As a child, I loved playing with the accessories they gave me; above all I was attracted by large and showy rings with particular chromatic elements. Fantasy traveled and I created a world of my own,full of strange animals,princesses and fairies with magical powers. My playmates ,they could never wear the superpower ring, that was mine alone; one way or another, twisting the rules of the game, I always ended up wearing it. I admit it was fun bullying friends, you're having a good time, real ones can also tolerate your flaws. I have become an adult (exteriorly) and the passion for rings, has turned into object search; unusual or valuable, with an enchanting shape that pleasantly surprises me. Many trips and many surprises, that every time make me happy for the new "discoveries".
THE CREATION OF THE RING
Its very ancient origin, as a finger ornament it dates back to the Bronze Age; at first they were simply smooth headbands, forged in metal. Over time it takes on different forms and purposes; it becomes a seal or a precious ornament, it becomes a distinctive sign of category and social condition. In ancient Rome it was precious and worn by members of the senate; the custom of the ring given as a promise of marriage and of the wedding ring was born in the capital. The taste for the "glyptic" spread here too,the art of carving and engraving precious stones. Depending on the historical period and geographical origin,the ring has always been at the center of human creativity. From the West to the barbarian world,the knowledge of innovative techniques and great compositional skills,they imprinted their personal taste in the working of gold;the chromatic decoration,he added enamels and glass pastes of various colors,when precious gems were not available. Viking craftsmen,they enjoyed great creative freedom,not having to refer to a production center that would influence their choices; they made spiral shapes,band or twisted. For this reason it was difficult to classify,the period of production of the rings found. Even in the Anglo-Saxon world,the same problem occurred;specimens kept in museums,they have different characteristics and within a period of five centuries it is difficult to date their creation. In the ancient world and in what we live, the passion for the adornment of the fingers remains unchanged; everything is permitted to embellish the mobile endings of our hands.
THE MAGIC RING
Once upon a time,a young man,who led a simple life but with values. One day he told his mother,that it couldn't go on like this; he was going to seek his fortune,to then return to her and give her a peaceful old age. The following morning,he set out early to reach the city; along the road he saw an old lady trying to lift two buckets full of water. Immediately the young man joined her to help her,he took the buckets and going up a path he brought them to the old lady's house. This,thanked him for his kindness,while his animals cheered on the young stranger. He wanted to repay,but the young man did not want any reward for his deed;it was natural for him to help those in difficulty. Then the old woman asked him to wait while she left the house. On his return,gave the young man a hoop ring,it was simple and unadorned; she explained that it was a magic ring, turning it on his finger would grant his wishes. But he had to be careful not to be seen,otherwise he risked being robbed;he also gave him two of his animals to protect him. The young man thanked her and greeted her and resumed his journey; he was very happy with the company of the cat and dog but did not believe in the power of the ring. It was getting dark as he entered the woods,an empty stomach and tiredness made him stop. Even the two animals needed refreshment,but the young man had nothing; then he remembered the ring and turned it on his finger. Suddenly,a table laden with much food appeared,the surprise and joy was great for the young man; together with the cat and the dog they ate heartily and fell asleep. The sunrise,he saw the three continue their journey to continue the search; along the road out of the woods,the young man saw a village with a large palace. Getting closer,she noticed looking out a window,a beautiful girl; it was love at first sight and rubbing the ring, he asked for a palace built opposite that of the girl . Just entered together with the animals ,he looked out the window opposite that of the young woman; they began to talk and he decided to ask her father in marriage. Parents were happy and just married,the two went to live in his palace, together with the servants and the two animals. The young bride, however, was very curious and asked him about the palace , he was hesitant,but thinking that he could trust and share his secret with her,he revealed it to her. Late at night,the bride slipped the ring off her husband's finger; after rounding up the servants,she moved into her own building and wanted that of her husband to be moved to a very distant cliff. In the morning,the young man waking up was very surprised not to see the bride next to him; looking out the window he realized he was on top of a mountain,with nothing around. He understood with dismay what had happened, the misplaced trust had paid off. The animals consoled him,they were special and could communicate with him; they would have immediately left in search of the stolen ring. Along the way they met a river and to cross it the cat climbed on the back of the dog who swam to the opposite bank. Late at night, the cat entered the palace, while the dog remained outside on guard duty; a small mouse was captured by the cat and promised to save his life, he gnawed at the door to the room, where the treacherous bride lay……….
…. how does the story end?
To know, I invite you to find it in Italo Calvino's beautiful collection of popular fairy tales; he sought them in all our regions,to make a volume. This is from Trentino, it has all the flavor and magic of the stories that only grandmothers can tell;to teach the listener the amazement and wonderful feeling of being a child.
