Deborah Chan
Wedding ring traditions vary across the world, and India is no exception. Unlike in many Western and European countries, Indians traditionally wear their wedding rings on their right hand, owing to the belief that the left hand is inauspicious. However, this is not a strict rule, and some women wear their wedding rings on their left hand. In this paragraph, we will explore the different wedding ring customs in India and how they have evolved over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hand | Right hand, but some communities wear on the left hand |
| Finger | Third or fourth finger, but some wear on the thumb or as a toe ring |
| Metal | Gold, but platinum and diamond rings are becoming more popular |
| Engravings | Bride and groom's names |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding rings in India are traditionally made of gold
In India, wedding rings are traditionally made of gold, a metal that is considered pure, superior, elegant, and attractive. Gold rings symbolise a long-lasting marriage and are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the couple. The bride and groom typically wear matching gold rings, often with their names etched on them, reminding them of their love for each other.
Gold is deeply rooted in Indian culture, and Indian wedding ring traditions have always favoured gold rings for both the bride and the groom. The precious metal is associated with purity and elegance and is believed to bring good fortune to the newlyweds. The warm, lustrous hue of gold is also symbolic of the sun and is considered auspicious and lucky.
Indian wedding rings are crafted from 22-karat gold, which is a higher purity level than the gold commonly used in Western jewellery. This type of gold is more pliable, allowing for intricate designs and detailed engravings. The higher gold content also gives the jewellery a richer, deeper colour that is highly valued in Indian culture.
The designs of Indian wedding rings vary, from classic and clean lines to more intricate and detailed patterns. Some rings feature laser-cut designs, engraved patterns, or a single gemstone, while others may have more intricate designs with dazzling gemstones like diamonds or rubies. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards contemporary designs, with some couples opting for platinum or diamond rings instead of the traditional gold.
Indian wedding rings are typically worn on the right hand, as the left hand is considered inauspicious in Indian culture. However, traditions vary within the country's diverse communities. In some communities, the groom wears the wedding ring on his fourth finger on the right hand, while the bride wears it on her left hand. These traditions have evolved over time, with contemporary practices gaining popularity, especially among younger generations.
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Wedding rings are worn on the right hand
Unlike Western and European cultures, Indian wedding rings are traditionally worn on the right hand. This is because the left hand is considered inauspicious, and it is believed that wearing a ring on the right hand embodies the values symbolised by the right hand: trust, loyalty, and honour. In India, it is also traditional for the wedding ring to be made of gold, which is seen as pure, superior, elegant, and attractive.
The right hand is also associated with several important customs and traditions in Indian culture. For example, Indians never give money with their left hand and always touch elders' feet with their right hand. In addition, the engagement ring is traditionally worn on the right hand as well. This may be due to the belief that the left hand is inauspicious or that the fourth finger of the left hand, the "ring finger", has a vein called the "vena amoris" or "vein of love" that runs directly to the heart.
While the right hand is the traditional location for wedding rings in India, there is no one-rule fits all. The specific finger on which the ring is worn can vary depending on the community and the individual beliefs of the married couple. For example, in certain communities, the groom wears his wedding ring on the fourth finger of his right hand, while the bride wears hers on her left hand. In other cases, women may wear their wedding rings on their fourth finger, while men wear theirs on their third finger for balance and positive energy.
The type of ring worn can also vary depending on the religion of the couple. For instance, while wedding bands are not traditional in Islamic custom, some practising Muslim couples may gift one another celebratory rings as a visual expression of their commitment. However, for Muslim men, opting for a ring made of platinum or palladium is preferred over gold, as the Prophet Muhammad forbade gold adornments for men. In Hindu culture, a husband may not wear a wedding ring, though this may depend on the country in which they reside.
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The left hand is considered inauspicious
In India, the left hand is considered inauspicious, and this belief has influenced wedding ring traditions. Wedding rings are typically worn on the right hand, although there have been some variations within different communities. For instance, in the past, it was observed that the groom would wear his wedding ring on his right hand, while the bride wore hers on her left.
