Did you know that engagements began centuries ago as announcements in church? A couple who planned to wed had to submit this information to clergy, and the announcement was made so that if there were “impediments” that might keep the marriage from occurring, these issues could be made known in advance. This way, issues could be resolved before the day of the marriage.
Engagement rings likely became popular after a Roman emperor gave his beloved a diamond ring for her engagement present. The engagement ring is worn on the right hand, on the ring finger, which is next to the pinky. This is a European tradition also thought to have been borrowed from the Romans. Later, the wedding band is also placed on the same finger.
There are different traditions and ideas surrounding becoming engaged, and even today some families announce intended marriages. While the engagement may be announced in church, betrothals are often announced to the entire community as well, through ads in newspapers or by being formally announced at an engagement party.
Technically, the word betrothal differs from the term engagement although in this day and age they are frequent used interchangeably. Becoming betrothed was a term that described marriages that were arranged by families, which were agreements between both families rather than simply between the bride and the groom.
The length of the engagement varies, and it may be weeks, months, or even years long. Some people spend a great deal of time being engaged and getting to know one another before marriage. Others get married quickly. Today, engagement may not be formal at all. Once a woman says yes to a proposal and accepts the ring, the engagement begins. There is no set timeframe, and the couple will select a wedding date in their own time. In the interim, the two are promised to each other exclusively.