What does the ring on the left hand (on the ring finger) mean?

Content

1. On which finger to wear a wedding ring? Why is a wedding ring worn on the ring finger?
2. Can I wear an engagement ring before marriage?

Why can't you wear someone else's wedding ring?

As you already understand, there is no decoration more mystical than a silver or gold wedding ring. Surprisingly, the main superstition about it has passed through all religions and eras - you should never wear someone else’s ring before or after the wedding, because you will accept the fate of the person to whom it belonged and will not live your own.

Therefore, approach the choice of a wedding ring with all responsibility and respect the centuries-old traditions of the people or religion to which your significant other identifies. And then questions like: on which finger do men or beautiful ladies wear a wedding ring will not be so important.

Which finger to wear a wedding ring on?

There is no official legislation on this matter. It's all about traditions, family foundations, and, ultimately, comfort for each spouse. In Russia, the customs of Orthodoxy are more widespread, and according to them, when getting married, the bride and groom put wedding rings on each other’s ring finger of their right hand.

After the wedding, it happens that one of the spouses puts the wedding ring in a home box - it is not very convenient, or expensive and valuable, the jewelry has become small or, on the contrary, flies off the finger. There is nothing terrible about this: some models, especially if they are decorated with stones, are really indecent to wear every day at work, and constantly taking off and putting on a wedding ring when doing household chores can lead to the loss of the jewelry. Not all models will be handled by a jeweler if it is necessary to change the size of the jewelry. For many objective reasons, it is permissible to wear a wedding ring on any other finger, including if the size of the ring finger has changed. Focus only on your individual conditions, be guided by rational reasons and choose the solution that is right for you, regardless of popular wisdom, advice from friends, or centuries-old traditions.

Why is a wedding ring worn on the ring finger?

Different countries have their own stories that have survived to our times: in the east it was believed that only the ring fingers have a connection with the heart, and Slavic beliefs claim that each finger of the hand is assigned an invisible connection with the family. The large ones symbolize our parents, the index fingers symbolize sisters, brothers, close relatives, the middle ones symbolize the person himself, the little finger is assigned the symbol of our children. And the nameless ones correspond to the spouses.

The legend that we remembered at the very beginning sounds very beautiful: they say that by folding the middle fingers, that is, ourselves, it is impossible to tear the nameless ones away from each other and the spouses, having entered into marriage, will forever remain an inseparable couple.

Do not try to repeat this trick with yogis or, for example, pianists. Many hours of daily exercise, training the strength and flexibility of fingers, fine motor skills will quickly depreciate this beautiful legend.

Can I wear an engagement ring before marriage?

Of course, choosing jewelry is not complete without trying on dozens or even hundreds of rings, but if someone really wants to wear a piece of jewelry before the wedding day, do it.

See how beautiful the engagement ring looks on your hand while no one is looking, and put it back in the box before the appointed date. The pleasure of contemplating the beauty of precious stones and fine jewelry work will temporarily only come from your engagement ring: it can be worn permanently, before the wedding and after.

No bad omens, of course, will work if the couple expresses a desire to wear wedding rings before the wedding. But definitely, the wedding ceremony itself will no longer be as sublime if before the wedding the newlyweds simply take off their rings, and during the ceremony they put them on each other again. However, some are ready to put rings on each other at least every day: romance is a purely personal thing, but also an integral part of married life.

The meaning of a wedding ring on different fingers

Wedding rings are allowed to be worn on different fingers , despite existing traditions.

Thumb

Symbolizes willpower, reflects the inner essence of a person. If you plan to wear a ring on your thumb, you need to be especially careful and attentive, as serious changes will occur in the near future. Decoration will also contribute to the development of will and determination. Thumb rings are often surprising, although the phenomenon remains common throughout the world. In medieval Europe, rings were often placed on the thumb and spouses could wear symbolic jewelry on different fingers to attract the necessary energy.

Forefinger

The index finger is a symbol of power and leadership ambitions. Decoration activates the corresponding energy. Kings could develop leadership qualities by placing a ring on a specific hand. Nowadays, only a few people do this, but sometimes people can see a symbolic decoration on their index finger.

