NEW OBSESSION ALERT!!!!
Two words: Posy Ring……..
POSIE RING….. POSY RING…. POESY RING…. POÉSIE RING…… The spelling may differ, but the meaning is the same….. poetry, poem or short rhyme. These were rings engraved with a secret message, unique saying, declaration or personal sentiment of significance.
Seriously, I love all things Medieval…I love the clothing, the jewelry, the architecture and the music from this period of time. Why am I just hearing about these rings only now? How can that be? I’m completely immersing myself into this one.
Posy Rings were gifts of love and friendship given during the Middle Ages, a period in Europe from approximately the 5th to 15th centuries. Oftentimes, there were religious elements to these rings—-saints, crosses—- and served not only as a token of affection, but also of a talisman of sorts.
Can it get ANY better than this?!?!?
Initially, the inscriptions were located on the outside of the band. Over the years, the inscriptions were found on the inside of the band, just as we typically see today. Written in Latin, French or English, most of those who were commissioning these gifts were affluent and well educated and could read and write in each of these languages. The most popular style of engraving was using The Lombardic lettering style as well as Gothic script.
Typical examples to be inscribed on these tokens of affection:
“A Loving Wife During Life”
“Be True In Heart”
“Content Is A Treasure”
“En Mi Marie”
“God Made Us Two One”
“Harbor The Harmless Heart”
“I Do Intend To Remember My Friend”
“I Live In Hope”
“In Christ And Thee My Comfort Be”
“In Thee I Find Content Of Mind”
“Let Us Share In Joy And Care”
“Live And Love Happy”
“My Heart Is Thine”
“No Heart More True Than Mine To You”
“True Love Is Endless”
“United Hearts Death Only Parts”
“You And I Will Lovers Die”
How sweet and sentimental it would be to bring this custom back? I have completed several wedding bands engraved with initials, dates or a favorite bible verse. But I think these Posy Rings are even more special. Why NOT gift a friend or loved one with a simple, yet very thoughtful piece of jewelry which holds a great deal of meaning?
I adore tokens of affection….gifts between lovers where only the two of them understand the meaning behind the statement. I believe in love and the deep connection that exists when you find your other half. Count your blessings that you have someone in your life who instills that emotion. And if you do not have that person in your life right now, continue the search….that person is out there waiting to find you too. Let that friend, family member or love know that they mean the world to you. Give the gift of jewelry. Gift them a Posy Ring. Sometimes customs from long, long ago still hold true. I think this one needs to continue.
——- XO, Leslie