Ever heard of Mourning Rings? Not morning rings but mourning rings……. memorial rings given to commemorate a deceased relative, close friend or historical figure.
Do a search on Google Images and you’ll see hundreds of different Mourning Rings (some are for sale).
The concept of giving Mourning Rings has been identified back to the 15th century and continuing until the peak of the idea in the 18th century. In medieval times, it became customary to remember a departed loved one with a plain hoop ring engraved or enameled with the initials of the deceased along with the death date. As years past, the design changed; they became more and more detailed and fancy.
The will of William Shakespeare (in 1616) mentions that sums of money are bequeathed to several friends to buy them golden rings. Between 1687 and 1725, Judge Samuel Sewall of Salem, Massachusetts, was given 57 mourning rings. (He had been quite involved with the Salem Witch Trials and no doubt many wished to keep on his good side.
Do you have a family mourning ring? Have you ever found mention of one in your family’s papers? Care to share the story?
Donna, aka Mother Hen, until next peek.