Ring "Save and Save" of silver
The phrase "Save and Save" is not just a combination of words. This is a prayer that believers turn to the Most High with a request to protect them from misfortune and to give salvation to the soul. It is believed that these words are invisible divine power, bestowing grace. Therefore, it is not surprising that this appeal can be seen on various church paraphernalia (crosses, icons, etc.).
Including in the everyday life of Orthodox Christians a ring appeared with the engraving "Save and Preserve." And believers treat him not as a stylish decoration, but as a powerful amulet that can protect its owner from the negative effects of dark forces. Of course, to wear such a ring, you need the right to it. Only a baptized Orthodox Christian can become the owner of a talisman.
Some are convinced that only a pectoral cross, an amulet or a medallion with an image of an icon, is a shrine that can claim a protective function, and the ring is most likely worn as an additional symbol of belonging to Orthodox culture. In order to understand how justified is the assignment of this ornament to Christian traditions, let us plunge into the biblical story.
A bit of history
For the first time about the mention of the ring we find in Genesis, 41 chapters, 41,42 verses, which tells about Joseph - a Jewish youth who won the favor of the Egyptian pharaoh and received a gift with a precious ring with a seal. It should be noted that in ancient Egypt, the gold ring was a symbol of power, and its noble grandees wore it. Orders and resolutions of the rulers were sealed with seals with the help of a ring that belonged to the rulers. Thus, thanks to Joseph, the Jews accepted the tradition of wearing rings as a sign of special status.
Full of secret meaning and figurative meaning of this decoration. We read about this in the book of Jeremiah 22:24, which speaks of the Judean king Jehooni, who, although in a negative way, was still compared with the ring on the right hand of God. This biblical passage tells us how much importance was attached to the ring on the right hand at that time. During his earthly ministry, Jesus Christ told the people a parable about the prodigal son who returned to his father after disgraceful wanderings. The father’s command was to bring the best clothes and shoes to his son and put an expensive ring on his hand (Luke 15:22). This testified to the love of the father for the prodigal son, as well as the recognition of his personal dignity. And besides this, such a gesture spoke of the return of the status of a full member of the family to a young man.
These and other biblical examples prove the validity of using the ring as an Orthodox paraphernalia. Thus, it follows that the theme of the ring as a religious attribute is fully justified. To us a ring with the inscription "Save and Save" came from Byzantium. At first it was available only to pilgrims and residents of monasteries. However, later it began to be found in church stores, and later in jewelry stores.
How to wear
There are no strict canons for the use of this symbol of faith. However, the clergy give some recommendations on this topic.
- Both men and women can wear a ring. Accordingly, distinguish both male and female models of this attribute.
- If the ring is worn as a protective amulet, then it is desirable that the inscription be turned "from itself". If it is a symbol of spiritual affiliation, then the ring should be turned over so that the phrase is addressed to the owner, and he can read it.
- In view of the fact that there is a clear tradition in Orthodoxy to be baptized with a double-peppered one, it is recommended to wear a ring charm on an average, index or thumb.However, it is not critical if a person puts it on a nameless or pinky.
- If such a ring is chosen by the spouses as an engagement ring, then it should be worn on the finger that the priest put on it during the wedding.
- The clergy remind that it is important to understand that the ring is a symbol of faith, and it is unreasonable to treat it as a consumer. In addition, we must understand that God saves, not a ring or a cross.
- It is better to buy the ring directly in the temple or church shop, and you should definitely clarify whether it is consecrated or not. If this jewelry was bought in a jewelry store or made to order, then it should be taken to the temple for its consecration. Without consecration, the ring will be just an ornament that does not carry any spiritual meaning.
- You should also pay attention to the metal from which the ring is made. Silver items are in priority, because silver is considered to be a powerful neutralizer of any negative energies. Silver water is enriched with holy water, which is attributed to truly magical properties. Therefore, the cult ring of silver will be for its owner a talisman that protects against the effects of negative energies. However, it is not forbidden to wear such jewelry from other metals, for example, from gold or platinum.
- Like any amulet or talisman, this thing must be strictly individual. It is not recommended to give it to someone else’s hands, let alone to put it on. If you want to present such a ring as a gift to someone, it must be new, and not with your or someone’s hand.
Types and design
In addition to the narrow classic ringlet today there are a variety of design options for this jewelry. In antiquity, the first Christians wore rings with the XP monogram as a sign of their belonging to this religious movement. The Vatican Museum houses a whole stand with rings of a similar pattern. Such design does not lose its relevance even now. In addition to the letters XP on the outer part may be an image of the cross, the face of a saint or any other Orthodox symbol.
Very often there are rings with the engraving "Save and Save" on the inside of it. This is suitable for those who are not in a hurry to advertise their belonging to a religion, as well as to those people who are convinced that a relationship with God is a strictly individual issue that does not require its removal to public.
Often you can find rings decorated with stones, as well as inserts of other metals. Such design gives the product a bit of luxury and individuality. Attitude to this kind of scenery for many followers of Orthodoxy is different. Some argue that this is unnecessary and even unacceptable, and some do not see anything reprehensible in this. Of course, the choice remains for the potential acquirer.
Very original look ring with a cut inscription. This gives the jewelry a combination of simplicity and creativity. Only you should remember that it will be more fragile than monolithic, and not suitable for everyday wear.
With such an engraving there are also rings and compound rings.
Whatever type you choose, remember that first of all it is a symbol of faith, a sign of belonging to the Orthodox Church, therefore you need to treat it accordingly.