Men: Why The Wedding Band Comes Off

There are many reasons why men take off their wedding bands. For some, it's a matter of practicality and safety. For instance, men who work with their hands or engage in physical activities may find that wearing a ring increases the risk of injury or damage to the ring itself. Others may find that the ring interferes with their daily tasks, such as cooking or gardening, and choose to remove it temporarily. In some cases, men may also choose to remove their rings when travelling or engaging in water-related activities to avoid losing them.

Beyond practical considerations, the decision to wear or remove a wedding band can be influenced by personal beliefs and the significance attached to the ring. Some men view their wedding band as a lifelong symbol of commitment to their partner, while others may not attach the same level of importance to wearing the ring. Additionally, cultural and religious factors play a role, with certain religions considering the wedding ring as a sacred symbol that should not be removed.

It's important to note that the choice to wear or remove a wedding band is deeply personal, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Ultimately, the decision to take off a wedding band can depend on a combination of practical, cultural, and individual factors.

Safety concerns

There are several safety concerns associated with wearing a wedding band, which may explain why some men choose to take them off. For instance, men who work with heavy machinery or in manual labour jobs may be at risk of "degloving", a grisly injury where the skin on the finger is torn off. In some cases, this can lead to losing the finger, as one commenter on a Reddit thread recounts: "My father-in-law got his finger degloved at work because of his ring. Lost the finger, kept the bent ring."

Another safety concern is the potential for the ring to get caught on something, which could cause injury. This is especially true for men who participate in certain sports or activities, such as rock climbing. One man on the Reddit thread mentioned that he only takes his ring off for rock climbing: "Apparently they can 'deglove' your hand. Not something I wish to learn for myself."

In addition to the risk of injury, there is also the possibility that a ring could be lost or damaged during certain activities. For example, swimming in natural hot springs can affect the ring due to the minerals in the water. Similarly, submerging the hand in hot water while doing the dishes can cause the ring to warp and any stones to become misaligned.

For these reasons, some men may choose to wear a silicone wedding band as a safer alternative to a metal ring. One commenter on the Reddit thread recommended this option, saying: "I’m a firefighter by trade and I’ve seen an avulsed finger early in my career to know I never want that! I wear my silicone band 99% of the time and my Cobalt wedding band on nights out with the wife/special occasions." Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to wear a wedding band is a personal one, and individuals should consider their own beliefs and safety concerns when making this choice.

To avoid damage

In addition to preventing damage to the ring itself, men may also remove their wedding bands to avoid injury to their fingers. Rings can pose a safety hazard when working with heavy machinery or performing activities where the finger could accidentally get crushed, such as lifting and carrying heavy objects. In these situations, it is advisable to remove the ring to reduce the risk of severe injuries, such as degloving or finger amputation. This is a very real concern, as illustrated by a comment from a man on an AskMen thread on Reddit, who shared that his father-in-law lost his finger in a workplace accident due to his wedding band.

Another reason men may choose to remove their wedding bands is to prevent the ring from slipping off and getting lost during water-related activities. Swimming in pools or natural bodies of water can cause the finger to shrink, making it easier for the ring to slide off. Additionally, saltwater and chlorine can damage and discolour the metal over time. As such, it is generally recommended to remove wedding bands before swimming or engaging in water sports.

Finally, men may also remove their wedding bands to protect them from scratches, nicks, and other minor damage that can occur during everyday activities such as cooking, exercising, or even sleeping. While these activities may not pose a significant risk of major damage or injury, they can still affect the appearance and condition of the ring over time. By removing the ring during these activities, men can help maintain the beauty and longevity of their wedding bands.

Religious beliefs

For some men, wearing a wedding band is a matter of religious belief. In certain religions, the wedding ring is considered a sacred symbol of their love and commitment to their partner under the eyes of their god. For followers of these religions, removing the ring can be seen as a declaration of no longer being faithful to this commitment.

One such religion is Orthodox Christianity, where followers hold the wedding ring in high regard and wear it as a symbol of their devotion to their spouse and God. Similarly, in the Jewish faith, the wedding ring is treated as an important emblem of the loving bond between a married couple.

Hindus also typically accompany their wedding ring with another sacred symbol of marriage, and they view the ring as a sacred declaration of their relationship status.

In contrast, there are religions and cultures where wearing a wedding band was not historically a "thing". For example, in the UK, men did not commonly wear wedding rings until the 1940s, and the Church of England did not include marriage vows that allowed for two rings to be exchanged until much later.

Superstition

Symbol of Commitment

The wedding ring is a physical symbol of commitment to a partner in marriage. Removing the ring is seen as a declaration of infidelity or trouble within the marriage. This belief stems from ancient cultures, where wedding rings were made of wood and could easily disintegrate if removed.

Fortune-Telling

Historically and across various cultures, wedding rings have been used for fortune-telling. For example, pregnant women would tie a thread to the ring and hang it over their belly; if the ring swung in a circle, it foretold a girl, and if it swung back and forth, a boy. Another superstition claims that an itchy ring finger means you are soon to be engaged or married.

Bad Luck

It is considered bad luck to try on someone else's wedding ring, especially from a broken marriage. This is due to the belief that energies from traumatic events can remain in objects, passing on bad luck to the wearer. Additionally, dropping your wedding ring during the ceremony is thought to bring either good or bad luck, depending on the source of the superstition.

Health and Children

In certain cultures, removing your wedding ring is believed to affect your health negatively, as it is thought to ward off evil spirits. Some superstitions also claim that removing your ring will bring bad luck upon your children, disrupting the family ecosystem.

Ring Characteristics

Separation or divorce

Taking off a wedding ring can be a difficult decision, especially when it comes to separation or divorce. The ring is a symbol of commitment, love, and fidelity, and removing it can be an emotional and challenging step. Here are some reasons why men might take off their wedding bands during or after a separation or divorce:

• Practical Reasons: Some jobs or activities may require the removal of jewellery for safety reasons. For example, men who work with machinery, do manual labour, or participate in certain sports may choose to remove their rings to avoid injury or damage to the ring. This is especially true for men who work as mechanics, welders, or in other labour-intensive professions.
• Emotional Reasons: Removing a wedding ring can be an emotional decision, signalling a change in relationship status. It can be a way for men to process their feelings and come to terms with the end of their marriage. Taking off the ring can be a symbolic gesture of moving on and starting a new chapter in their lives.
• Social Reasons: During a separation or divorce, men might take off their wedding bands to signal their availability to potential partners. It can be a way to explore new relationships and see how it feels to be single again. This can be a difficult step, especially if the man is not emotionally ready to move on.
• Finality and Closure: Removing a wedding ring can be a way for men to accept and come to terms with the end of their marriage. It can be a symbolic gesture of letting go of the past and moving forward. This is especially true if the divorce is finalised, and the man feels ready to part with the ring.
• Respect and Consideration: In some cases, men might take off their wedding bands out of respect for their former spouse or to avoid any confusion about their relationship status. This can be a considerate gesture, especially if the divorce is amicable and both parties want to move on.
• Safety and Comfort: Some men might find wearing a wedding band uncomfortable, especially if it doesn't fit properly or interferes with their daily activities. In such cases, they might choose to remove the ring temporarily or opt for a more comfortable alternative, such as a silicone wedding band.

Ultimately, the decision to take off a wedding band during or after a separation or divorce is a personal one. It can be influenced by practical, emotional, and social factors, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each individual must decide what is best for them and what feels right in their specific circumstances.

Frequently asked questions