Modern engagement and wedding rings can probably be traced back to the Romans and are closely associated with various religions. Though, one of the most profound and frequently asked questions about wedding rings is: “What hand does the wedding ring go on?” In this article, you will explore the traditions regarding the positioning of wedding rings, the meaning of the customs, and what are modern approaches to wearing wedding rings.

The Traditional Western Approach

The Left Hand Tradition

When looking towards the question: “What hand does the wedding ring go on?”, then it is significant that in many Western countries such as the USA, Canada, Great Britain, and a significant part of European countries, the ring is traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. Originating from the early civilizations, it has been based on social romanticism as well as practical approaches.

The Vena Amoris: Romantic myth

One of the reasons why the left ring finger was considered acceptable for engagements/reservations is the existence of the “vena amoris” (vein of love) that is directly linked to the left ring finger and connects it to the heart. Even though contemporary science has discredited this myth of human anatomy, it still plays a role in many pairs’ decisions.

Practical Considerations

The second point of view for using the left hand is that the majority of the people are right-handed hence making it easier to use their right hand for regular tasks. It could also suggest that wearing the ring on the less utilized hand might be a way of ensuring that the valuable ornament was not exposed to immediate wear and tear often caused by the tasks performed during the day.

Eastern and Orthodox Traditions

The Right Hand Custom

Still, in many East European countries, and the countries with a greatly influenced culture of the Orthodox Church, people wear wedding rings on the right ring finger. This practice is evident in Russia, Greece, and India among other nations.

Religious Symbolism

The particularity of using the right hand in these cultures has some relation to religious practices. Accordingly, it is the tradition of giving and receiving the wedding ring on the right hand in Orthodox Christianity as it is regarded as the hand of blessing.

Cultural Differences Around the World

Germany and the Netherlands

In Germany and the Netherlands, engagement rings are worn on the left ring finger, and the wedding ring is transferred to the right ring finger after the wedding. This transition draws a veil from the state of being a bride-to-be, to a wife.

Brazilian Customs

In Brazil, like in some European countries, couples can wear their engagement rings on the right hand and then switch them to the fourth finger of the left hand during the wedding ceremony. This site depicts the move from betrothal to wedlock.

Matching Sets and Complementary Designs

Some tend to wear wedding band sets that are similar in styles and designs as a way of showing that they are together but other couples may wear jewellery that they independently select but are couple rings. The type of metal, gems and engraving make the rings symbolic and carry different meanings to the characters.

Beyond Tradition: Personal Meaning

The cultural and traditional meaning of wedding rings is in the positioning of the ring but what they symbolize for the couple is more profound. The circle as part of a ring, is continuously suggestive of the amorous relationship and fidelity with the wearer’s beloved, regardless of the side of the body the ring is worn.

Traditional Role in Modern Relations

Marriage and relationships are dynamic events and as such changing is also the traditions that accompany it. A lot of couples are trying to find ways how to introduce traditions related to their culture and at the same time, develop some of the traditions that would suit them the most.

Coming to the question: “What hand does the wedding ring go on?”, it can be seen that there is no definite answer universally accepted. How this decision is made depends on cultural endowment or inheritance, the beliefs that people hold, and regional peculiarities, among other things that can be considered important.

The placement holds some meaning but the design of the ring has profound symbolism. Most people are going for custom-made settings that are peculiar to their personalities and the bond they have with each other. As for those who want their wedding bands to be unique and made to fill in every detail of the plot, PANPANXI presents several options for jewellery. Our master jewellers have direct communication with the clients and they make splendid and exclusive engagement rings that can be worn on any finger or any hand that the couple would wish, hence the emblem of the couple’s union is as special as the couple.