Engagement rings, as well as wedding rings, are most commonly worn on the ring finger, or the fourth finger, of the left hand. Though rings can sometimes be found on the right hand ring finger, it is the choice of the individual couple after all; the fourth finger on the left hand remains prevalent as the chosen finger for engagement and wedding rings. Why is this? Well, there are several existing theories that date back centuries. Here is a look at the history and enduring theories we choose to believe about the placement of our wedding rings.
Beliefs of the Ring Finger
The ring finger has been believed by many cultures to be magical throughout the history of man. In Chinese culture, the ring finger is referred to as the “unnamed finger.” There is also an ancient Chinese theory about finger placement that essentially says that though you’ll leave your parents home, form lives separate from your siblings, and have your children leave your home for their own new families, you and your spouse are meant to be a bond much harder to break. A mystical component of connection also comes into play in the traditions of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. The tradition endures today, against the current knowledge we have to the contrary, in the form of what we’ve dubbed “The Ring Finger-Heart Connection”.
The Ring Finger-Heart Connection
As mentioned above, it was in the time of the Ancient Greeks and Romans that it was thought that a vein of blood ran from the fourth finger of the left hand, the ring finger, to the heart. Because of this connection, the vein was referred to as “the vein of love.” From here it became only fitting for wedding rings, symbols of love and devotion, to be worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. Of course there were no detailed charts of the human circulatory system around then, irregardless of the great thinkers of the time.
The Ring Finger Amongst Cultures
Modern connections to today’s wedding ring wearing traditions may have existed in ancient Greek and Roman cultures, but it quickly spread to many others, and remains a prominent tradition in countless cultures today. Though some orthodox Christian countries have a tradition of wearing wedding and engagement rings on the ring finger of the right hand, most Western countries have continued the age long tradition of wearing them on the left hand. Jewish wedding ceremonies begin with placing the wedding ring on the index finger and switch it over to the ring finger after the ceremony. Muslim culture rarely includes wedding rings altogether, but does have a culture of wearing engagement rings on the left hand’s ring finger, more often than not these rings are gold. If you're interested, check out these wedding bands from around the world.
The Ring Finger Tradition for Today’s Bride
Some people have just suggested that the reason is more practical, and when considered, the most practical reason does tend to make a lot of sense. Most people are right handed, so wearing your wedding and engagement ring on the left hand means that it stands a chance of avoiding contact with anything that might damage it; keeping it in great condition. Think about it, we typically wear watches and bracelets on the left arm for the same reason. Many of us do not give much thought as to why we wear our engagement rings on the ring finger, or why it is known as the ring finger altogether. It just seems so natural; it’s just what people do. Whether you have received a Simon G. engagement ring, or have chosen a Tacori wedding band, it is up to you to decide which finger will be worthy of your ring, though the ring finger definitely has a lot going for it, including history, tradition, and practicality. Not to mention, when someone checks for a ring on a man or woman’s hand, there’s usually only one finger they focus on.
