The apple that turned into a ring.
Although the tradition of using a ring to symbolize commitment between two people can be traced back to ancient Egypt, not all cultures used this detail. Today we'll discuss a tradition inspired by Greek mythology that few people know about.
To do this, we must go back to the time when gods and mortals shared the earth. As was customary among deities, small details could trigger everything from natural disasters to legendary wars.
In this case, it was Eris, goddess of discord, who, for not being invited to the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, would take revenge by throwing a golden apple, on whose rind was inscribed "for the fairest." Three goddesses would seek to possess the apple: Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, while the decision-maker would be the Prince of Troy, Paris.
Although this mere mortal found the deities' appeal hypnotic, he was bribed by Aphrodite to grant her victory, under the promise of the hand of Helen of Sparta. From that moment on, apples would be sacred to Aphrodite, becoming a symbol of declaration of love.
Based on this myth, the ancient Greeks had a custom of throwing an apple to the woman they hoped would become their wife; if the woman picked up the apple, the marriage proposal would be reciprocated.
A completely poetic demonstration of love, without material wealth, reflecting the purity of feelings. Only a person considered "the most beautiful" in the other's eyes would dare to take the fruit, thus sealing their destiny as a couple.
While it's a tradition that doesn't have the same symbolism as a wedding ring, it is part of the rituals that shaped what we know today. It's also a unique way to keep the proposal more intimate, and only those familiar with the legend will be able to understand it.
This doesn't rule out the beauty of wearing an engagement ring, and later a wedding ring; on the contrary, it can be adapted as an accessory to emphasize the decision of two lovers. A subtle question to confirm that their feelings remain as alive and secure as the day they agreed to plan a future together.
There are many legends and rituals like this one that inspired and shaped the collective imagination, which is captured in two complementary pieces of jewelry. Once again, this demonstrates that it's not monetary value that gives significance to the act, but rather the purity of the emotions of those willing to journey through life as husband and wife.
To do this, we must go back to the time when gods and mortals shared the earth. As was customary among deities, small details could trigger everything from natural disasters to legendary wars.
In this case, it was Eris, goddess of discord, who, for not being invited to the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, would take revenge by throwing a golden apple, on whose rind was inscribed "for the fairest." Three goddesses would seek to possess the apple: Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, while the decision-maker would be the Prince of Troy, Paris.
Although this mere mortal found the deities' appeal hypnotic, he was bribed by Aphrodite to grant her victory, under the promise of the hand of Helen of Sparta. From that moment on, apples would be sacred to Aphrodite, becoming a symbol of declaration of love.
Based on this myth, the ancient Greeks had a custom of throwing an apple to the woman they hoped would become their wife; if the woman picked up the apple, the marriage proposal would be reciprocated.
A completely poetic demonstration of love, without material wealth, reflecting the purity of feelings. Only a person considered "the most beautiful" in the other's eyes would dare to take the fruit, thus sealing their destiny as a couple.
While it's a tradition that doesn't have the same symbolism as a wedding ring, it is part of the rituals that shaped what we know today. It's also a unique way to keep the proposal more intimate, and only those familiar with the legend will be able to understand it.
This doesn't rule out the beauty of wearing an engagement ring, and later a wedding ring; on the contrary, it can be adapted as an accessory to emphasize the decision of two lovers. A subtle question to confirm that their feelings remain as alive and secure as the day they agreed to plan a future together.
There are many legends and rituals like this one that inspired and shaped the collective imagination, which is captured in two complementary pieces of jewelry. Once again, this demonstrates that it's not monetary value that gives significance to the act, but rather the purity of the emotions of those willing to journey through life as husband and wife.
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