Couple Promise Rings Set in Turkey
What does it mean, and how to wear?
The hand that the engagement ring will be worn on is not binding nor the same in all countries. In Turkey, where an engagement is celebrated with a celebration and is an act of celebration that is important to the couple and the families The ring is put on the left hand finger as it is done in Germany. We will explain what engagement means in Turkey and what function the rings play and how it is worn. Continue reading Wedding proposal in Turkey and wedding in Turkey.
An event with great significance
In Germany the engagement ceremony is a romantic affair that takes place only between two individuals. It is not celebrated with family and friends. In Turkey it is a very different story. In the country of the Bosporus the proposal to marry is a long-standing tradition that is associated with many rituals and celebrations. There is nothing wrong with a modern marriage vow in Turkey in the present, and the bride and groom may have a private ceremony. Once the marriage proposal has been accepted the traditional wedding celebrations begin. The traditional celebrations include the dazzling engagement ring. However certain couples are religious and don't wear this piece of jewelry. There are always exceptions and couples who stick to an established method or are different in their approach.
Not without the parents
Asking your spouse if she would like to get married and placing the engagement ring on her finger? That is not enough in Turkey. In fact, a "complete" marriage proposal also includes a meeting with the bride's parents in which the groom-to-be requests his parents to offer her hand in marriage with his parents who have already been informed of the wedding plans. If it's done in a traditional manner the groom's father could even assume the role.
The small-scale engagement party
The engagement rings can be exchanged if both families are in agreement on the marriage. This is only applicable to couples who don't adhere to the strict rules of the Islamic religion. The bride is not the groom's real wife until the day they tie the knot and are still a stranger wearing rings. As with us, the bride wears the solitaire ring to mark the proposal. After the exchange of rings it is time to begin the celebration to acknowledge the engagement as sealed. In Turkey the other members of the family are invited to the visit of the parents and to the small engagement celebration that follows. The celebration is also held with grandparents, aunts and uncles, if the engagement rings are placed on the hands of the bride (or both partners).
The big engagement celebration
It's time to go all out, not small: up 200 guests aren't uncommon at the Turkish engagement party. Also, in Turkey, people like to stick to the traditional customs of the past. What color is her dress? Who pays for it? Who will pay for the wedding reception? At the time of the celebration, the rings are exchanged before the entire audience. The most unique thing is that if both spouses are wearing a proposal ring - rings that are later to be used as wedding rings are typically used. It is common for people to spend more on engagement rings due to this. After all, there are no additional costs to the wedding rings. After the "official" part of the wedding ceremony is finished the party begins typically with a lavish party that continues into the evening.
The significance of the engagement ring and of the ring itself in Turkey
In contrast to Germany, the USA and many other western-oriented countries the engagement ring holds a completely different meaning in Turkey. While for us, it's an expression of love and solidarity each other without any significance for religion, in the Muslim country, it carries a strong connection to the religion. Based on how religious a couple is and how the Koran is interpret by the imam responsible and the imam responsible for the marriage, a couple could not just choose to skip the ring to propose or wedding ring, but also wedding rings. This religious custom is based on the belief that wearing a ring out in the open indicates that the couple isn't an Muslim. If a woman believes the ring that was presented to her for a proposal was given to her by a man she can wear it and wear it with confidence.
The left hand
The question "On which hand do you wear the engagement ring?" The answer is simple: If a Turkish couple chooses to wear a proposal ring the ring will be worn on the left ring-finger exactly like in Germany. After the wedding, it can be worn on the right ring to add an additional wedding ring.
No gold for religious men
In Turkey where engagement rings are also used as wedding rings, it's common to choose jewellery that isn't made of gold. Men of the Muslim faith cannot wear gold jewelry as the precious metal is associated with extravagant luxury and should be avoided. This is the reason that most couples, at least if they are religious, opt for rings composed of platinum or silver. Whether the latter is not an even greater luxury is a different issue. If the lady only wears the ring, then it can be made of gold in any alloy she wants. Women are allowed to wear jewelry of any kind and they wear it often.
Beautiful custom
The ring that is used for the proposal in Turkey is often bought by the groom's family - then of course a secret promise of marriage between two people is not possible and the beliefs of the religion have to permit the rings to be worn. If you decide that both partners will wear rings and are joined by a gorgeous red ribbon that will be cut at the engagement party. This occurs after the exchange of rings when each partner already has the jewelry on their fingers. The rings that are proposed to become a symbol of love: the intimate relationship between a woman and man, mentally sealed by the parents, as well as the other relatives and friends invited to the party.
In conclusion - the engagement ring in Turkey
While not used by every couple, or at least every bride-to-be it is still a custom in Turkey. While strictly religious Muslims generally do not like it, it is a part of many other couples and plays a crucial role in engagement celebrations. Wedding rings are typically used as engagement rings, and therefore are worth more. Women can wear gold jewelry as they want, but religious men aren't allowed to do so. If you and your partner decide to propose using a ring, it is worn on the left hand as is customary in Germany and is worn on the right hand as a ring ring along with the wedding band following the wedding. The ring can also embellish the left ring finger in the event that the bride prefers that.