Which Finger Does The Engagement Ring Go On?
There are a variety of different traditions associated with wearing engagement rings, and often these traditions depend on culture, country, religion and individual preference. But, have you ever wondered what the significance of which finger you wear your ring on is? Continue reading to learn more.
Where Does the Engagement Ring Finger Tradition Come From?
In Western countries, the tradition of wearing an engagement ring on the fourth finger of the left hand can be traced back to Ancient Rome, where it was believed this finger connects directly to the heart. The Romans called it the ‘Vena Amoris’ or ‘vein of love’.
What is the Traditional Engagement Finger for Females Across Different Cultures?
Christianity - the hand you choose for your engagement and wedding ring as a Christian depends on where you live. Most commonly, the engagement ring is worn on the left hand and the wedding ring on the right.
Judaism - According to Jewish tradition, wedding rings are essential, while engagement rings are not. Today, more and more Jewish women choose to wear engagement rings.
Islam - In Islam, the finger a woman wears an engagement ring on depends on the country. For example, Muslims wear the wedding ring on the right in Jordan but on the left in Iran.
Which Finger Does a Man Wear an Engagement Ring?
Across cultures, such as in Mexico and in the United Kingdom, men are increasingly wearing engagement rings. Like women, the most common way to wear an engagement is on the fourth finger of their left hand.
For same-sex couples, there are no fixed rules on which finger an engagement or wedding ring should be worn on. In some gay couples, both men will use the same engagement ring when exchange wedding vows on their big day.
What Happens to the Engagement Ring Once you Start Wearing a Wedding Ring?
According to tradition, once you are married you move your engagement band back to the third finger on your left hand. The symbolism here is that your wedding band should remain closest to the Vena Amoris and your heart.
RECENT POSTS
- Custom Western Wedding Rings
- Hand Engraved Western Wedding Rings
- Handmade Western Wedding Rings
- Mens Cowboy Wedding Bands
- How to Wear a Wedding Ring Set
A question asked by many soon-to-be newlyweds: which finger does the engagement ring go on? This is a popular question asked during the wedding planning process, as tradition holds sacred the custom of placing the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand. This finger is known as the wedding or ring finger due to its connection to the exchange of rings between a couple.
The tradition dates back centuries, and may have originated with Romans who believed the fourth finger of the left hand contained the vena amoris, the vein said to run directly to the heart. This romantic notion ensures a symbolic joining of the newlyweds’ hearts as well as their hands.
In western cultures, placing the engagement ring on the wedding finger has become a time-honored, universally understood gesture. Each time a couple puts a ring on this finger, it is a physical connection between the two and a promise of love and commitment to one another.
Although it has become customary to place the engagement ring on the left hand fourth finger, that doesn’t mean there is any set rule. Couples today are increasingly breaking with tradition and finding their own way to express their commitment and love. Whether that means wearing the ring on the right fourth finger or changing hands altogether, it is a personal choice and there is no right or wrong way to go about it.
No matter which finger the engagement ring is placed on, the significance remains. This meaningful tradition dates back centuries and offers a beautiful symbol of the couple’s love and commitment to each other. And for the lucky couple, the wedding or ring finger will forever remind them of the moment their hearts were united.
