Africa Rising - African Symbols on African Wedding Rings

To those who have pride in being African and South African, and who are pleased to do so in a quietly elegant way, this finely designed and thought-provoking new range of jewellery will bring pleasure.
No longer the Dark Continent, Africa is rising as a world influence. Amongst other treasures, traditions and icons unique to Africa and South Africa are being revealed
This range orbits about those icons and traditions.
We have used existing icons and,excitingly, visualized and made graphic, ideas that have been in the lives of communities for many years.
From these ideas and visualizations we have created pieces of  jewellery that reflect our quite but deep pride in being African and South African. This piece makes a great African wedding ring.

Symbols on our African wedding ring from the Africa Rising Range

Clay Pot and Fire

 The clay pot and fire symbol represents food and warmth and the comforts of home. These are shared equally by all. The symbol reminds us of other things like emotion, bad times and good times that must also be shared in life. The upside-down pot shows generosity in giving and sharing. Chores and  unhappiness become easier when shared. Helping another bear misfortune is also part of sharing.

Joy also. Like love, joy does not get smaller when it is shared. It expands. Creating a safe and comfortable place and sharing it with happiness is one of the reasons why people unite.

DRUM

The drum is a potent symbol for communication. The need to be understood by others is great and most of us try quite hard to be sure that everybody  understands what we mean or what we want. This symbol reminds us that we need to try equally hard to understand what other people mean or what they want.

Successful communication leads to greater understanding, which leads to a lessening of tensions and a reduction of  conflict. The bold sound of the drum, hiding no secrets, reminds us that we are aiming to be a transparent nation.

 Successful communication means talking with sensitivity to the other and also actually listening to what is said by that other. Sympathetic understanding of a partner’s ideas and emotions contributes importantly to a good relationship.

ODO NYERA FIE KWAN

LOVE DOES NOT GET LOST ON ITS WAY HOME.

 Adrinka motif – Ashanti - Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana

The meaning of the symbol: “Love lights its own path; it never gets lost on its way home.”

Love, in its broad sense, is part of the fabric of positive human conduct. It is that extraordinary quality demonstrated by people like Mother Theresa and Nelson Mandela. This is a symbol of love, devotion and faithfulness.

All these are essential elements of a loving union.

BOMA AND OX HORNS

 Shaka’s battle formation included positioning his warriors in the form of ox horns. These would then move inwards, enclosing the enemy. This required planning, responsibility and trust.

All had to play their parts and also had to depend on others.

The thorny boma represents protection and security. Also, it talks of our duty to protect the vulnerable. These are all aspect of caring and successful living. The focus of these symbols is not on attack, but rather on the qualities of vigilance,  responsibility, trust, protection and security that are all essential to a commitment to another.

OSRAM NE NSROMMA - THE MOON AND THE STARS

 Adrinka motif – Ashanti - Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana

 The meaning of the symbol: “Kyekye, the North Pole star, has a deep love for marriage. She is always in the sky waiting for the return of the moon, her husband”.

This is a symbol of the feminine essence of life. It is an appropriate symbol in our society that is striving for gender  balances. The symbol focuses on qualities of love, harmony and fondness. These are important aspects of a relationship that need to be shown by both partners.

GYE NYAME - EXCEPT GOD

Adrinka motif – Ashanti - Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana

 The meaning of the symbol: “Creation dates back to time Immemorial; no one lives who saw its beginning and no one will live to see its end - except God.”

The use of the symbol is widespread in West Africa. It applies to all beliefs in which God, in many different concepts, is paramount. Individuals and societies seem to have a need for God. This aptly symbolises that need. Gye Nyame suggests infinity. This is a wonderful thought when linked to love and one that applies to many relationships.

SHIELD AND SPEARS

This is a strong symbol relating to protection. The hide shield and wooden shafted spear are traditional and have been well publicised in other countries.

The shield and spears symbol represent protection against forces that are harmful or dangerous. The in-turned spears show that while aggression will not be flaunted; there is power if needed.

In the context of a relationship, it refers to protecting its unity, also the family and the home. It denotes a preparedness to fight for your partner and your values.

MIELIE

Anything that is of value and that is growing needs to be nurtured. This is obvious with things like crops or flowers but less obvious with things like plans, ideals or ambitions, which also grow and develop. Many aspects of society, like social conscience for example, are slow to develop and need to be nurtured. Such nurturing requires patience, care, attention and understanding. Certain aspects of life, like good relationships and a good marriage require a considerable amount of sustained nurturing if they are to remain vital and satisfying. The mielie symbol represents this need for nurturing.

african aymbols, african mythology, symbolism, africa rising, african ring, african wedding, symbols meaning,