Why is the wedding ring worn in the left hand? (2024)

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Why is the wedding ring worn in the left hand? ›

The Origins Of The Tradition

At the time, the Romans believed that a vein ran directly from the fourth finger on the left hand to the heart. This vein was called Vena Amoris, which translates to 'vein of love' because of the belief that the heart is the center of our emotions.

Therefore, they used to wear their wedding rings on their right hand. The right hand is a symbol of trust, loyalty, and honor. All characters you want in a marriage. Other reasons couples choose to wear their wedding rings on the right hand include: Same-sex marriages- Most countries have made same-sex marriages legal.

The tradition of wearing your wedding ring on the fourth finger of your left hand dates back thousands of years. During ancient Egyptian times, people believed that a vein, called the vena amoris or vein of love, ran from the heart to the tip of the fourth finger of the left hand.

Wearing your engagement ring on the left hand is not a global tradition. In Russia, Germany, Norway and India, engagement rings are worn on the right hand. This derives from 'left', in latin, meaning 'sinister'. Therefore, the left hand was considered unlucky by some.

“'Divorce rings' are seen as a way to mark the end of a marriage and celebrate newfound independence.”

The vein that supposedly went from the fourth finger to the heart was even dubbed the vena amoris by ancient Romans (Latin for the “vein of love”). Unfortunately, we now know that this ancient belief is not true -- there is no vein that runs from our ring fingers to our hearts.

The widow wears the ring on the right ring finger while the widower wears the ring on the left little finger. In this manner, the surviving spouse aids in the grieving process by allowing the spouse to express their status as a widowed person. The combined rings are attractive and a fitting memorial for the deceased.

How Do Jews Receive and Wear Wedding Rings? Nowadays Judaism has around 16.6 million followers, of which 6.4 million live in Israel. The bridegroom puts the wedding ring onto the bride's right index finger during the marriage proposal. After the ceremony, she moves her ring to the left ring finger.

Orthodox Christian traditions, particularly in countries like Greece and Russia, dictate the wearing of wedding rings on the right hand. This practice embodies the religious doctrine that the right hand represents honor and authority.

Why do Catholics wear wedding ring on left hand? ›

Tradition of Wearing Wedding Rings on the Left Hand

The custom of wearing the wedding ring on the left hand dates back to ancient Roman times. Romans believed that the “Vena Amoris” or “Vein of Love” ran directly from the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart.

Traditional belief established that this vein ran directly from the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart. This theory has been cited in Western cultures as one of the reasons the engagement ring and/or wedding ring was placed on the fourth finger, or "ring finger".

Traditional Ring Etiquette

Traditional etiquette would require the bride to wear her engagement ring on her right ring finger to walk down the aisle. During the exchanging of the rings, the groom would place the wedding band on the bride's left finger.

Kimball further explores how in some cultures, the right hand is associated with honor, moral integrity, and the power to swear oaths, making it a significant choice for wearing a symbol of marital fidelity.

The engagement ring: on which hand do I wear it as a Christian? In most cultures, people wear both the engagement ring and wedding ring on the left-hand ring finger. As a Christian, you can also wear the engagement ring on the left hand and the wedding ring on the right hand.

The most common placement is on the left-hand ring finger(the fourth finger). Then, once an engagement ring is given, the wearer swaps the promise ring to another finger. Another popular choice is to wear your promise ring on the right hand, leaving your wedding ring finger open for a diamond engagement ring.

The ring worn on the left hand should typically be a wedding band or other sentimental piece, while the right-hand ring could be a fashion statement or family heirloom. Ultimately, men should choose rings that reflect their style and personality.

Left Ring Finger

Wearing a ring on your left finger symbolizes your marriage or engagement. The Ancient Romans believed that this finger was connected to your "vena amoris" (the vein of love) - hence why your wedding ring goes on this hand.

The left ring finger is known universally as being reserved for the engagement and wedding ring. In some countries, people also wear a "promise ring" on this finger. Also known as a pre-engagement ring, or a friendship ring, the promise ring is gifted to a romantic partner.