Wedding rings have a long-standing place in marriage traditions. It represents love, commitment, and unity. Now you might think that choosing wedding rings is a no brainer. Well, let me bring to your attention that wedding rings are steeped in tradition, carry a representations and meanings.
So, in this blog to help you learn more and be part of this delightful tradition, we will be answering the all your queries related to which finger does a wedding ring go on?
History of Wedding Bands
It is really surprising to know that the tradition of wearing rings for the engagement /wedding has been in existence for centuries now. Phoenicians were about the first to use rings as a symbol of eternal love. The Romans later followed this trend and made the ring finger on the left hand the ‘ring finger,’ because there is a vein in this finger which is believed to directly reach the heart – the vena amoris or ‘vein of love.’
Then, this notion went to Europe and then to other western societies. The left hand ring finger was adopted as the one to wear a wedding ring. It is ironic that while contemporary analysis proves there is no such vein, people keep on using the concept as a closed bond between two people.
What Is the Wedding Ring Finger?
In many of the western cultures the ‘ring finger,’ is the fourth finger on the left hand. This finger has developed to represent togetherness and marriage. It has now become part of the many rituals of marriage. As for many women reserve it to wear the ring of their wedding on this finger, this is done following a tradition that has been followed by millions of people.
In some countries the tradition is somewhat different. For example, the right-hand ring finger is linked with wedding bands in Germany and Russia. The beauty of this tradition is its adaptability: as you can use it in its entirety or adjust them to your liking.
How to Follow the Ring Finger Tradition?
The concept of a “ring finger” on the left hand is particularly popular among women in the U.S., where nearly 70% of brides follow this custom (Smith, 2023). Some people like a stacking fashion where the wedding ring comes in first closest to the heart and then the engagement ring. This arrangement shows a symbolism representing the importance of the wedding band than the period of engagement indicating the next stage in the relationship.
Some may wear only the wedding band on the same finger cutting off the engagement ring. However, some women prefer to put on their wedding and engagement rings on different hands or fingers.
The Wedding Ring
The most common element of jewelry of course is the wedding ring. It is much more than a simple ornament; it is a daily reminder of a sincere vow. People can select wedding rings of different designs and from different materials that suit their personalities.
Gold bands are classic favorites but today’s bride may opt for diamonds or different types of metals to design a ring of the choice.
Most married women wear a ring on the ring finger as a symbol of a wedding and commitment to each other. While every material and style may be different, the meaning of the ring is eternal.
Which Finger is the Ring Finger
When people are talking about ring finger they are actually referring to the fourth finger of left hand above the little finger. This particular finger has been linked with love and marriage. This trend is followed to this date.
Even today, you can see in movies and adverts, the ring on the left hand ring finger as the wedding ring finger. For women, wearing the ring on this specific finger is an aspect of obeying conventional norms. At the same time, many people discover more personal variations that make the custom even more thoughtful.
The Engagement Ring: what hand does engagement ring go on?
Like the wedding band, the engagement ring is placed on the same ‘ring finger’ of the same hand. A plenty of women wearing their engagement ring after the marriage decide either to switch it to the right hand or place it over the wedding ring on the left hand’s fourth finger.
The ring sends out a message into the world: the couple is intending on getting married. In the past, people only wore this ring during the engagement period. The wedding ring placed beside it on the wedding day signifies the period from the engagement to marriage.
The Promise Ring
While a promise ring is less formal than an engagement ring, it means a great deal in a relationship. It can symbolize refinement, affection, or next level relationship, depending on couple’s plan. Promise rings are worn on the ring finger of the left hand.
A promise ring is an agreement made by two lovers that are not ready to get married but want to show their commitment to each other. These rings are generally plain. This has made them a beautiful option for the everyday.
What finger should a woman wear their engagement or wedding ring on?
Cultural references point that for women; engagement and wedding rings are usually worn on the left hand ring finger as a symbol. However, some of them might have different arrangement, for instance, she may wear engagement ring on right side of her left ring finger, or she only wear the wedding ring after the wedding.
As is expected in most cultures of the right hand dominance, women put both the engagement and the wedding bands on the right ring finger. Some people might prefer the use of the wedding ring on one hand, and the engagement ring on the other to afford more convenience.
Since these rings belong in a more private context and are not worn publicly, there is no perfect method of wearing these rings because everyone is unique and comes with their experiences, values and rules derived from the culture they grew up in.
Conclusion
A wedding ring is placed on a specific finger following the tradition for many years; however, its understanding is varied. The beauty of this custom, it is that everyone can perceive and make and act based on the interpretation that is relevant and personal.
It is important if you are willing to follow the left-hand ring finger custom, if you wear your rings in a different way for cultural or for other reasons, including if you have invented a different custom of wearing the rings themselves, the important thing is the love that the ring symbolizes.
Your ring is sentimental in the sense that it has a sort of narrative that you and your significant other have – and that narrative can be respected as you both wish.
FAQs
Is it okay to wear wedding rings all the time?
Yes, it’s generally okay to wear wedding rings all the time, and many people do. As would be expected, wedding rings are worn every day and signify everlasting love and partnership commitment. But it has been also discovered that often it wears out the ring slowly, particularly if there are fragile engraving or gemstone details added to the ring.
Different operations such as lifting something with hands, swimming or dealing with some certain chemicals may harm the ring in any way. It is recommendable that you clean and check your ring now and then so that you can be able to notice any signs of wear. Lastly, whether to wear it all the time depends on how active you are, and or how comfortable you are wearing it.
Also Read About:
Are wedding rings the same as engagement rings?
What is the difference between a bridal shower and a wedding shower?