Middle finger

The middle finger reflects a person's personality. The decoration placed in the center of the hand is a symbol of a balanced life and attracts the energy of harmony. Russians often wear it on the middle finger of their left hand, because they are Orthodox and honor religious canons. A wedding ring on the middle finger of the right hand means that the person has become divorced or widowed, and may also belong to the Muslim or Catholic religion.

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Ring finger

The ring finger has a direct connection with the heart, which is why jewelry is most often worn on it. It is believed that this promotes positive energy in marital relationships, strengthens joint affection, helps to get closer and gives optimism. Silver jewelry is a good option, as it has the right energy. Rings are also often made of gold. To decorate jewelry, it is advisable to choose precious stones such as moonstone, jade, turquoise or amethyst.

Little finger

Pinky rings are often worn. It is believed that in this case a person wants to report something, to give a signal to the outside world. The fact is that a pinky with a wedding ring is sure to attract the most attention, and it is not associated with religious or cultural traditions. The reason for wearing a wedding ring on the little finger may be the desire to strengthen a marriage through business or joint creative activity, or to show public attention to personal relationships. It is advisable to choose jewelry with moonstone, amber or citrine.

You can also find out additional facts from the video: why wedding rings are worn on the ring finger:

Married women and married men wear a wedding ring not only in accordance with traditions and beliefs , but also as a sign of respect and closeness to each other.

Who wears it on the left hand

Russia is a hospitable, multinational country, and different peoples have their own traditions, which would take quite a long time to list. Here are just a few options why the wedding ring is worn on the finger of the left hand:

• It is more comfortable
• These are the traditions of Catholic, Muslim or other denomination
• The spouses belong to different nationalities and beliefs, but agreed to wear rings on their left hands
• Decoration means the person is divorced

In most cases…

So, the left hand is the ring finger. The ring means in most cases that its owner was married for some time, but the union is currently dissolved. As already mentioned, it is generally accepted that this custom comes from the belief of the ancient Egyptians that blood from here goes straight to the heart. Engagement rings are also worn on the left hand. Such decoration indicates that its owner is just about to get married. In addition, a “promise ring” is also worn on the ring finger of the left hand. In general, in any case, one way or another, it is connected with matters of the heart. Some young people also wear a so-called purity (chastity) ring on this finger.

A wedding ring on the left hand is worn in Cuba, the USA, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, Korea, Japan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, Sweden, Croatia, Slovenia, Ireland, Great Britain, Italy, France. In Russia, Poland, Serbia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Chile, Kazakhstan, India, Georgia, Norway, Greece, Austria, Spain, Germany, it moves there after a divorce. On the left hand, two wedding rings are worn by widowers and widows (their own and their spouse).

However, this is just a tradition. Much depends on a person's personal preferences. There is a joke on this topic:

- Girl, why are you wearing the ring on the wrong hand? - Because she married the wrong person!

Therefore, the ring may also mean absolutely nothing. Whether it means something for a person or not depends on many factors.

What does a wedding ring on the right hand mean?

In fact, the explanations are exactly the same as for the left hand, it all depends on habits and traditions. The only thing that can be added is that owners of wedding rings, if they are left-handed, despite all the recommendations, may well change the jewelry to their right hand, since for them the left hand is dominant. And since it performs all the actions, the ring can simply get in the way.

After divorce

First, decide for yourself whether to wear it or not to wear it. Neither secular nor religious etiquette have any rules or even recommendations on this matter, leaving the choice to the owner of the ring after the divorce.

In case you want to continue to shine with the ring - it is dear to you, despite the failed relationship, it is very beautiful, you are used to it for a million other reasons, the jewelry is worn on the other hand. That is, if at the wedding the wedding ring was worn on the right, after the divorce it is worn on the left and vice versa. An unconventional solution is also possible: a wedding ring (even together with an engagement ring) is hung on a chain and is a stylish alternative to a pendant: fashionable, beautiful, and versatile.

