On which hand do they wear a wedding ring? Representatives of different nations and beliefs will answer this seemingly simple question differently. Depending on established traditions, this symbol of family ties, devotion and respect for one’s chosen one is usually worn on different hands. And even the finger on which a wedding or altar ring is placed in the face of God and secular authorities is not always the familiar ring to Russians. Let us dwell on the customs regarding wearing wedding rings in more detail.
The meaning of wearing a wedding ring
When did the first rings appear? Veteran historians and archaeologists have many versions, each of which is justified in the form of artifacts found in excavations and written evidence. They are found in the burials of Ancient Egypt and Rome, they are depicted on frescoes, the walls of pyramids, and their decorations also existed in the East.
Egyptian pharaohs wore signet rings with which they certified their decisions and commands. Subsequently, the fashion for jewelry in the form of gold miniature hoops decorated with a signet or stone arose among noble ladies, spreading to all segments of the population. Women from middle-income and low-income families wore simple crafts made of glass, clay, bronze and silver.
The inhabitants of Ancient Rome turned rings into a kind of identification that determined the owner’s class affiliation. Only the highest nobility of the empire, and then the republic, were allowed to use gold jewelry. Free citizens could wear silver, and slaves were ringed with iron. There, for the first time, jewelry was used as an engagement item. The groom put an iron ring on the finger of the chosen bride as a symbol of protection, securing it tightly. It could only be removed by sawing. This decoration had very little in common with the modern symbol of love. The iron on the girl’s finger meant that the betrothal ceremony had been completed, and she now belonged to her future husband. To facilitate identification, family marks and the man's name were applied to the metal.
It was this ancient Roman betrothal ceremony that formed the basis of the church rite, which has survived almost unchanged to this day. In the 2nd century AD, the bride and groom began exchanging bronze rings as a sign of mutual fidelity. A century later, bronze was replaced by silver, and another hundred years later, the secular ceremony became firmly established in the rite of church weddings. In the Christian tradition, simple items were chosen for weddings, without notches or decorations - smooth hoops. There is even a sign that says that smooth metal ensures smooth, loving relationships in the family, while engravings and patterns threaten misunderstandings and quarrels.
Wedding ring on the ring finger
The tradition of wearing wedding rings on the ring finger originated in Ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece. Residents of these countries were sure that this particular finger was of particular importance for the body. The Egyptians believed that it was closely connected to the heart by a thin thread, and their neighbors believed that rubbing medicinal potions into the ring finger had a beneficial effect on the body and relieved many ailments.
It is not surprising that the ring finger was chosen to carry the symbol of power and unbreakable marital ties. It was believed that in this way a strong connection was established between the spouses, affecting both the body and the inner essence of each person.
The material for wedding decoration was chosen depending on wealth and degree of nobility. The highest nobility used products cast from gold. Copper, bronze and iron were the lot of ordinary citizens. Silver could be used by both powerful people and the middle class. Modern newlyweds choose metal based on their own financial capabilities, religion, and preferences. Traditionally, it is pure gold. But, if the newlyweds wish, then platinum and silver items, jewelry with stones and mixed options can be used.
History of the origin of the custom
The history of these jewelry dates back to Ancient Egypt. It was believed that by putting them on, the newlyweds accepted the help and blessing of the gods for a happy union. Later, the Romans adopted the custom, but only women wore wedding rings. However, the Romans preserved this custom and popularized it with the advent of Christianity.
In European countries in the Middle Ages, such an accessory could be worn on various fingers, including the thumb. But the tradition of putting it on the nameless one developed later. There is a version that the ring was traditionally worn on the ring finger due to the fact that the blood vessels in this part of the hand are directly connected to the heart.
In Chinese beliefs, each of the five fingers of the palm is responsible for a certain family relationship. And it is the ring finger that is responsible for the connection between the spouses.
On which hand do they wear a wedding ring in Russia?
On which hand do they wear a wedding ring in Russia? In the Orthodox tradition, it is customary to wear a wedding sign on the right hand. In addition, in Rus' the right hand is traditionally called the right hand, performing good deeds and seeking the truth. And what could be truer and more correct than creating a new family, uniting two loving hearts and having children? This is why most citizens of our country wear a wedding ring on the ring finger of their right hand. Orthodox traditions are strong in countries such as Greece, Belarus, Armenia, Georgia, Serbia, and Ukraine.
