Ring "Save and Preserve" in silver

The phrase "Save and save" is not just a combination of words. This is a prayer that believers turn to the Almighty with a request to protect them from misfortunes and grant the salvation of the soul. It is believed that these words contain an invisible divine power that bestows 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 with the engraving "Save and save" appeared. And believers treat it 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 do so. Only a baptized Orthodox Christian can become the owner of the amulet.

Some are convinced that only a pectoral cross, an amulet or a medallion with the image of an icon are a shrine that can claim to be a protective function, and the ring is rather worn as an additional symbol of belonging to Orthodox culture. To understand how justified the attribution of this jewelry to Christian traditions, let's plunge into the biblical story.

For the first time we meet the mention of the ring in the book of Genesis, chapter 41, verses 41.42, which tells about Joseph, a Jewish youth who won the favor of the Egyptian pharaoh and received a precious ring with a seal as a gift.It should be noted that in ancient Egypt, the golden ring was a symbol of power, and it was worn by noble nobles. The orders and resolutions of the rulers were sealed with a ring that belonged to those same rulers. Thus, thanks to Joseph, the Jews adopted the tradition of wearing rings as a sign of special position.

Full of secret meaning and figurative meaning of this decoration. We read about this in the book of the prophet Jeremiah 22:24, which refers to the Jewish king Jeconiah, who, although in a negative way, was still compared to 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 the parable of the prodigal son who returned to his father after inglorious wanderings. The father's command was to bring his son the best clothes, shoes, and put an expensive ring on his hand (Luke 15:22). This testified to the father's love for the prodigal son, as well as to the recognition of his personal dignity. And besides this, such a gesture spoke of the return to the young man of the status of a full member of the family.

These and other biblical examples prove the legitimacy of using the ring as an Orthodox paraphernalia. Thus, it follows that the theme of the ring as a religious attribute is quite justified. The ring with the inscription "Save and Save" came to us from Byzantium. At first it was available only to pilgrims and residents of monasteries. However, later it began to be found in church shops, and then in jewelry stores.

There are no strict canons on the use of this creed. However, the clergy give some recommendations on this topic.

• The ring can be worn by both men and women.Accordingly, both male and female models of this attribute are distinguished.
• If the ring is worn as a protective amulet, then it is desirable that the inscription be turned away from oneself. If this is a symbol of spiritual belonging, 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 in Orthodoxy there is a clear tradition of being baptized with three fingers, it is recommended to wear the amulet ring on the middle, index or thumb. However, it is not critical if a person puts it on the ring or little finger.
• If such a ring is chosen by the spouses as an engagement ring, then it must be worn on the finger on which the priest put it on 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, one must understand that God saves, and not a ring or a cross.
• It is better to purchase a ring directly in a temple or a 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 must 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 products are a priority, since silver is considered a powerful neutralizer of any negative energies. Holy water is enriched with silver ions, to which truly magical properties are attributed. Therefore, a cult silver ring will be a talisman for its owner, protecting from the effects of negative energies. However, it is not forbidden to wear such jewelry made of other metals, such as gold or platinum.
• Like any amulet or talisman, this thing must be strictly individual. It is not recommended to give it into the hands of someone else, and even more so to allow it to be worn. If you want to present such a ring as a gift to someone, it must be new, and not from your or someone else's hand.

In addition to the narrow classic ring, today there are various design options for this jewelry. In ancient times, the first Christians wore rings with the XP monogram as a sign of their belonging to this religious movement. The Vatican Museum has a whole stand with rings of a similar pattern. This design does not lose its relevance even now. In addition to the letters ХР, on the outer part there may be an image of a cross, the face of a saint, or any other Orthodox symbol.

Very often there are rings with the engraving "Save and Save" on its inner part. This is suitable for those who are in no hurry to advertise their religious affiliation, as well as those people who are convinced that the relationship with God is a strictly individual matter that does not require it to be made public.

Often you can find rings decorated with stones, as well as with inserts from other metals. This design gives the product a bit of luxury and individuality. Many followers of Orthodoxy have a different attitude towards this type of decoration. Someone argues that this is unnecessary and even unacceptable, and some do not see anything reprehensible in this. Of course, the choice is up to the potential buyer.

Rings with a cut-out inscription look very original. This gives the decoration a combination of simplicity and creativity. It should only be remembered that it will be more fragile than a monolithic one, and not everyone is suitable for everyday wear.

Whatever type you choose, remember that first of all it is a symbol of faith, a sign of belonging to the Orthodox Church, so you need to handle it accordingly.