But in addition to traditions, it is worth taking into account the issue of the emotional sphere - whether others will have questions about their marital status, or whether they will have to experience awkwardness, having to explain themselves in front of a less than well-educated public. This aspect also needs to be considered before changing the position of the wedding jewelry.

World trends: how to wear a ring?

A number of countries support wearing the ring on the right hand. This category includes not only Russia, but also Spain, Norway, Colombia, Latvia, and many other countries. But in Turkey, Brazil and Lebanon, jewelry on the finger of the right hand is worn only until the wedding, then it is changed to the left. It is customary to do the same in Syria.

Interesting fact : citizens of most Muslim countries do without wedding rings, because they do not have a ritual with the exchange of jewelry. But if rings are still present, they can usually be worn on both the right and left hands.

In India, rings were worn exclusively on the right hand, because the left was considered dirty. Although the situation has changed today, both options are acceptable. Rings are worn only on the left hand in England, the USA, Australia, the Czech Republic, Croatia, and many Asian countries.

Interesting fact : widows often change the ring to the other hand, this is especially common in the tradition of originally wearing it on the left hand. The ring changed to the other hand is intended to symbolize fidelity. Many widows and widowers do not part with him until the end of their days, refusing subsequent opportunities for marriage.

Traditions of different pages and religions

The most important word here is traditions: not laws, not strict regulations, not clear recommendations or guidelines. Traditions are an expression of habits, customs that have developed over centuries and nothing more. To accept them or not is the voluntary choice of each person.

Notice how great the differences are between the characteristics of wearing wedding rings among many nations, but family happiness is, on average, the same for everyone. Some wear rings on their right hand, others wear jewelry on their left, middle or ring finger, index or even little finger. Many couples do not pay any attention to which finger the ring is worn on: the middle finger is more comfortable for the husband, the ring finger for the wife, but it is unlikely that this difference affects the feelings and relationships in the couple.

In Russia

If we take into account the traditions that have developed since ancient times, then in our country the wedding ceremony instructs the bride and groom to put wedding rings on the ring fingers of their right hand. This custom can be explained quite rationally: our Slavic ancestors crossed themselves with their right hand, used it to do all the housework, pay for purchases, take many household items, and also gave alms.

The right hand was considered life-giving, dominant - a wedding ring was placed on its ring finger. It is worth noting that engagement rings were not common in Russia for a long time, although in the Middle Ages some semblance of such a tradition still existed. The groom expressed his intentions to marry precisely by gifts to his future wife and members of her family. Among others, the gifts included a ring. For many reasons, mainly economic, this custom gradually faded into history, but is being successfully revived in our time.

In the USA and Europe

American traditions are completely opposite to Russian ones: both the engagement and the wedding ring are placed on the left hand of the future wife. This is where geography and the customs of different religions come into play. In the United States, most believers adhere to the Catholic denomination, where it is customary to wear rings on the left hand.

But with European countries everything is not so simple. Brides and grooms in the western part, as in the United States, do not hesitate to extend their left hand on their wedding day, while the eastern part, although not all, for the most part, like Russians, wear wedding rings on their right hand. And such a trifle does not at all separate loving hearts from different countries.

Of course, if we analyze the traditions in detail, by country, some confusion will arise: for example, Spanish couples, Polish or Norwegian right-handed couples, while France or England, Ireland, Slovenia and a number of others prescribe wearing rings on the left hand. By the way, even with little sunny Spain, misunderstandings can arise - proud Catalonia, long before its separation from the Spanish state, always wore wedding rings on its right hand. But who can stop such details if love and family happiness are at stake!

Muslims

This is not an easy question, because for men, Islamic traditions do not provide for such an attribute as wedding rings. But the east is a mysterious matter, so sometimes everything depends on the geography of residence of the bride and groom. The fact is that in ancient centuries, rulers of different countries were happy to teach ordinary people about fashion: for example, a decree of the Shah could command the wearing of a wedding ring on the index finger, and his colleague in the neighborhood, in order to be different, ordered to get engaged only with rings on the little fingers. It’s easy to guess that there were 10 wearing options, based on the number of fingers on both hands.

