When it comes to popular symbols of marriage, one cannot look past the wedding ring. The wedding ring serves as a perfect symbol of everlasting love—a ring is a circle and thus has no beginning or end, representing the never-ending union of marriage. Wedding rings have long and rich histories.
Evidence suggests that wedding rings were used in ancient Egypt around 6,000 years ago. However unlike the metals and gemstones used today, they were crafted from materials such as reeds, leather, or bone. In the centuries that followed, the wedding ring tradition was picked up in the West, where it spread first in ancient Rome and Greece, subsequently throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, and eventually to Eastern cultures. Throughout history, the circular shape of the ring has endured, and so has the tradition of wearing it on the fourth finger of the left hand. The latter practice stemmed from an ancient belief that a vein ran directly from this finger to the heart. Although this belief has since been debunked, the custom has persisted.
Regarding customs surrounding wedding rings, there was a time when only the bride wore a wedding ring. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the practice of grooms wearing rings gained popularity. This change was influenced by soldiers going off to war, who wore rings as reminders of their loved ones waiting for them at home. Today, the exchange of wedding rings remains an integral part of the wedding ceremony, symbolizing the commitment and love shared between two individuals embarking on a life together.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
照片: Shutterstock 提供
Wedding rings hold a symbolic significance that binds the two members of a married couple. In an ever-changing world, the wedding ring stands as an ancient tradition that is likely to continue for generations to come, reflecting the timeless and eternal love celebrated through marriage.
提到普遍的婚姻象徵，我們不能忽視婚戒。婚戒是永恆之愛的完美象徵—戒指是圓形的，因此沒有起點或終點，代表著永誌不渝的婚姻結合。婚戒擁有淵遠豐富的歷史。
證據顯示，婚戒在約六千年前就在古埃及使用了。然而，不像現今使用的金屬和寶石，當時的戒指是由像是蘆葦、皮革或骨頭等材料製成。在接下來的幾個世紀中，婚戒的傳統被引入西方，最先傳到古羅馬和希臘，接著在中世紀時期傳遍歐洲，最終傳入東方文化。綜觀歷史，戒指圓形的形狀一直持續存在，將它戴在左手無名指上的傳統也是。後者這項做法是來自於一個古老信仰 —有條靜脈從這隻手指直接連接到心臟。雖然這個信仰已經被證實是錯誤的了，但這個習俗仍傳了下來。
有關婚戒的習俗，曾有段時間只有新娘會戴婚戒。一直到二十世紀初，新郎戴婚戒的慣例才開始流行起來。這個改變是受到離家參戰的士兵所影響，他們戴著戒指，作為他們摯愛在家等著他們回去的提醒物。今日，交換婚戒在婚禮儀式中仍是必不可少的一部分，象徵著兩個即將一同展開生命旅程的人共享的承諾與愛。
婚戒有著象徵意義，將結了婚的兩名成員繫在一起。在不斷改變的世界中，婚戒作為古老傳統，很可能在未來的幾個世代中繼續流傳，反映出透過婚姻來頌揚的永恆不渝的愛。
What Did You Learn?
1. What is the main reason wedding rings are considered symbols of marriage?
(A) They are made of precious materials.
(B) They have profound histories.
(C) They are worn on left hands.
(D) They form a circle.
2. According to the passage, what is an example of a common myth instead of a fact?
(A) Women were wearing wedding rings long before men were.
(B) One finger on the left hand contains a vein leading to the heart.
(C) Both ancient Romans and Egyptians wore the ring on the same finger.
(D) The wedding ring tradition began in Egypt thousands of years ago.
3. Which of the following aspects of a wedding ring is NOT discussed in the passage?
(A) How the tradition of it spread around the world.
(B) What couples do with their wedding rings.
(C) How to choose suitable wedding rings.
(D) Materials used to make early rings.
4. How does the author feel about the tradition of wedding rings?
(A) It will most likely last forever.
(B) It has already fallen out of date.
(C) It should be taken more seriously.
(D) It holds no significance in modern society.
參考答案
1. D 2. B 3. C 4. A
Word in Use
1. evolution n. 發展；演變
The 20th century witnessed the evolution of computer technology.
二十世紀見證了電腦科技的進展。
2. craft vt. 用手工製作
Stephanie crafted these beautiful dolls by hand.
史黛芬妮用手工精心製作出這些美麗的娃娃。
3. subsequently adv. 接著；後來
John lost his job and subsequently did some odd jobs for around six months.
約翰失業了，之後約有六個月時間都靠打零工過活。
4. circular a. 圓形的，環形的
The circular motion of the merry-go-round made Jerry sick.
旋轉木馬的旋轉使傑瑞想吐。
5. endure vi. 持續存在
Their friendship has endured for over 50 years.
他們的友誼維持了五十多年。
Practical Phrases
1. look past... 忽視……
The team decided to look past the initial setback and focus on finding solutions.
這個團隊決定忽視一開始的挫折，並專注在找到解方。
2. serve as... 作……用，充當……
This big box can serve as a temporary bed for the dog.
這個大紙箱可以暫時充當狗狗的床。
3. pick up... / pick... up
引入∕採納……（傳統、事物等）
Yoga was picked up by Western societies and became popular for its health benefits.
瑜珈被引進西方社會，且因其健康益處而廣受歡迎。
4. stem from... 源於∕起因於……
The increased crime rate stems from a reduction in the police force.
犯罪率的節節高升起因於警力的縮減。
5. go off 離開
Sam went off in such a hurry that he forgot his car keys.
山姆匆忙離開以致於忘了拿車子的鑰匙。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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