Wampum

I heard the word wampum for the first time today. Or it is probably the first time I paid attention to the word. I don't really know. Google says wampum are tubular purple and white beads made from shells, used primarily by the Indigenous peoples of the Eastern Woodlands.

I am pretty sure these are among the prettiest beads I have ever seen!

These were used for ornamental, ceremonial, diplomatic, and commercial purposes. Belts made of wampum were used to mark agreements between peoples. And these ornaments are said to have a history spanning 4,500 years.

That's a long history.

How many agreements might have been marked by the exchange of wampum belts? It must have been many. The making and breaking of promises!

Although it sounds like an age-old tradition, we still exchange things when we come to agreements, don't we?

My thoughts immediately jump to wedding rings. How relevant!

I have often thought about the purpose of exchanging wedding rings and signing a legal document. Not to be a hypocrite - I did these things myself too. While I try to understand how a legal document might be useful, I still struggle to understand the need for it.

Why does it have to be a legal matter? Do we not trust the partner we agree to share our lives with? People will put forward many arguments, I know, to explain why it needs to be legally documented.

I don't know if you can call a marriage successful if you need a constant reminder on your ring finger and a legal document to tell you that you are married to someone.

(These are purely my thoughts - what I personally struggle to understand. I do not want to cause anyone to feel hurt, angry, or upset by what I have written.) 

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