Celtic wedding rings are often gorgeously decorated with geometrically knot work patterns that have a long history and central place in Celtic art. These patterns are strongly vegetative, suggesting tendrils and vines. In fact, in much of Celtic art, including famous illuminated Bible, The Book of Kells, these Celtic Knots emerge from or transform into vegetative foliage. The beautiful symmetry of these woven patterns is often not square, rigid, or overly formal, but organic, flowing, and a stylized reflection of curves and spirals found in nature. Indeed, Celtic Knots that embellish wedding rings herald ideas of spring, fertility, and eternal reawakening of life force- all of which bode well for a fruitful life partnership.

Wedding rings have most commonly been worn on third finger of left hand. Speculation has it that this is because Romans believed that a vein ran directly from this finger to heart. An alternate suggestion for this tradition is that each finger on hand is associated with a planet in ancient systems of astrology, and ring finger of left hand was associated with Sun. In this way, wearing of a wedding ring on that finger signifies public proclamation of union in daylight, in other words, conscious and clearly visible world of human community. This correspondence is perhaps even more strongly emphasized by general tendency to craft wedding rings out of gold, which is symbolically metal of Sun throughout folk history and across cultures.

Wedding rings capture full range of ceremonial, symbolic, and communal aspects of marriage, and preserve these many levels of significance as a durable and constant reminder. Ancient yet contemporary, steeped in lore and mystery yet almost universally exchanged, wedding rings combine art of jeweler, reverence of betrothed, and beauty of love and partnership in a single, resonant symbol.

But these are small things compared to permanent relationship of marriage. Yet only requirement in marriage registry is your signature. Nothing else.

However, there are dangers to watch out for just before you append your signature to that marriage certificate. And what are they?

Failed Expectations

People think of marriage as a kind of fiction story where characters "live happily ever after." But it is never so. Because great expectation of your Sleeping Beauty or Prince Charming may turn out to be a bad dream. The love, attention and support that you badly craved before marriage may turn out to be a tale of rejection and disillusion.

Incompatibility

You may also discover after marriage that both of you are poles apart -- with different interests. Those characteristics which were hidden before marriage now becomes manifest. And it becomes a story of "if I had known." (No thanks to mismatch and your beguiling mate!)

Conflict

Your Happy Valley or Fortunate Isles, now turns to be a battlefield of squabbling, fighting, and God forbid -- physical violence. The very sweet words, like honeycombs which were used to win your hand in marriage now become weapons of abuse and "war."

Apathy

It may be that you will one day find yourself saying: "I am no longer interested." And then marriage drags on and on, like a factory worker tolerating a bad job -- to keep body and soul together. And one day, apathy turns to hate, and you find yourself telling your partner that "game" is up!

Money

Do not deceive yourself thinking that money will make you happy. It does opposite, says Paul Getty American millionaire.

Now suppose there is bickering over money in a joint venture? Or suppose your previously rich spouse now suffers financial misfortune? And you who were used to summer holidays in Virgin Islands, and cruising in yachts in Mediterranean now see poverty and hardship staring at you in face? What will you do?

Parenthood

You may find out that love you had for your mate now begins to drop when children start coming in. The reason may be that you no longer have time for each other, or your mate is now getting old. Is it time to sue for divorce?

Deceit

It may vex you to find out that you are living with an infidel, a betrayal of trust, and not a friend and confidant. Now, suppose you find out that your mate lied to you about his or her history before marriage? Or what if you find that your mate was cheating on you -- committing adultery?

Sex

Suppose your partner starts depriving you of sex? Or what if sex, which was supposed for enjoyment now becomes mechanical? Some have even used sex as a bargain tool : Buy me a Swiss gold watch, and I will give you sex!

Some wives have woken up after wedding day to find out that their husbands were impotents, or eunuchs. Husbands have also been told by their wives that they would die if they had sex together. Because they have husbands who satisfy their sexual desires in spirit world! What would you call that?

Superstition

This may also affect your marriage depending on where you live. Barrenness, miscarriages, unseen attacks, deaths and broken marriages have been supposedly caused by wicked spirits. Does this bother you? Maybe not. But know that wicked spirits exist.

In-laws

If you allow your in-laws to intrude into your family, they may ruin your marriage. Both of you are now one, and should be able to solve your marital problems without frequenting your parents, or relations for advice.

Friends

What kinds of associates do you and your mate have? Are they unwholesome friends? They will not help your marriage. Know that bad company can corrupt good manners.

These are some of things may shipwreck a marriage. They may not be case with your family. But know that there is no perfect family on this earth. So there must be one kind of problem or other in your family. Now what are required to make a marriage successful?

To be continued

(EXCERPTED FROM THE BOOK, “SUCCESSFUL DATING AND MARRIAGE.” THIS TEN-CHAPTER BOOK IS AVAILABLE FOR SALE. INTERESTED BUYERS SHOULD CONTACT THE AUTHOR.)

ARTHUR ZULU is an editor, book reviewer, and author of Chasing Shadows! and How to Write a Best-seller. For his works and free helps for writers, goto: http://controversialwriter.tripod.com mailto: controversialwriter@yahoo.com Web search: Arthur Zulu