Relationships:The wedding ring saga

One seemingly imperfect part about Prince William and Kate Middleton’s fairly tale wedding was when William chose not to wear a wedding ring.

Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Wearing a wedding band is a symbol of the marriage commitment. Net photo.

One seemingly imperfect part about Prince William and Kate Middleton’s fairly tale wedding was when William chose not to wear a wedding ring. His reason was simple and clear, and that is, he didn’t fancy wearing jewelry. But who would fall for such an excuse? It is not like he needed a ring to confirm his marriage; everyone in the world watched him get married but that didn’t stop the speculations as to why he didn’t want to wear a ring.Not wearing a wedding ring usually raises suspicion, wild accusations and hysterical thoughts. Most women do not appreciate the fact that many guys, just like Prince William, find wearing a wedding band totally unnecessary. An article titled, "The meaning of a naked finger,” published in The New York Magazine, confirms women’s concerns about men who hate the wedding ring. "Any married woman out there whose husband doesn’t wear his wedding ring should be worried. It’s never a harmless act,” quotes the article.But why the ring? As far as marriage is concerned, the ring carries a significant meaning, with or without any excuses."The ring isn’t something to show off but rather it is a sacred sign of love for the person you are committed to,” says Rachael Uwera, a lady yet to walk down the aisle."The only genuine excuse I would accept for him not wearing that ring would be him not having fingers,” says another lady.Definitely, for a woman, the ring is as important as marriage itself. It’s a sweet souvenir of everlasting love."Maybe he doesn’t like jewelry but the ring should be an exception. He should think of it as medication (something he needs), not some form of luxury,”says Hope Gatera, a married Rwandan woman.Gatera represents many women, and believes that men who do not like wearing wedding rings are most likely up to no good or, are maybe seeking attention or just plain uncomfortable with the whole marriage idea.Seeing a man wearing his wedding ring gives a woman the satisfaction that she is the one and will always be the one. In other words, a ring serves as the visible way of honoring the marriage vows they made.However, some women actually prefer a man’s commitment, sacrifice and dedication towards making a marriage work as opposed to some metallic outward symbol.Would not wearing a ring be a better choice?Well a reasonable number of men and women don’t wear wedding rings but for genuine reasons that have nothing to do with infidelity. "In my religion, it’s a taboo for a man to wear gold. It means you are trying to mimic the fair sex,” says Abdul Gatambira, a staunch Muslim. Seeing as silver is accepted in the Muslim religion for making the male ring, it’s not exactly the most preferred or expensive precious treasure which makes men even more determined not wear a ring. They believe jewelry is a female cliché. "Even before marriage or engagement, women are comfortable wearing rings, earrings, nose rings, name it. Meanwhile, a man with jewelry is always mistaken for someone weird,” Gatambira says. Men, believe that when women never take off their wedding ring, they are doing what they do best; getting dolled up with jewelry! However, do rings prevent cheating anyway?"It doesn’t take one’s marital status to like someone. This generation’s love is centered on many reasons and intended benefits; so a ring is kind of insignificant,” says Michelle Uwera.