St. Eligius as a goldsmith showing a ring to the engaged couple 1449

Petrus Christus painted Saint Eligius as a goldsmith showing a ring to the engaged couple in the 15th century. The ring, presented by Eligius, is more than a symbol of betrothal, it embodies a sacred promise. Consider its continuous form, which has echoed through time from ancient talismans to modern wedding bands. In ancient Rome, rings were symbols of ownership, evolving into emblems of marital fidelity. This symbol resonates across cultures, linking unions with unbreakable bonds. Even today, we give and receive rings, often without contemplating the deep cultural currents that imbue these metal bands with a profound, almost subconscious significance. Each ring carries the weight of vows, hopes, and the enduring human need for connection.