Nowadays, this whole complex system has more or less come to a single result, and Muslims, like the majority of those getting married around the world, more often wear wedding rings on their ring fingers. Right or left hand - depends on the country of residence. There is, however, a nuance: men wearing gold, to put it mildly, is not recommended, so silver, platinum, a non-standard shape of a wedding ring and many other tricks are used. If a man wears jewelry that vaguely resembles a wedding ring, for example, on his little finger or even his index finger or thumb, this may also well mean that he is married.

Jews

Jews make up the largest part of the adherents of this denomination, and it is also impossible to say that there is a single rite of marriage here. It all depends on how strong the faith of those entering into marriage is, whether the bride and groom follow the canons of the Torah (the holy book of the Jews), and whether they want to live in respect for the traditions of their parents, ancestors, and the nation as a whole.

For secular youth, the wearing of rings by husband and wife is not prohibited; the style of jewelry, hand and fingers are chosen at the request of the future spouses. But for God-fearing young people, honoring the traditions and prescriptions of the Torah is sacred: wearing a ring for a man is inappropriate. Therefore, during the ceremony of initiation into a wife, the ring is worn only by the bride, and on the index finger of the left hand (in Jerusalem - on the middle one).

It is characteristic that the decoration is on this finger only until the end of the ceremony, and then the young wife puts it on and subsequently wears it on any one convenient for her. It is easy to come to the conclusion that most women prefer the nameless one that is already familiar to everyone, just like a man who decides to follow secular traditions. The choice of hand does not matter.

Who wears a ring on the ring finger of their left hand?

The history of Russia, the USA and European countries is radically different, as are the traditions of wearing rings. They go back to their ancestors, when the fashion for these jewelry began. The ancient Egyptians contributed to the emergence of the tradition of wearing a ring on the fourth finger of the left hand, since it was believed that the so-called “vein of love” was located there. If you wear a ring on this finger, it means your marriage will be strong. But how are things now in other countries, with different cultures and religions?

In Russia

In the Russian Federation, couples tying the knot place rings on the fourth finger of their right hand. This hand was chosen due to the fact that the right side for a Christian is the side of light, goodness, and prosperity. The ring on this hand was rightfully considered a symbol of unbreakable family ties. People move the ring to their left hand only if it interferes with their daily life. Therefore, if a person’s right hand is free, and there is a ring on the ring finger of his left hand, it is too early to draw conclusions that the person is not in a relationship. Since most people are right-handed, convenience makes it necessary to put the ring on the other hand. They also do this in order not to damage the gold, because it is quite fragile and to some extent ductile. If earlier engagement rings were more laconic, now spouses can choose a ring with a pattern, stones, or double, forgetting that on the dominant right hand it can cause inconvenience in work and everyday life. Another reason to wear a different hand for jewelry.



One way or another, spouses in most cases leave the ring on their right hand. In Russia, rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand by divorced couples, sometimes by widowers and widowers, and simply by those who feel comfortable wearing jewelry.

In European countries

European traditions and rules related to wearing rings have constantly undergone changes. For example, in the time of George the First in England, rings were worn mainly on the thumbs, including wedding jewelry. In Greece, for example, it is not customary to wear rings on the left hand; “left” for the Greeks is the bad side, meaning cheating.

Much of Europe, including England, Italy and France, follows the traditions of the ancient Egyptians. In these countries, a ring on the ring finger of the left hand signifies tying the knot. In European countries, Catholics change the position of the rings on their hands with a change in status, and in some countries, lovers wear wedding rings on their left hand before the wedding, and after marriage they move it to the right. But most often in some European countries, the position of the ring on the hand is associated precisely with religion.

In America

In America, as in our country, the fourth finger of the left hand is usually occupied by a wedding ring. This well-established tradition is associated with the widespread Catholicism in the United States. Catholics believe that Joseph placed the ring of the Virgin Mary on this finger, which is why Catholics chose this arrangement of the ring when they married.