Usually, the ceremony of exchanging rings between spouses is held at the registry office or the Wedding Palace, at the time of marriage registration.
The wedding ceremony in the church is secured with consecrated jewelry. Common-law spouses can also purchase and wear wedding bands as a sign of mutual fidelity.
Interesting historical facts
The tradition of wearing wedding rings originated in Ancient Egypt and then in Ancient Rome. There it was customary to wear jewelry on the left hand. Since then, another belief has come to us, which “tells” which finger the wedding ring should be worn on. Preference should be given to the nameless one, because the “vein of love” passes through it, leading straight to the heart. Now there is another theory regarding the ring finger, which is discussed in the next video.
In Rus', rings were worn on the right hand, because... It was believed that the main symbol of marital fidelity should be worn by the husband and wife on the hand that signs documents and enters into transactions. This indicates the seriousness of the intentions of people who get married.
In Europe, rings were worn mainly on the left hand. In the 18th century, it was believed that women in this way showed respect to their husband, the head of the house, because at that time the right hand was considered dominant and the left hand non-dominant. In society, people often paid attention to which hand a woman wore a wedding ring on in order to understand how respectful she was to her husband.
On which hand do modern newlyweds wear wedding rings? Each nationality and religion has its own answer to this question, as well as to many questions about wedding rings (is it possible to wear this jewelry before the wedding, is it worth using your parents’ rings as wedding rings, etc.).
The general rule is this: in Catholic and Protestant countries it is customary to wear these jewelry on the left hand, in Christian countries - on the right. But there are exceptions!
How do Catholics wear wedding rings?
Catholics wear a wedding ring on their left hand, regardless of the country in which they live and its customs. These are Americans, and Turks, and most of the Europeans. There are representatives of this denomination in Russia, China and Japan. Catholics wear wedding bands on their right hand in exceptional cases. This could be widowhood or adoption of Orthodoxy. Also, the symbol of marriage can move to another finger if the ring finger of the left hand has become too thick for the ring.
The meaning of a wedding ring
Since ancient times, this decoration has served as a symbol of marriage. What does it symbolize?
- First of all, it is a closed line that symbolizes infinity. In the case of marriage, this indicates the endless love and respect of the spouses for each other, which is the basis of a happy marriage.
- Such an accessory on a woman’s finger shows that the woman is married, which means she is not in the mood for dating. The woman who wears it promises to love her husband and be with him until the very end.
- More often, newly-made spouses prefer identical designs for such jewelry, which symbolizes their isolation from other people.
Thus, this constant attribute of a marriage carries several meanings. It is interesting that in a number of countries it became a tradition to put rings on both spouses only in the nineteenth century. Before this, in pairs they were popular mainly among women.
Eastern tradition
In China, wedding rings have come into fashion relatively recently. The tradition, born in the West, was modified to suit local circumstances. For their chosen ones, Eastern men ordered the most real complex puzzle mechanisms. The ring was assembled from several parts that snapped onto the bride's finger so that it became impossible to remove it in the usual way. To open the mechanism, it was necessary to perform several complex manipulations. At the slightest mistake, the ring simply broke.
In this way, husbands guaranteed the fidelity of their wives - they simply could not remove the ring, hiding the fact of their marriage. In China, spouses wear rings on different hands. The woman, as the keeper of the hearth, is on her right hand, and the husband, as the head of the family, is on her left. If equality reigns in the family, then the rings are worn on the left hands.
Koreans can wear a wedding ring on their right hand or their left, depending on their personal preference. They do not attach any special meaning to this tradition, and the decorations indicate the mutual obligations that bind two people. But representatives of the Roma people prefer to wear wedding rings on chains around their necks, in the form of pendants.
The attitude of Muslims towards gold jewelry in general, and to wedding rings in particular, is ambiguous. Firstly, Islam prohibits believers from wearing gold; it is taboo and haram. Jewelry made of platinum and silver is allowed. Secondly, polygamy is common in Muslim countries, and men who have several wives do not wear wedding rings; this is the prerogative of women. If the symbol of marriage is still worn, then it is worn on the ring finger of the left hand - it is the one that is closer to the heart.
