river stones that have a strange shiny changing color - Moonstone, pearls, opal, aquamarine, hematite, especially alexandrite (very magic stone, which changes its color!)
It is very important what metal the ring or earrings are set in and how the energies of the stone and metal are combined!
Aries, Scorpio, Mars - iron, steel
Taurus, Libra, Venus - copper, bronze, cupronickel
Gemini, Mercury - aluminum
Cancer, Moon - silver
Leo, Sun is gold
Sagittarius, Pisces - Tin
Capricorn - lead
Aquarius - titan
This does not mean that all Aquarius or Capricorn urgently need to make a lead ring and barely carry it, of course not. The main ornamental metals into which stones are set remain gold and silver, and, less commonly, copper and iron alloys.
Gold gives strength, gives self-confidence, gives happiness, love and wealth. Strengthens health. This is a metal that gives, accumulates energy and expresses it into external life. If you want to become more energetic and bright, wear gold jewelry.
Silver cleanses the person wearing it, takes away bad energy, and imparts sensuality and emotionality. It is advisable not to wear silver for a long time, as it requires cleaning. This is a metal that takes away, introducing a person into a state of relaxation and comfort. If you feel an excess of energy or emotions, then wear jewelry made of silver or in silver.
We consider only natural stones; artificially grown ones belong to a completely different category of stones, and cannot claim to be talismans; it is advisable to use them only as jewelry. Since not everyone can purchase precious stones, and it is not safe to wear them all the time, we provide tables of not only precious, but also semi-precious and ornamental stones, so that everyone can choose the right piece of jewelry for themselves.
You can divide all the stones by color:
Aries, Scorpio (Mars) - all stones are the color of blood and war - hematite, garnet, etc.
Taurus, Libra (Venus) - all pink, light green, yellow stones- malachite, amethyst, amber, etc.
Gemini, Virgo (Mercury) - all stones, with mixed colors - jasper, cat's and tiger's eye, etc.
Cancer (Moon) - all milky stones and mother-of-pearl - opal, pearls, etc.
Leo (Sun) - all bright sparkling expensive stones - diamonds, rubies, etc.
Sagittarius (Jupiter) - all bright blue stones - sapphire, turquoise, etc.
Capricorn (Saturn) - all black and very dark stones - obsidian, etc.
Aquarius, Pisces (Uranus) - all unusual stones, transparent, shiny, blue - aquamarine, etc.
Where to wear it?
There are many types of jewelry for different parts of the body. Astrology can explain the effect of these jewelry and stones on a person and his destiny.
Let's focus on modern jewelry that we usually wear; we won't look at ancient crowns, daggers, etc.
Since all jewelry is under the control and protection of the planet of beauty, love and harmony, Venus, the tendency to wear jewelry is mainly inherent in the female sex.
Aries is the head.
The most important place on the body!
Wearing jewelry around the head - earrings, headbands, hairpins harmonize a person's personality, develop his abilities and talents, give him confidence in himself, his actions, determination, strength and physical endurance. Attracted to the beauty of the face and body.
Taurus - neck.
Necklaces and chains around the neck harmonize our energy, give us a reserve of strength and the ability to enjoy life and pleasures. Harmonizes our taste preferences. They form stable desires: likes and dislikes. They can adjust a person’s material and spiritual capabilities. They give a stable thirst to satisfy their needs.
Gemini - hands
Wearing bracelets, watches, chains, cufflinks on your hands gives you the ability to communicate, make contact and listen. Logical and analytical thinking. Ability to grasp on the fly. And also mobility, lightness, cheerfulness, and the ability to trade.
Cancer and Leo - chest and back.
Pendants, brooches, badges, tie pins
Most pendants worn on a chain are amulets, crosses and other symbolic decorations. The pendant (amulet) gives protection, protects from evil tongues and thoughts, as well as from enemies. It is advisable to wear it on the heart chakra. The pendant gives great strength, brings love and luck, success. Shows all your creative abilities. Helps lovers in matters of conception and pregnancy.
The brooch is also beautiful decoration, but with a certain degree of protection for the owner.
The badge is more associated with belonging to a group, society, tradition, ideology, party.
Apparently, the tradition of attaching pins and badges to children (on a hat or clothes) dates back a long time, as a desire to protect a small child from the evil eye with the help of the forces of tradition, clan, and ancestors.
Virgo and Libra - waist and belly.
Belts, sashes, decorative buttons at the waist, buckles.
Establish harmony in marriage and relationships. Promote efficiency and efficiency. Cooperation. Diplomacy. As well as grace and subtlety of perception. The ancient “Chastity Belts” - remember?
Scorpio - genitals, fingers, hands (which are more related to the sign of Ophiuchus).
The most mystical sign where possible strong correction and profound influence on one’s destiny.
Let's not stop there fashion jewelry for intimate parts of the body, it is individual and intimate. I would like to warn about the enormous impact of these decorations not only on sexuality and excitability, but also on fate, on attracting dangers, etc.
Fingers. We need to go into more detail here.
Rings are the most common type of jewelry.
Index finger - element of Fire (energy, strength, will) - Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Middle finger - Earth element (matter) - Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Ring finger - element of Air (relationships, connections) - Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Little finger - element of Water (emotions, feelings, traditions) - Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
It is very important which finger you wear the ring on, and thus what you influence in your destiny.
