The Wedding Ring Finger Custom Explained

By Author: Mike Nielson
Total Articles: 162
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Left, right, or right, left? Many engaged couples know that the wedding rings are typically worn on the ring finger of the left hand. They choose unique wedding rings to represent their commitment to one another, which is a decision they will make for life. Unique silver rings can be worn for a lifetime, but where did the tradition of wearing it on the left hand begin?

The custom of wearing unique wedding ring designs on the fourth finger of the left hand is one that can be traced back to the eleventh century. It is mainly a European custom that became widespread and to this day has left a worldwide mark on marriage.

It is believed to have started in old England as a religious practice when weddings first became recognized and performed through official ceremonies. The groom would place the wedding ring on his thumb and then recite a prayer. Next he would move it to his index finger and middle finger, still reciting the prayer. Finally the prayer would conclude with “Amen” and rest on his ring finger, which is where it would stay for the duration of his marriage.

Some wedding ring wearers claim ...
... that the wedding ring was worn on the index finger because of a vein that ran from the ring finger and went straight to your heart, which of course in marriage is symbolic. The name for this vein is called Vena Amoris, which means “Vein of Love”. This is a spiritual concept that many unique wedding ring wearers still uphold by honoring the longtime tradition. A few naysayers discredit this theory by concluding that the vein is actually a nerve, but whether believers or not, people still wear unique wedding bands on their ring fingers.

To make matters more confusing, different countries actually choose the right hand as the hand of marriage. Eastern European countries often wear the engagement ring on the left ring finger until the wedding ceremony, whereupon the engagement and unique silver rings are then transferred to the right hand after the vows have been declared.

Other countries with a Spanish heritage and in some South American countries believe that the right hand implies goodness, whereas the left hand signifies evil. So they too, choose the right hand to wear unique wedding rings. There are some other wedding ring wearing customs that could be acknowledged in smaller countries; however these are less common than those mentioned. In short, there is no right way or wrong way that a wedding band can be worn, as long as the meaning of eternal commitment rings true.

Mike Nielson, For more information on unique silver rings, handmade silver rings and unique wedding rings. Please: http://www.galerina.com/