When should a widow[er] take of the wedding ring?

[Greektim]

I saw someone I respect deal with this issue (recent widower). Since death ends the marriage, then how long should one hang on to that marriage. I don't mean to be insensitive. Certainly there is a time to grief. I'm just wondering if a person should eventually take off the ring. Υou can't put an exact time on it. But you can say that it should or should not happen, right?

 

[Jkdbuck76]

I'll ask Mom. She has been widowed twice.

 

[Zenas]

I saw someone I respect deal with this issue (recent widower). Since death ends the marriage, then how long should one hang on to that marriage. I don't mean to be insensitive. Certainly there is a time to grief. I'm just wondering if a person should eventually take off the ring. Υou can't put an exact time on it. But you can say that it should or should not happen, right?

It's a ring, a piece of jewelry. Some may take it off when their spouse draws his or her last breath; others may continue to wear it the rest of their lives. There is no right or wrong time to take off a wedding ring. It's like asking how many consecutive days is proper to wear a blue shirt.

 

[Tom Butler]

My wife was fatally injured in a car-truck accident in 1991. That was July. Finally, I took off the ring in December. In between, I was still dealing with the devastating loss, and I could not bear to take it off because such a move represented a finality that I didn't want to deal with.

There is no set length of time. It's all part of the grieving process, and those of us who have suffered that loss have to deal with it the best way we can.

 

[tyndale1946]

I saw someone I respect deal with this issue (recent widower). Since death ends the marriage, then how long should one hang on to that marriage. I don't mean to be insensitive. Certainly there is a time to grief. I'm just wondering if a person should eventually take off the ring. Υou can't put an exact time on it. But you can say that it should or should not happen, right?

I was married to my former wife for 30 years... I watched her die of cancer for 3 years of the thirty. I was looking for companionship after she died, not to be married again. I guess I'm just the marrying kind cause after less than one year after her death, I tied the knot again. You know tongues were wagging as everyone thought I married too soon. Been married now for 10 years to another great Christian woman. Ten headed towards 30!God does move in mysterious ways.

 

[Jerome]

Good advice from Ann Landers:

why don't you mind your own business and let him handle his grief in his own way.

 

[Revmitchell]

They should take it off when they get good and ready and not a moment before.

 

[Rolfe]

They should take it off when they get good and ready and not a moment before.

...and it is nobody else's business to say when that should be.

 

[Salty]

My first thought was that an older person, especially with no desire to remarry, may choose to wear it till their own death -

A person who desires to possibly engage in a new relationship should decide the best time to remove it.

A couple of folks mention it is not anyone's business..... but suppose you are asked about your opinion......?

 

[Rolfe]

A couple of folks mention it is not anyone's business..... but suppose you are asked about your opinion......?

Then it becomes your business because you were invited.

 

[annsni]

I would say probably when they walk down the aisle for a new marriage. But even then, I would most likely still wear it on my right hand because my marriage is that big a part of my life.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I would say probably when they walk down the aisle for a new marriage. But even then, I would most likely still wear it on my right hand because my marriage is that big a part of my life.

New marriage?!? What makes you think I would ever do that again? My heart is pledged to one woman and I for one would never break that bond....but that's me. The love carries on to eternity.

 

[righteousdude2]

I saw someone I respect deal with this issue (recent widower). Since death ends the marriage, then how long should one hang on to that marriage. I don't mean to be insensitive. Certainly there is a time to grief. I'm just wondering if a person should eventually take off the ring. Υou can't put an exact time on it. But you can say that it should or should not happen, right?

AS for the ring .... take it off once your remarry. As for when you should consider getting married again, if that is what you are feleling led of him to do .... Here are a few different versions of the same verse. The Bible has the answer for the never married as well as the previously married.

New International Version - "But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion."

New Living Translation - "But if they can't control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It's better to marry than to burn with lust."

English Standard Version - "But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion."

New American Standard Bible - "But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion."


In short ... it is far much better to marry than burn [in lust]. I hope this helps! :jesus: Tell your friend, he has our prayers as well as fondest thoughts as he deals with this spiritual dilemma!

My brother lost his wife really suddenly, and he remarried. I have another friend who lost his wife five years ago, and he is not ready to forget his wife and move on! The truth is he may never make that turn! And this is something many widow(er)s do, and it amazes me. It is up to the person, and they will know when it is right! I believe that! Shalom!

 

[Revmitchell]

I would say probably when they walk down the aisle for a new marriage. But even then, I would most likely still wear it on my right hand because my marriage is that big a part of my life.

Hmmm... A woman who did this just might discover that doing this would be a deal breaker for the man.

 

[Rolfe]

I would say probably when they walk down the aisle for a new marriage. But even then, I would most likely still wear it on my right hand because my marriage is that big a part of my life.

If that would not give the church busybodies something to gossip about, I do not know what would.

 

[annsni]

New marriage?!? What makes you think I would ever do that again? My heart is pledged to one woman and I for one would never break that bond....but that's me. The love carries on to eternity.

We are talking about when a widow or widower should remove their wedding ring. If you are sure that you will never remarry, that is fine but not everyone ends up feeling that way after their spouse is gone. Your love doesn't change but there are some that do fall in love again. I know numerous men and women who have gone on to remarry after the death of a spouse. It is a great blessing if you can find love again.

 

[Deacon]

Neither my wife or I wear a ring.

Wearing a ring is a custom, not a requirement.

If a ring comforts a spouse after their partners death, they may choose to continue wearing it.

Rob

 

[padredurand]

Which ring? The one on my finger or the one in my nose?

 

[tyndale1946]

Which ring? The one on my finger or the one in my nose?

Now there's a VERY MARRIED MAN!:laugh:

 

[HeDied4U]

I saw someone I respect deal with this issue (recent widower). Since death ends the marriage, then how long should one hang on to that marriage. I don't mean to be insensitive. Certainly there is a time to grief. I'm just wondering if a person should eventually take off the ring. Υou can't put an exact time on it. But you can say that it should or should not happen, right?

My dad passed away in 1985. My mom never took off her wedding ring; she wore it up to the day she died (29 years). She was even buried with it, as was my dad with his wedding band.

Now as for me, I have never been a big fan of any kind of jewelry. After my wife passed away earlier this year, I wore my wedding ring for about 6 to 6 1/2 months. Now my ring, along with hers, sits on my jewelry box on my dresser; a place where I can see them both multiple times daily.