In Armenia
Despite the fact that Armenians are Orthodox Christians, in Armenia spouses wear wedding rings on their left hands. This is an ancient custom of the people that arose in the pre-Christian era. Until now, historians have not precisely established its origin.
An ancient Armenian belief says that since the left hand is closer to the heart, this means that wearing jewelry on it will help strengthen love. Especially in difficult times for the family. Otherwise, the marriage traditions of the Armenian people are close and in some places identical to Russian ones.
How to wear engagement rings
A man gives an engagement ring to his chosen one at the time of the preliminary engagement. In this case, both future spouses should not be bound by marital obligations. It is worn only on the ring finger; the hand depends on local traditions and religion.
The bride-to-be wears the engagement ring until the wedding ceremony, demonstrating to others her new status as a woman protected by her beloved man. At the time of wedding or marriage registration, the engagement ring can be moved to the middle finger or left in its original place. In the first case, the groom puts on a wedding ring in its place. And in the second, both jewelry adorns the ring finger. The choice depends on the woman’s preferences and the type of product. After all, wearing massive jewelry with stones on one finger is not very convenient.
How to guess the size
If you have decided on the cost, then all that remains is to find out the size of the product. This is a difficult task, it is important to be cunning. A friend of your chosen one who knows how to keep secrets can help you. You can carefully ask the future bride herself about this. If she wears rings, you can secretly measure the circumference of one of them. It won't hurt you to take into account the following nuances:
- Choose a ring for your ring finger. The middle finger is thicker.
- On the right hand, the circumference of the ring finger is 0.3 mm larger than on the left.
- When put on, the ring passes through a joint that is wider than the base.
How to wear wedding rings
Since ancient times in Rus' there have been two different ceremonies that change the social status of a girl: engagement or conspiracy, and wedding. They had their own symbolism, including rings, and there is no need to confuse an engagement ring with a wedding ring. The groom gives an arrangement ring when he receives the girl’s consent to marry him. And the wedding or altar rings, which the newlyweds exchange, complete the sacrament of wedding in the church.
According to ancient custom, the groom's jewelry was made of gold, and the bride wore a silver item. Why? A man who forms a new Christian family, in the eyes of the church, personifies the priest, the earthly incarnation of Jesus Christ, and the woman represents the church, which must obey the decisions and commands of her husband and protect him. Wedding rings, consecrated in the temple, are worn on the left hand, on the ring fingers, since it is this finger that is connected to the heart by an artery.
When can you wear a wedding ring?
A wedding ring is a symbol that has a deep sacred meaning. It personifies the mystery of creating a new family and serves as proof of mutual feelings, love and fidelity. And you need to treat it accordingly. It is unacceptable to brag about it to strangers. It is not recommended to even give it to strangers or take it out of the box unless absolutely necessary. And wearing it before the official registration of marriage or wedding is considered a bad omen.
Thoughtless boasting in the future will result in considerable problems or even divorce, just like showing the bride’s outfit to the groom before the wedding day. In order to demonstrate to others the girl’s changed status, there is an engagement ring given by the groom.
Is it possible to wear other people's wedding rings?
Any wedding organized in accordance with traditions, with invited guests and all the attributes, is not only joy, but also significant expenses. Many newlyweds are trying to save money and see nothing wrong with using used wedding rings. This could be jewelry from a divorced couple, rings left over from a failed wedding, or simply unnecessary for some reason.
Friends and relatives, of course, offer from the bottom of their hearts. Moreover, in many old families there is a tradition of getting married with ancestral rings, which were used by great-grandfathers and great-grandmothers. But is it worth taking advantage of the generous offer?
Here it is worth analyzing why the signs and customs of almost all nations prohibit wearing other people’s jewelry, even wearing randomly found jewelry. Why are some ancient products considered cursed? Gold perfectly perceives and absorbs human energy, and the shape of the ring in all countries is considered special, powerfully affecting the aura and the surrounding space. This is a personal amulet, like a sponge absorbing all the emotions, desires, and illnesses of the owner. Moreover, the wedding ring carries all the information about the couple’s family life - all the successes and failures, problems and troubles.
