25/02/2021
Rings in the Vikings times not only decorated the hands. The rings showed prosperity because everyone could see how much and what kind of jewelry a person wears. In addition rings due to their size were a convenient payment currency, they were often given as gifts. Beautifully made and precious metal made it possible to carry a considerable amount of money “in rings”, which was easy to use while traveling.
Rings were also considered powerful charms. They were carved with patterns with sacred meaning. In Slavic mythology there are references to the fact that evil spirits can pe*****te the body and the soul of a person through vulnerable spots. The hem and sleeves of a dress or a shirt were considered as such spots. Therefore, it was customary to protect the hands very carefully. Rich people could afford silver rings with stones. The poor wore iron ornaments. They believed that iron scares trolls away.
Rings were used more often for funeral implements than other jewelry. This is also because the rings were small and cost less than the torc or temporal rings, which were inherited. However, this is also because the rings protected the soul of the deceased and his body in the grave, frightened off the robbers.
One way or another, but rings are still more popular than many other jewelry. In our workshop there are rings made of iron and copper, made by using traditional medieval techniques.
