Til Death do us part....

What does that mean exactly 'til death do us part?'   It means you will be with someone until the end of time, yours or theirs.  What does that mean in today's society?  It means 'until I'm sick of you', 'until you don't do what I want anymore', 'until i have no need for you', or even ' until I find something better or makes me feel better.'  I may be a bit old fashion, but I don't think some people understand what it means to work at something.  I think I remember there being a saying about something being worth it if you had to work hard for it, but I can't remember exactly how it goes.

I recently became a bit curious about weddings and their origins.  Through many articles I understand that due to religion and the beginning of Adam and Eve we are to unite in pairs.  Most commonly marriage was a union for reproduction or creation that was sealed with a kiss as if in a contract from one spouse to another.  Each culture differs from one to the next including arranged marriages, dowries, and other traditions. One tradition that changes slightly through the cultures yet remains the same is the rings.

The ring is the most famous wedding symbol and the most common. In early times in North Africa along the river Nile the fist rings were once fashioned.  Most commonly made from papyrus and either twisted or braided together to form a circle.  Not only is the ring itself a symbol of marriage as are the parts of the ring.  For instance, the circle that a ring is shaped in is to symbolize that of time as in eternity.  By putting on this ring you are accepting the promise that follows '...til death do us part.'  The middle to which your finger enters through the ring is a symbol for the gateway or door to which you are entering marriage, a new life. During the ceremony the ring is then put on the third finger on the left hand more popularly know as 'the ring finger.'  It was once believed that this finger was directly connected to the heart through a vein or artery thus sealing the promise to love.

Many superstitions evolved through the years concerning marriage, more specifically the ring.  I believe that 'the ring' is in fact the MOST important part of the wedding.  It is a promise to love, it is a reminder (like if you were to tie a string on your finger) of a commitment, it is  a privileged gateway to be with your spouse, and unfortunately to most these days....is decoration.  Think how many out there have commited to removing this emblem.  I was taught that once you make a promise you stick to it.  I guess I can't understand how something so eternal could have an end.