Junior Rasmussen
In Russia, wedding rings are traditionally worn on the right hand, with some sources stating that this is due to the country's ties with the Orthodox Christian Church. The custom was inherited from the Romans, who wore wedding rings on their right hands as the left hand was considered sinister and untrustworthy. In Western European countries and the U.S., wedding rings are typically worn on the left hand, which is considered closer to the heart.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hand wedding ring is worn on | Right hand |
| Finger wedding ring is worn on | Ring finger |
| Countries with similar traditions | Ukraine, Poland, Georgia, Germany, Spain, Austria, India and Greece |
| Reason for wearing on right hand | Romans considered the left hand to be sinister and untrustworthy |
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What You'll Learn
Russian wedding rings are worn on the right hand
Russian wedding rings are traditionally worn on the right hand. This is a custom that dates back to ancient times and is shared by several other countries, including Ukraine, Poland, Georgia, Germany, Spain, Austria, India, and Greece. The tradition is thought to have been inherited from the Romans, who wore their wedding rings on the right hand as the left hand was considered "sinister and untrustworthy." The Romans, in turn, may have borrowed this custom from the Egyptians.
In Russia, the right hand is considered to be associated with wedding-related symbolism. The ring finger of the right hand is specifically believed to be directly connected to the heart, although this belief is not unique to Russia, with many Western countries and the U.S. associating the left hand with being closer to the heart.
While the choice of hand for wedding rings is often influenced by a country's customs and religion, it is generally agreed that the significance of the ring lies not in the hand it is worn on, but in what it symbolizes—the persistence and clearness of love between the married couple.
Russian wedding rings, also known as Triple Rolling Rings, typically consist of three interlocking bands of rose, white, and yellow gold. Each band is much thinner than normal bands, and the three bands are said to symbolize either the Holy Trinity of the Christian Orthodox religion or the past, present, and future of the couple. This design was invented in the 1920s by Cartier and is distinct from the traditional wedding ring in Russia, which is usually a single, smooth gold band without decoration.
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Russian Orthodox wedding rings
In Russia, wedding rings are traditionally worn on the right hand. This tradition dates back to ancient times, when the Romans wore wedding rings on their right hands as the left was considered "sinister and untrustworthy". The Orthodox Christian Church, which has a presence in Russia, inherited this custom from the Romans and, in turn, passed it on to the ancestors of modern-day Russia in the 11th to 13th centuries.
The rings are designed to have a substantial weight to them, with some handmade rings featuring three intertwined bands of white, rose, and yellow gold. The width of the bands can vary, with options ranging from 2mm to 4mm, depending on the wearer's preference and finger size. It is recommended that the ring should be snug and well-fitted, with some opting to wear it on their index or middle fingers.
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Russian wedding ring design
In Russia, wedding rings are worn on the right hand, which is said to have originated from the ancient belief that the ring finger on the right hand is directly connected to the heart. The tradition of wearing wedding rings on the right hand was also inherited from the Romans, who passed it on to the ancestors of modern-day Russia through the Orthodox Christian Church in the 11th to 13th centuries.
Russian wedding rings, also known as triple rolling rings, interlocking rings, or trinity rings, are a unique design that originated in 19th-century Russia. They consist of three individual rings that interlock inseparably and are worn as a single piece of jewellery. Each ring is made from a different coloured gold: yellow, rose, and white. The combination of these three colours is said to symbolise eternal love, with each colour representing a different aspect: yellow for fidelity, white for friendship, and rose for love. The three bands can also symbolise the Holy Trinity of the Christian Orthodox religion or the past, present, and future of the couple.
The design of Russian wedding rings is known for its versatility and has gained popularity worldwide. While the traditional Russian wedding ring is a single, smooth gold band with no decoration, the three-band design has been adapted and interpreted in various ways, sometimes including engravings, diamonds, or even more than three rings. The width of the bands can vary, with 2mm, 3mm, and 4mm being common options, and the rings can be customised to be all in one colour or a combination of colours.
Russian wedding rings are often commended for their "wonderful weight", as they are made of solid gold. It is important to ensure a snug fit when wearing these rings, especially if one has larger knuckles or straight fingers, to prevent the ring from rolling off the finger. The Russian Wedding Ring design is not limited to rings and can also be found in necklace, bracelet, or earring form, making it a versatile choice for gifting to loved ones, family, or friends.
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Russian wedding traditions
Russian weddings are a blend of long-held religious rituals, Soviet customs from the 1900s, and modern choices. They are fun, lighthearted, and whimsical, with a variety of games and pranks involved. Weddings in Russia are also an opportunity for elaborate opulence and warm hospitality.
Up until 1917, the Russian Orthodox Christian ceremony was the only way to get married in Russia. This changed in the early 1900s when the Soviet state introduced secular weddings without religious meaning, known as "The Red Wedding". In modern times, weddings in Russia are more aligned with Western standards, but often include some traditional aspects.
Another Russian wedding tradition is the "bride's ransom", where the bride's parents "steal" her away and hide her before the ceremony until her partner completes a series of challenges set up by the bridesmaids. If a task cannot be completed, the groom must pay real cash, chocolates, or flowers as compensation.
Russian wedding rings are traditionally made of solid gold and worn on the right hand.
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Russian engagement rings
In Russia, wedding rings are worn on the right hand, a tradition inherited from the Orthodox Christian Church, which in turn got it from the Romans, who wore wedding rings on their right hands as the left hand was considered untrustworthy.
Engagement rings, however, are not traditionally part of Russian culture. Historically, Russian engagements were arranged by the fathers of the bride and groom, who would negotiate matters like dowry and ransom money, sealing the agreement with a handshake while wearing special canvas gloves. Today, while some Russians do give engagement rings, they are not expected, and proposals are typically discussed beforehand.
Russian wedding rings are traditionally made of solid gold, featuring three bands of white, rose, and yellow gold, though they can also be customised with three bands of the same colour gold. They are known for having a "'wonderful weight" to them, and are handcrafted with great care and attention.
Some examples of antique Russian engagement rings include a classic cluster design with floral motifs featuring old mine-cut diamonds, and a contemporary platinum ring with a 1.42-carat antique cushion-cut diamond.
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Frequently asked questions
Russians traditionally wear their wedding ring on their right hand.
The tradition of wearing wedding rings on the right hand was inherited from the Romans, who received it from the ancient Egyptians. The Orthodox Christian Church, which spread the custom throughout Russia, was influenced by the Romans.
The word "Pravo" in Russian Orthodox, or "Pravoslavnost", means "right", and all wedding-related symbolism is on the right hand.
Russian wedding rings, also known as Triple rolling rings, are three interlocking bands of rose, white, and yellow gold, worn on the right hand. Each band is much thinner than normal bands.
While some Russians who live outside of Russia may choose to wear their wedding ring on their left hand, it is not the traditional custom in Russia.
