Most people know that a wedding ring is symbolic of the bond of love and commitment between two people. But not everyone knows about the history behind this small yet powerful symbol. The history of the wedding ring goes back not just hundreds but thousands of years. No other currently practiced wedding tradition has been around as long.
The Egyptians were the first recorded civilization to use the wedding ring. In Egyptian hieroglyphics（象形文字）, a circle represented eternity because there's no beginning and no end. Once a woman accepted the ring she became the “property” of the person who gave it to her and she was in a sense “his”. The first wedding ring could have been made of braided grass or hay （which would have been changed often）, ivory, bone, or leather. Eventually, metal was used, but the first wedding bands were in the completely natural state and rough. However, the wedding rings always expressed the same eternal and lasting love.
The Egyptians wore the wedding ring on the left hand because it was believed that a vein(静脉) in the left hand went straight to the heart. This tradition is still commonly practiced today in most parts of the world largely for practical purposes（most people are right handed）. It is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. But there are some countries and groups which do not follow this tradition. In the Jewish faith, the wedding ring is put on the index finger. Roman Catholics traditionally wore their wedding band on the right hand, and in many countries and regions in Europe some people still follow this tradition.
It is interesting to note that in the long history of the wedding ring, it is only in the last century that men began to wear them. However, now both men and women show their love and commitment by exchanging rings on their wedding day.
Once you begin shopping for rings you may be amazed by the choices that await you. There are several different types of metals: traditional gold, white gold, platinum, and titanium. You can have an inscription put on the inside of the band if you like. Some people are even choosing a tattoo band. The styles vary from a simple yet elegant band to an elaborate (精巧的) ring covered with jewels. If you do not buy the wedding and engagement rings as a set, you will want to be sure the styles can match perfectly. Choose carefully because this choice will need to stand the test of eternity.
1. What’s the best title for this passage?
A. History of rings.                B. Interesting facts about rings.
C. Different beliefs about rings.      D. The meaning of the rings.
2. What may the word “eternity” in paragraph 2 probably mean?
A. Elegance           B. Marriage      C. Wedding  D. Foreverness
3. Which is NOT true according to the passage?
A. The meaning of the rings remained unchanged.
B. Jewish are so faithful to their beliefs to wear rings on the fourth finger.
C. One should be careful of choosing a ring in a shop from different kinds.
D. Now most people in the world still follow Roman Catholics traditionally.
4. What can we infer from the passage?
A. Men were looked down upon by women for thousands years.
B. Only women have the right to make themselves beautiful.
C. Women wore rings thousands of years earlier than men.
D. You can have an inscription put on the inside the band.