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Origins of the wedding ring - Fingers in pagan history - Astrological Finger Rings.Astrology, the belief that the stars influence the destinies of people, was popular among the Chaldeans, the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans, and it has flourished in the Western world even to our time. Until the seventeenth century astrological finger rings were very popular. These rings developed out of the belief that heavenly bodies have a special influence over nations, cities, and individuals. They can affect the personal appearance, temperament, disposition, character, health, and fortune of people. To court the help of the planetary deities, it was important to wear rings formed of the gems and metals assigned to each of the seven planetary gods: "The Sun: a diamond or sapphire set in a ring of gold. The Moon: a crystal in silver ring. Mercury: a ‘magnet’ set in quicksilver. Venus: an amethyst in copper ring. Mars: an emerald in an iron ring. Jupiter: a cornelian set in tin. Saturn: a turquoise set in lead. These various rings set with different precious stones were worn according to the preference of the planetary god whose help was sought. A related development occurred just before the beginning of Christianity, when the Romans adopted from the Jews the seven-day week we use today. Prior to that time the Romans had used an eight-day week, known as numdinum. When the Romans adopted the seven-day week, they decided to name each day of the week after the planet-god which allegedly controlled the day (Sunday for the Sun god, Monday for the Moon god, etc.). The Jewish custom was to designate the days of the week by number (that is, first day, second day, etc.). Looking for diamond engagement rings or ideas on how to propose? Or you have to buy gifts for the groomsmen? Browse this consumers guide to groomsen gift. This belief that each day of the
week was controlled by a planet-god, led to the development of
finger rings set with the stone favored by the planet-god
controlling the day. Wealthy people wore a different ring each day
in accordance to the stone preference of the planet-god controlling
that day. Apollonius of Tyana, a Pythagorean philosopher of the
first century, offers the following list of finger rings set with
different precious stones, to be worn on the proper planetary day of
the week to ensure the favor of celestial influences:
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