For example, the tradition of wearing wedding rings on the ring finger describes well the impact on relationships and connections. A gold wedding ring purifies the energy of joint relationships (marriage), giving them strength and vitality, honesty and nobility. Weeds out unnecessary relationships, teaches fidelity.
If you want to adjust your material well-being or focus all your energy on your career, it’s good to wear rings on your middle finger.
It is good to wear rings on the index finger for leaders or priests, as well as for authoritative and respected people, teachers. For athletes, wearing a ring on the index finger also gives physical strength and dexterity.
Very few people wear pinky rings. This finger can help you conceive and bear a child, as well as increase sexuality, mysticism and mystery. Musicality and artistic perception will be enhanced by wearing rings on the little finger.
Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces - legs.
Few people wear bracelets and chains on their legs, but there is still a certain meaning in wearing them. Planning your own destiny, its correction. Dreams about the future, hopes. Attracting friends and like-minded people.
How to wear?
Since ancient times, people who had difficulty coping with the hardships of life have sought some kind of protection from the outside, using everything that nature gave. This is how amulets and talismans appeared, for which precious stones were also used.
An amulet is a guardian stone that must protect its owner from bad influences, negative energy, protect from misfortunes, enemies, from the “evil eye”, from “ evil spell"and lightning. The stone reliably fulfills its role, instilling confidence in its owner, programming his subconscious, giving psychological protection. Today this is relevant again, when there are so many advertisements about love spells, lapels and various other things. magical rituals. But how do you choose a piece of jewelry that would serve as an amulet or talisman?
If you have not drawn up your own horoscope and have no idea about the sign of your Ascendant and the ruling planet, then you will have to rely on your birth sign.
The best talismans are stones that are given or inherited. Under no circumstances should you wear stones that have been stolen or obtained by force!
If you feel tired or nervous for no apparent reason, pay attention to the jewelry you are wearing at this moment. Very often, earrings and rings that you don’t like have to be worn so as not to offend the loved ones who gave them, which is fundamentally wrong and wrong.
Over a centuries-long period of practical observations, almost every species natural stones a certain “reputation” has been established that you need to know about. A lot has been written about this; if you wish, you can find literature or consult with a familiar astrologer.
When to wear it?
There is probably no woman in the world who is indifferent to jewelry. The iridescent shine of precious stones has an extraordinary attraction for all representatives of the fair sex. On the eve of the New Year, I really want to enjoy a new decoration made of precious or semi-precious stones. How to do it right to maintain harmony natural strength stones and your own energy?
· Fire stones and metals (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) - diamonds and diamonds, sapphires and gold.
Best worn in good lighting. When going to an evening, a holiday or to a restaurant, do not forget to wear for this occasion what you have in your possession. In artificial bright light or the shine of candles, you will be irresistible. These stones are created for holidays, luxury, they are royal.
Gold and expensive stones go best with summer style, tanned body, eastern countries, and travel. Jewelry is good for lovers as a gift; it helps preserve and enhance love and passion.
Stones and metal of Fire can be worn by leaders and high-ranking officials, those who have power. These jewelry help you to be confident and make the right decisions.
All these stones must be given as a gift or inherited!
Diamonds and polished diamonds take a very long time to be “tamed.” It may take years before he “responds” and begins to cooperate with you.
· Stones and metals of the Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) - jasper, agate, turquoise, jadeite, copper, etc.
These stones are best worn on weekdays and weekdays. Develop attentiveness and logic. Increases responsibility and diligence. They create a working mood, calm and stabilize.
It makes sense to wear them in order to adjust the rhythms of the topic, set up a specific program (recovery, for example, or weight loss), and fulfill what you have planned. Help with acquisitions and savings.
Earth stones go well with work and business style.
· Stones and metals of Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) - jade, carnelian, transparent obsidian, titanium, aluminum, bronze, etc.
These stones best influence your social circle and ability to absorb information. When you go to a meeting, wear the Air stone. If you're going on a trip, take a hawk's eye or a tiger's eye.
It is good to wear these stones in order to successfully study, succeed in trade and transactions. When drawing up a contract, it is better to have a stone or metal of Air with you.
Indispensable assistants on the roads, on the road, one of the best guides.
The best partner and soul mate will be attracted to the Libra stone.
The Aquarius stone will find reliable and loyal friends.
· Stones and metals of Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) - bloodstone, alexandrite, pearls, opal, etc.
The most incomprehensible, mysterious and mystical stones. Their impact is the deepest and most powerful. Therefore, great care is needed when wearing Water stones and metals!
It is advisable to wear all these stones for people involved in extrasensory perception, bioenergy, psychology, magic and astrology. For ordinary people, these stones can bring misconceptions, illusions and temptations. These stones help only strong people!
Your stone can become your friend, a guide in this world, it can give you strength, it can protect you from spells and enemies, it can cure you of illness, help you find happiness and love and much more, just listen to it and enter into cooperation!
If you don’t yet have such a stone or jewelry, then astrology will help you get closer to understanding the essence and purpose of any stone or jewelry!
Elena Melnikova - astrologer - consultant
Diana Mazur - astrologer
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 breastplates
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 to be worn 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.
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