Couple Promise Rings in Turkey
What it means and how to wear it
The engagement ring can be worn on either hand. It is not a rule in any country. In Turkey the country where engagement is accompanied by an event of celebration and an event that is important to the couple and the families the ring is placed on the left hand finger as it is done in Germany. This article explains what engagement signifies in Turkey and the role that the ring plays, and how it is worn. Continue reading The marriage proposal in Turkey and Wedding in Turkey.
Event with great significance
In Germany the marriage ceremony is a romantic affair that only takes place between two individuals. It is not celebrated with friends and family. However, in Turkey it is a very different story. In the country of the Bosporus the marriage proposal is an established tradition that is associated with a variety of celebrations and rituals. There is nothing wrong with a modern marriage vow in Turkey today that the bride and groom can have a private ceremony. Once the marriage proposal has been accepted the traditional wedding celebrations begin. The traditional ceremony involves an elegant engagement ring. However certain couples are religious and don't wear this piece of jewelry. Of of course, there will be couples who do not adhere to the traditional approach or who are a bit different.
Parents aren't the only ones who require to be involved.
Just asking your partner if she's interested to get married and putting the engagement ring on her finger? That is not enough in Turkey. Instead, a truly "complete" wedding proposal includes an interview with the bride's parents, in which the groom-to-be requests the parents of his beloved one to accept her hand in marriage together with his parents, who are already aware of the wedding planned. If the ceremony is conducted in a very traditional way even the groom's dad takes on this responsibility.
The small engagement party
The engagement rings are exchanged if both families are in agreement about the wedding. However, this is only possible with couples who do not strictly adhere to the Islamic faith. In this scenario the bride isn't really the groom's wife until the wedding ceremony, but remains a kind of stranger who does not wear an engagement ring. As is the case for us, the lady will wear an engagement ring with a solitaire design as a proposal. After the exchange of the ring, the celebration can begin. Family members are usually invited to attend the visit to the parents and the small engagement party that follows and the celebration is shared with grandparents or aunts and uncles when the engagement ring has been put on the lady's hand (or both partners') in Turkey.
The big engagement celebration
It's time to get big and not small. Up 200 guests is not unusual for a Turkish engagement celebration. Many people prefer to stick to old traditions. What color is the bride's dress? Who is paying for the dress? Who pays for the engagement party? At this time, the proposal rings are exchanged in the presence of all guests. A unique feature is that - if both spouses are wearing a proposal ring - rings that are later to be used as wedding rings are frequently used. People often spend more money on engagement rings because of this. There are no additional expenses for the wedding rings. After the "official" part is over the party commences - usually extravagantly late into the night.
The engagement ring in Turkey and its meaning
In Turkey unlike Germany or the USA, and many other western countries, engagement rings have a completely different significance. In Muslim countries, it's a symbol for love and unity between two individuals with no religious significance. Depending on the degree of religion and the interpretation of the Koran by the imam, couples might opt to not wear a ring at the proposal or even at their wedding. This tradition of religion is based on the belief that wearing a ring out in the open indicates that the couple isn't an Muslim. For instance in the case of a proposal ring, if it is considered to be a present from the man, the woman can wear the ring and display 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 proposal ring it is placed on the left ring finger, as in Germany. After the wedding, it could be worn on the right ring as an additional ring to the wedding ring.
No gold for religious men
If an engagement is arranged in Turkey in Turkey, if 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 gold jewelry, as the precious metal is equated with excessive luxury that should be avoided for religious reasons. Most couples, if religious, will choose rings made of silver or platinum. It's debatable whether platinum isn't an even greater luxury. If the woman wears only the ring, it could be made of gold in any alloy she wishes to use. Women are permitted to wear jewelry of any kind, and they do so often.
Beautiful custom
The ring used to propose in Turkey is typically purchased by the groom's family members - then of course a secret promise of marriage between two people is not feasible and the nature of the religion must permit the rings to be worn. If you choose to wear rings on both hands, a beautiful ribbon will be used to link the two rings. The ribbon will be cut at the wedding reception. This is after the exchange of rings, if both partners already have the rings on their fingers. The proposal rings acquire a new meaning, namely the bond between man & woman, which is sworn by the parents as well as the family members and friends who attend the party.
In Conclusion - the engagement ring in Turkey
Although it isn't used by every couple, or even every bride-to-be the ring for a proposal is still a tradition in Turkey. Although it is often rejected by strict Muslims and other religious groups, it is an integral part in many wedding ceremonies. Wedding rings are frequently used as engagement rings and are worth a larger investment. Women can wear gold jewelry as they like, whereas religious men aren't allowed to do so. If a couple decides to propose with a ring, it is placed on the left hand, according to the tradition in Germany and is worn on the right hand as a ring ring alongside the wedding ring following the wedding. It can also adorn the left ring finger - if the new wife prefers this.