National Proposal Day is here! Whether or not you’re planning to propose marriage on that date, it is a time for reflection on the idea of marriage and, just maybe, a good reminder to start planning your own proposal. To help you with your cogitation, we’ve put together a few fun engagement facts.
Photo by Petronella Photography
The date of March 20 was chosen for Proposal Day because it falls on the Vernal Equinox, the day when day and night are equal in length. This symbolizes the equality of two partners in a relationships, and the way their differences complement each other.
The use of an engagement ring dates from ancient Judaic culture, where tradition demanded a valuable gift, and rings were often chosen. However, these rings were more likely to be nose rings than finger rings!
Ancient Romans exchanged rings as tokens of love, and it is from them that we inherited the tradition of the ‘ring finger’. It was believed that the ‘vein of love’ ran through the fourth finger, and so rings that were romantic gifts were often worn there.
In some cultures, a different gift was given to signify a proposal. In Wales, a hand-carved wooden spoon was given to the woman in question, and if she accepted, she would tie a ribbon around the spoon. Elsewhere, a young man would present a pair of gloves to his intended, who would wear then to church to signify her acceptance.
Diamond engagement rings were extremely uncommon until the 1930s, when aggressive marketing from the De Beers diamond cartel created a new worldwide tradition.
Throughout Western culture, it has traditionally been the man who proposes. However, there is one exception to this rule- in a leap year, February 29 was traditionally the only day on which a woman could propose. If the brave woman was refused, the man was expected to buy her enough fabric to make a new skirt.
Are you ready to start planning your proposal? Contact the Heart Bandits. We can help you navigate all of the trials and traditions of a marriage proposal, and make sure that your proposal is perfect for you and your sweetheart.
Michele