Left Hand, Ring Finger

In many Western cultures, engagement and wedding rings are traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, also known as the ring finger. This tradition is believed to have originated from the Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks, who thought that a vein called the vena amoris or the vein of love ran directly from the tip of this finger to the heart. However, modern anatomy has disproved the existence of this vein, but the tradition persists in Western cultures such as the UK, USA, Canada, France, Mexico, South Africa, and many Asian countries.

The 'ring finger'

The ring finger is steeped in history and tradition. In many Western cultures, the wedding ring finger is the fourth finger on the left hand. This tradition originated from the belief that this digit had a vein running directly from the finger to the heart. The Romans named this the Vena Amoris, or vein of love. Thus, placing a ring on that finger symbolised the romantic connection between a newly married couple.

The circular form of the engagement ring and wedding band is thought to symbolise the eternal nature of a couple's union, with the open centre representing the unknown future ahead. With these theories in mind, wearing a band of precious metal on the fourth finger of the left hand is a meaningful way to communicate lifelong love and commitment.

The tradition of wearing romantic jewellery on the ring finger dates back to Ancient Egypt. The Egyptians were the first people to exchange wedding rings, which were usually made from woven reeds, rushes, or sedges. The ring was a symbol of eternity, with the hole in the centre signifying a gateway to the future.

Although the belief that the left ring finger has a direct connection to the heart has been disproven, the tradition has endured. However, it is not a global custom. In some countries, such as India, Germany, Norway, and Russia, engagement and wedding rings are traditionally worn on the right hand. In Indian culture, the left hand is considered unlucky, while in other countries, such as Norway and Germany, the right hand is the hand traditionally used for oaths and vows, symbolising honour and trust.

Ancient beliefs about the fourth finger

The fourth finger of the left hand, or the "ring finger", has been associated with wedding and engagement rings for centuries. This tradition is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, where it was thought that a vein, called the "veena amoris" or "vein of love", ran directly from this finger to the heart. The ancient Egyptians believed that this vein symbolised the connection between a person's heart and their loved one's heart. Thus, wearing a ring on this finger was seen as a way to solidify a union founded in love.

The ancient Greeks and Romans also believed in the existence of the "vein of love", and it is from them that we get the name "vena amoris". The use of metal rings as symbols of bonding originated in ancient Rome, where iron was the metal of choice. Gold and silver rings were given on rare occasions, as a sign of a man's trust in his wife.

The tradition of wearing rings on the fourth finger of the left hand was later adopted by other cultures, including the ancient Chinese, who referred to this finger as the "unnamed finger". In Chinese culture, the ring finger is believed to symbolise the bond between a husband and wife, which is harder to break than the bonds with one's parents or siblings.

While our modern understanding of anatomy has shown that there is no single vein connecting the fourth finger to the heart, the symbolism associated with this finger has persisted, and it continues to be the most common choice for wedding and engagement rings, especially in Western cultures.

Why the left hand?

The tradition of wearing engagement and wedding rings on the left hand has its roots in ancient civilisations. In Ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome, it was customary for suitors to give their bride-to-be a ring before their wedding to symbolise their promise to get married. The fourth finger on the left hand was believed to contain a special vein called the Vena Amoris, or the "vein of love", which was thought to lead directly to the heart. The heart was believed to be the centre of all emotions, and so wearing a ring on this finger was thought to seal two people together eternally through their love and passion.

This romantic notion has persisted through the centuries, despite the fact that science has since disproved the existence of the "love vein". In modern times, the left-hand ring finger is still the most common place for engagement and wedding rings in many Western cultures, including the UK, USA, Canada, France, Mexico, South Africa, and many Asian countries.

However, it is not a universal tradition. Some countries, including India, Germany, Norway, and Russia, traditionally wear wedding rings on the right hand. This is partly derived from the Latin word "left" meaning "sinister", so the left hand was considered unlucky. In other countries, such as Brazil, couples switch their rings to their right hands after exchanging vows. Ultimately, the choice of which hand to wear an engagement or wedding ring is a personal one, and many couples are making their own traditions.

Stacking the rings

There is no right or wrong way to stack your engagement and wedding rings. The way you stack your rings is a matter of personal preference, and there are several ways to do it. Here are some options:

Wear Your Engagement Ring First, Wedding Band on Top

You may choose to wear your engagement ring first, followed by the wedding band. This order may appeal to you symbolically, as it reflects the progression from engagement to marriage. Additionally, it makes sense to wear the rings in the order you received them.

Wear Your Wedding Band First, Engagement Ring on Top

The most common way to stack your rings is to place the wedding band first, followed by the engagement ring. If you choose this method, it is recommended to remove the engagement ring before the wedding ceremony to avoid any inconvenience and put it back on during the reception.

Wear Both Rings on Your Left Hand

In many Western cultures, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, and many Asian countries, it is customary to wear both rings on the left hand. This tradition stems from the ancient belief that a vein called the "vena amoris" or "vein of love" ran directly from the fourth finger on the left hand to the heart.

Wear Both Rings on Your Right Hand

In some countries, such as India, Germany, Spain, Norway, Russia, and certain European nations, couples traditionally wear their wedding rings on their right hand. This is because the right hand is considered the hand used for oaths and vows, symbolising honour and trust.

Wear Your Engagement Ring and Wedding Band on Separate Hands

Some people prefer to wear their engagement ring on their left hand and their wedding band on their right hand, especially if they don't have a matching set or don't like the way the rings look together on one finger. This option is also popular in countries like Germany and the Netherlands.

Create Your Own Stacking Style

Ultimately, there are no rules when it comes to stacking your engagement and wedding rings. You can wear them in a way that reflects your personal style and preferences. You can even mix and match different metals, gemstones, and designs to create a unique stack that represents your milestones and story.

Other cultures, other traditions

The tradition of wearing wedding and engagement rings on the fourth finger of the left hand is common in Western cultures, including the UK, USA, Canada, France, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, Turkey, Switzerland, Kazakhstan, and many Asian countries. This custom is thought to have originated with the ancient Romans, who believed that a vein called the Vena Amoris ("vein of love") ran directly from this finger to the heart.

However, wearing rings on the right hand is also a common tradition in many parts of the world. In Central European cultures and Orthodox religions, the wedding ring is worn on the right hand as this is the hand used for religious gestures and taking oaths. In Germany, Norway, Denmark, Latvia, Poland, Spain, Russia, Austria, Belgium, Greece, Bulgaria, Ukraine, India, and some parts of the Netherlands, couples wear their wedding rings on the right hand. In Brazil, couples wear their wedding rings on one hand during the ceremony and switch hands after saying their vows.

In some cultures, men and women wear rings on different hands. For example, in Chile, men wear engagement rings on the right hand until marriage, when they are exchanged onto the left. In Germany in the 19th century, only women wore wedding rings, and it was not until the Second World War that men began to wear them, as a reminder of their wives back home.

Engagement and wedding rings are not always worn on the hands. In traditional Hindu cultures, women wear toe rings instead of rings on the fingers. In Northern Kenya, Samburu warriors wear ornate beadings around their necks to indicate their engagement status.

Frequently asked questions