Currently, a ring on the right hand in the United States indicates engagement; after marriage, the spouses change the location of the ring and place it on the ring finger of the opposite hand. So in America it is possible to calculate whether a person is free. True, as elsewhere, for reasons of convenience and comfort, the ring can move to the other hand. Americans rarely take off their rings: the cult of family, respect from a partner and status make them proudly wear their wedding rings.

As we found out, rings in many countries have their own symbolic meaning. Everything depends on religion, traditions and convenience, without which there is nowhere in the modern world.

Unusual wedding rings on the hands of famous people

Today it is very difficult to surprise someone with the shape, design or material of a ring; the choice of jewelry is fantastically huge. Public figures have only one thing left to do: compete in the cost of wedding rings, the size of the stones, the quality of their cut, and the color of the inserts, which is unusual for wedding jewelry. Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé, Holly Berry, Paris Hilton - they all happily show off rings with diamonds, emeralds of several carats and worth millions of dollars.

The beautiful Anna Kournikova does not lag behind Western celebrities - her ring is incredibly expensive and at the same time not typical for the Hollywood star party: an Australian pink diamond of excellent quality, purity of color, and transparency at one time conquered even the most unscrupulous paparazzi.

As a result, for celebrities, better almost always means more, and the unusualness of wedding or engagement rings most often fades into the background. The same cannot be said about the aristocracy: moderation, high style, classic design are the main priorities when choosing wedding rings for members of royal families in different countries.

Which hand is the engagement ring worn on?

Even if a girl knows or guesses in advance about the upcoming proposal to share life, love and happiness, the moment itself can cause confusion: which hand should I extend to my loved one so that he can put the long-awaited ring on his finger?

Which hand is the ring put on when proposing?

Dear ladies, and men too, don’t worry - the engagement ring can be worn on any hand, whichever is more convenient for you, despite traditions, customs, signs, advice and other information unnecessary at the time of engagement. It doesn’t matter who proposes to whom either!

But in reality, it is often your lover who proposes, and believe me, at this moment he is no less nervous than you and may well forget even a well-rehearsed script. Alternatively, he is a Catholic or came for you from Europe, America and acts according to the traditions of his country. This is where you really get confused, should you wear an engagement ring on your right or left hand? Don’t worry, the main thing is to answer yes, if you really agree to enter his life and let new family members on his side into yours.

Which finger to wear an engagement ring on?

If we talk about Russia, the ring finger of the right hand takes on all possible rings, both for engagement and wedding. But this does not mean that this unspoken rule must be followed unconditionally. Many brides leave the engagement ring on their right hand after the wedding, and wear the engagement ring on their left. Some people are happy to show off with both jewelry on one hand on different fingers, while others are more comfortable wearing the wedding ring separately, and in this case the engagement ring goes into the family jewelry box until a better opportunity. Do what’s most convenient for you and don’t worry about signs: bad ones don’t work, but good ones are nice to believe in.

After the wedding

Of course, the prize for the most popular way to wear a wedding ring along with an engagement ring goes to the ring finger, no matter which hand. How to combine, whether it is worth doing, and how beautiful both rings look together on one finger depends on the design of the jewelry. As a rule, there are no problems with combinations with the classic style; you can allow yourself any options, depending on your mood or, for example, the wardrobe you have chosen for the day.

Beautiful, non-standard shapes of rings also allow you to experiment with ways of wearing them: together, separately, on fingers next to each other or on different hands.

Sets with a design in which one ring follows the curve of the other invariably attract attention: as a rule, the main part in this case is performed as an engagement ring, and the wedding ring is an addition to it, although in Russia this trend, due to a misunderstanding, is not so widespread. This is very beautiful - nesting (nested) ring, thanks to American celebrities, is incredibly popular among Western newlyweds.

How and where to wear a wedding ring in other countries

The Egyptians put a ring on the ring finger of their left hand because they believed that it was directly connected to the heart through the “artery of love.” Therefore, the decoration worn on this finger showed that the heart was occupied, ringed with love and fidelity. In Greece, the left hand was a symbol of the dark side and misfortune, so the ring was worn on the right hand.