If the couple wearing the jewelry was happy and healthy, that is, of course, wonderful. But there is no such thing as ideal. Even in this case, alien energy will negatively affect the person. When worn by another owner, jewelry begins to actively release accumulated energy and information, blocking the person’s own destiny with the borrowed one. It is possible that the successor will have to answer to higher powers for the actions and decisions of a complete stranger. It’s not without reason that people have superstitions associated with wearing someone else’s wedding ring:
- A girl should not wear her mother’s jewelry - she will repeat all her problems and sorrows in her family life;
- You can’t measure someone else’s wedding ring; your own family happiness will be given away.
If you want to preserve the memory of your beloved parents and ancestors, then it is better to wear family heirlooms on a chain in the form of a pendant or carefully place them in a box. And build your family happiness from scratch, without looking at others.
The choice of wedding attributes should be approached with all responsibility. Even jewelers and store clerks should not touch jewelry with unprotected hands. And it is recommended to open a box of jewelry at the time of marriage.
Is it possible to wear two rings on one finger?
Modern jewelry stores offer magnificent sets of engagement and wedding rings that are comfortable to wear on one finger. Designers create a wide variety of models combining gold, silver, platinum, other metals and materials, decorated with scatterings of small precious stones.
The fashion world is fickle. If previously the combination of white and yellow gold was considered vulgar, now such products are in trend. Also, the appearance of a girl with a set studded with diamonds in the work office or in casual clothes does not surprise anyone. Anything that looks beautiful, elegant, stylish is allowed.
Many ladies wear three pieces of jewelry on one finger at once, matched by style or purchased as a set - engagement, wedding and wedding. Such decorations look excellent and attract attention. Smooth models, devoid of any decorations, are considered traditional. But you can choose products of the most fantastic shapes, with floral patterns, various symbols, and inscriptions.
Jewelry is often decorated with large and small precious stones. These could be diamonds and emeralds worth millions of dollars, or a few sparkling stones that complete the composition with an elegant touch. In aristocratic circles, restrained classics are in fashion, following a high style consecrated by centuries-old traditions.
Do divorced spouses wear rings?
Divorce is a complex process that greatly affects a person’s mental and psychological state. In rare cases, spouses maintain friendly relations and continue to wear rings in memory of a broken marriage.
In the Catholic tradition, divorced spouses simply stop wearing wedding attributes or change them from their left hand to their right. Orthodox believers transfer the decoration from their right hand to their left. However, the witness ring of a past relationship remains on the finger until the next wedding ceremony, after which it must be removed.
How to wear wedding rings for widowed spouses?
When your closest, loved one dies, there is always grief that cannot be expressed in simple words. Whether to continue wearing a wedding ring or not is up to each widowed spouse to decide for himself. Perhaps the pain is so strong that you don’t have the strength to look at the symbol of happy years every minute. In this case, it is better to remove the rings so as not to provoke a nervous breakdown. If the spouse wants to preserve such a memory of his soul mate, then wedding rings can be worn in different ways:
- put both on the ring finger of your left hand;
- wear either your jewelry or your spouse’s;
- put one product on the right hand, the other on the left hand;
- a widower can wear the memory of his deceased spouse on a chain if the size does not suit him.
You can donate jewelry for your deceased spouse to the church; according to legend, the soul will find peace after this. Everyone must decide for themselves what to do, without regard to the advice of relatives and friends. The main thing is that the choice you make brings peace to your heart and soul.
Wedding rings are an indispensable attribute of traditional and modern wedding ceremonies. What jewelry to choose and on which hand to wear depends entirely on the faith and preferences of both spouses. The basic rule is that products should evoke only pleasant emotions and be a symbol of a strong, prosperous marriage and mutual love.
In Catholic countries
In a number of countries, wearing this complex decoration on the left hand is due to Catholicism. As you know, Catholics prefer to see it on the left hand. For example, in the Czech Republic, in Germany and even in Brazil, a former colony of Portugal, there is such a tradition. Associated with vena amoritis - a vein that connects the ring finger of the left hand directly to the heart.
Compared to Russian traditions, significant attention in Catholic countries is paid to the engagement ring.
The groom gives it to the bride when he proposes marriage. It is also worn on the ring finger of the left hand. After the wedding, the girl wears her engagement ring on the same finger, either on top of the engagement finger or instead of it.