The belief that the left hand is inauspicious has deep roots in Indian culture and has led to prejudice against left-handed individuals, especially women and girls. This prejudice is evident in various aspects of life, from everyday interactions to religious practices. For example, in some religions, serving food with the left hand is considered a sin, and individuals may be pressured to use their right hand for tasks like cooking and serving.
The bias against left-handedness extends beyond social norms. Left-handed children have faced discrimination in schools, with some even being punished or forced to use their right hand for writing, as in the case mentioned by Sandeip Vishnoi, the founder of the Indian Left Hander Club. This prejudice is particularly prominent in South India, and it has been a challenge for left-handed individuals to gain acceptance and fight these deep-rooted biases.
However, there are efforts underway to combat this prejudice. The Indian Left Hander Club, for instance, has been working to raise awareness and support left-handed students in schools. Additionally, the success of left-handed individuals in various fields, such as cricket players Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh, has also helped reduce the stigma associated with left-handedness. Despite these efforts, the belief that the left hand is inauspicious still persists in Indian culture, influencing traditions like the wearing of wedding rings on the right hand.
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Some communities have different customs for the bride and groom
In India, the wedding ring is traditionally worn on the right hand as the left hand is considered inauspicious. However, certain communities have different customs for the bride and groom, with the groom wearing the ring on the fourth finger of the right hand and the bride wearing it on her left hand. This custom has evolved over time, with contemporary couples often choosing to wear their wedding rings on the same hand.
In eastern India, particularly in West Bengal, women wear an iron bangle called a "loha," which may be gold- or silver-plated. This tradition differs from the practice of exchanging gold rings, which is prevalent among Christian Indians and non-religious couples who choose to exchange symbolic bands.
At Hindu weddings, wedding bands are often exchanged as part of a series of rituals during the Mangalya Dharanam ceremony. However, the exchange of rings is not an official declaration of marriage but rather an adopted custom. Instead, the groom places a Mangalsutra, or "sacred thread," around the bride's neck, applying Kumkum to her forehead. The bride then reciprocates by applying Chandan tilak, or sandalwood paste.
While gold rings have traditionally been the norm for Indian weddings, with their colour symbolizing purity and light, platinum and diamond rings have gained popularity in recent years, reflecting the influence of pop culture and global trends.
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Wedding rings are not always worn daily
In India, wedding rings are traditionally worn on the right hand, though in certain communities, the groom wears his wedding ring on the fourth finger of his right hand, while the bride wears hers on her left hand. In recent years, Indian wedding ring traditions have become more contemporary, with platinum and diamond rings gaining popularity alongside the traditional gold rings.
In some cultures and historical contexts, only the bride wears a wedding ring, and it symbolises her husband's ownership of her. In more recent times, the exchange of rings between the bride and groom has become more common, potentially reflecting a shift towards greater equality in marriage. While the wearing of wedding rings by brides has a long history, it is only in the last century that a significant number of grooms have started to do the same.
The type of ring chosen can also influence whether it is worn daily. For instance, individuals who do not usually wear jewellery might prefer a simple, comfortable design for everyday wear. On the other hand, those who prioritise fashion might opt for alternative engagement rings made with lab-grown diamonds, white sapphires, or unique settings, reserving their wedding ring for special occasions. Ultimately, the decision to wear a wedding ring daily is a personal and cultural choice that varies across individuals and communities.
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Frequently asked questions
Unlike Western and European cultures, Indians traditionally wear their wedding rings on their right hand. This is because the left hand is considered inauspicious. However, this is not a strict rule, and some women still wear their wedding ring on their left hand.
The wedding ring is typically worn on the third or fourth finger of the right hand. In certain communities, the groom wears his wedding ring on his fourth finger on the right hand, while the bride wears hers on the left. In certain Hindu cultures, women wore their wedding rings as toe rings.
Indian wedding rings are traditionally made of gold, as gold is considered pure, superior, elegant, and attractive. However, in recent years, rings made of platinum, diamond, and silver have also gained popularity.