In Medieval Europe, in most countries the ring was worn on the right hand, including in England, where it is now worn on the left. Historians say that the left hand was chosen as a sign of a woman's submission and respect to her husband. Interestingly, for a long time in the West, most men did not wear wedding rings. This custom became widespread only in the forties of the 20th century - during the Second World War. The simple decoration reminded them that a wife was waiting at home, and this strengthened the morale of the soldiers.

In Europe, rings are worn in a special way. The groom rings the index finger of his right hand because it is the most needed and therefore important. The chosen one can change it to nameless only after the wedding. German couples, as well as young ones from the Netherlands, often put rings on their left hands before the wedding, and then transfer them to their right hands to signify the wedding and the change in official status.

Not only in Russia it is customary to wear a wedding ring on the right hand. Spouses in Latvia, Spain, Colombia, Norway and many other countries do the same. In Turkey, Lebanon, Brazil, the marriage symbol is worn on the finger of the right hand before the wedding, and then it is changed to the left. The same is true in Syria. In India, for a long time, the ring was worn only on the right hand, because the left was considered dirty. Today, the choice of hand is not of fundamental importance.

Many Muslims do not wear wedding rings, since during the marriage ceremony they do not have the ritual of exchanging jewelry. If the spouses do put on rings, then the choice of hand is not of fundamental importance.

Rings are worn exclusively on the left hand in England, the USA, Australia, the Czech Republic, Croatia and a number of Asian countries. Widows in the West often change their wedding ring to the other hand after a sad event as a symbol of fidelity to their departed partner.

Purity Ring

If you are not yet completely confused about engagement rings, wedding rings, traditions, fingers and hands, here is another idea for you - how to diversify your life before marriage with the help of rings. The jewelry, as a symbol of purity, is worn by a couple who wish to get married, but at the same time observe the tradition of abstaining from sex until the wedding ceremony.

Unlike wedding and engagement rings, the purity ring has its own symbolism; in Russia these are Christian prayers transferred to the outside or inside of the jewelry. Western options are also associated with the Christian faith, but are framed in the traditions of a particular denomination. In other countries, the purity ring is also called the daughter's oath to the father.

Which finger is the ring put on at a wedding?

If you have already relaxed and decided that the issue with the rings is finally resolved - sorry, no. In addition to purity, engagement and the wedding itself, there is also a wedding tradition in Orthodoxy. And yes, in this case you will have to stock up on another set, and not a simple one, but a wedding one, which will be worn in the same way as an engagement ring - on the ring finger of the right hand.

The rings themselves for this ritual should be special, without excessive pretentiousness or scattering of stones. It happens that the priest refuses to use obscenely expensive wedding rings, reminding the newlyweds to observe the traditions of Orthodox modesty, recommending simple options, with engraving or minimal decoration.

But at the same time, if the text of an Orthodox prayer is engraved on the surface of an expensive wedding ring with a large gemstone, the priest will not prohibit the use of this option, but, on the contrary, will approve the jewelry and accept it for the wedding without objection.

European traditions of wearing a ring

European traditions of wearing a wedding ring
In some countries, the tradition continued after ancient times, but in others it returned only to the 17th and 18th centuries. In most cases, the ring was worn on the right hand - even in England, where it is now customary to wear it on the left ring finger, until the 17th century the jewelry was worn on the right .
Considering the reason for choosing the left hand, some researchers note that this was done as a sign of respect for the husband. In the past, as part of European traditions, husbands did not wear rings, and the wife was expected to wear the jewelry on her left hand as a sign of submission to her husband. After all, the right hand is the most important and important, and the left is secondary. Interesting fact : European representatives of the stronger sex began wearing wedding jewelry during the Second World War.
The rings reminded them of the women waiting at home. The European tradition suggests the following features of putting on rings. The groom should wear the jewelry on the index finger of his right hand, as it is considered the most important. Then, after the wedding, the bride can change it to a nameless one. German lovers, as well as couples from the Netherlands, often wear rings before the wedding - on their left hands, and only then change them in reverse to demonstrate the event that has occurred and the change in their own position.

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