On which hand is a wedding ring worn in different countries. Why is the ring worn on the right hand
The history of the rite of putting on rings is rooted in the depths of centuries and to this day remains completely unsolved. There are many versions explaining why and on which hand family people from different countries of the world wear wedding rings. This is partly due to religion, the characteristics of the human body, or even prejudice.
Why a gold ring?
People have been wearing jewelry since ancient times. They were made from different metals, but gold was more valuable. A man who gave a girl (in some countries - her parents) a gold engagement ring with a marriage proposal became a guarantee that her beloved would live in abundance.
An engagement ring is a sign of an endless love affair. By exchanging this attribute, the young promise to love each other, to remain faithful forever.
What does form mean? In shape, they resemble chain links that seem to bind the main characters of the newly-made family with close ties.
On the left hand
The flaunting attribute of family life on the phalanx of the finger of the left hand is a tradition acceptable by Catholics. They tend to the theory that the rite came from ancient Egyptian times. In those ancient hours, doctors understood the structure of the body and allegedly discovered the presence of a vein passing from the left hand to the region of the heart. Her called "love vein". Hence it was customary that the ring on the left palm means love.
Now the ring is worn by Armenians, Americans, Azerbaijanis, Turks, Slovaks, British and other Catholic countries.
Considering how Muslims wear a wedding band, we note that initially their culture did not provide for this ceremony. It was the result of the influence of Western traditions. The females put on This is a decoration for the left arm., and Islam forbids men to wear gold.
On the right hand
In Orthodoxy, this attribute should be on the right side. One of the theories explains this in such a way that the left side was accepted as sinful and impure, and the right side was accepted as true, fair. After all, it is with the right hand that you need to sign various kinds of documents. couples wear fidelity attributes on the right hand in Russia, as well as in such countries of the world as: Austria, Ukraine, Greece, Peru, Colombia. Among the Germans, newly-married couples wear rings before the official ceremony on the left ring finger, and after that on the right. In India, it is allowed to decorate any side. Jewish traditions provide for a ceremony when the future spouse crowns the index finger of the right hand of the betrothed with gold jewelry, and only after official registration can married women change their placement by putting on the phalanx of the ring or middle finger.
Signs
Rings given to a young couple by their grandparents, who lived their lives in inseparable marriage and harmony, will bring happiness. The rings of deceased relatives better not to wear and look at the new.
Orthodox people say that you should not let them try on an engagement ring before the wedding, but if the bridegroom's girlfriend touches it after, she can also get married soon.
An interesting ancient custom was when the wedding jewelry of the future newlyweds was immersed in one container with water, completely frozen. Since water is the carrier of information, the rings "remember" that they were inseparable in a block of ice. The owners of this pair of rings will experience mutual attraction for life.
Not always by which side the wedding ring is worn, religion can be judged , marital status or nationality. Divorced couples often wear this attribute on the opposite hand, while widows do not wear them at all. It is customary for gypsies to wear a wedding band around their necks. It does not play a significant role how and where men and women wear it. The important thing is that this piece of jewelry was and remains a symbol of endless love and fidelity.
The wedding ring symbolizes marriage. This is a kind of indicator of the marital status of a person. By this decoration, you can always determine whether a girl is married or not. It is enough just to look at the finger where the wedding ring is worn. But, of course, not all peoples have a common tradition to single out marriage in one specific way.
On which finger is a wedding ring worn in Russia
Such decorations look very beautiful and original. You just need to remember that it is better to choose rings with a channel setting so that the stone is attached in a recess, and not on the surface. These rings are perfect for wedding decorations. They are externally smooth and the probability of stone falling out is very low.
When choosing stones, the bride and groom usually focus on their tastes, but more often they prefer white color - cubic zirkonia or real diamonds. This is not surprising, because wedding rings are worn all the time, and they should go well with other jewelry or clothing.
It is much less common to buy engagement rings with other precious stones. This is not very practical, it is not always easy to combine them with clothes or accessories. But this is not the only reason. Some stones may change color over time. For example, blue sapphire sometimes darkens. And green emeralds, which are not at all cheap, are very fragile.
In the West, engagement rings with stones are very common. Most often, this is a thin ring with one precious stone, in fact, a classic version. Romantics prefer to buy jewelry with a pebble in the shape of a heart. Rings with a large central stone surrounded by small crystals look very impressive.
On which finger do women wear a wedding ring if the engagement took place before? On the same - nameless. Such jewelry is worn over the wedding, if its appearance allows. Otherwise, the bride herself decides whether to put it on the other hand or even put it in the box. After all, she changed her status, became a married woman, and now another ring symbolizes marriage.
It is difficult to imagine a modern wedding without the exchange of rings. This is a very touching and romantic tradition, common in many countries. When did it originate and why is an engagement ring worn on and not on some other?
The first wedding rings in the world: Ancient Egypt
About 5 thousand years BC. The ancient Egyptians paid great attention to their own appearance and beauty. Representatives of this civilization made exquisite jewelry. Only the pharaohs and the richest citizens of the state could afford to wear them. According to the assumptions of some experts, ordinary people also wanted to have some kind of jewelry, and they came up with the idea of making them from available materials. Rings woven from cane quickly became a symbol of love. They were exchanged by many couples in love. "Why is a wedding ring worn on the ring finger?" - already at that time the Egyptians had their own answer to this question. Priests and doctors have studied the human body quite well. They knew that it was through the ring finger that the nerve ending went straight to the heart. Do not forget about the practical side of the issue. The second finger is practically not used during work, and the ring on it does not interfere in everyday life.
ancient roman symbolism
One of the inventions of the ancient Greeks is the language of rings for men. From time immemorial until the beginning of the last century, the representatives of the stronger sex in Greece, with the help of a single piece of jewelry, could tell others a lot about their personal lives. The ring on the ring finger was a sign that this man already had a wife / bride or beloved woman. The forefinger was worn by those who were in an active search for the second half. worn by men who were free and did not seek to start new relationships. The middle finger was decorated with representatives of the stronger sex, who were not shy about their popularity with women and were always ready for new acquaintances with beautiful ladies.
Chinese traditions
The Chinese had their own explanation for why a wedding ring is worn on the ring finger. Try to connect your own hands in such a way that the little fingers, index, ring and thumbs are connected by pads. The middle ones should be closed so that they touch the phalanges. Try to spread your fingers apart in pairs. You will not be able to spread the indexes. It is for this reason that the Chinese believe that this pair of fingers symbolizes the second half for each of us. The little fingers are children, the middle one is yourself, the index fingers are brothers and sisters, and the thumbs are parents. All these people, despite their closeness, can leave us. And only the husband or wife should be near all his life.
Did the Slavs wear rings?
In the pagan traditions of Ancient Rus', there was also a place for wedding decorations. Our ancestors exchanged rings. They were necessarily smooth, without patterns and inserts. It was believed that the ornament could attract negative energy. Interestingly, the man gave his chosen one a golden ring, thereby transferring some of his own energy to her. And the woman presented her husband with silver - sharing with him the lunar female energy. The Slavs wore an engagement ring. It moved to the nameless only with the advent of Christianity. Our ancestors believed that it was a good tradition to pass on rings by inheritance. The more ancient rings the young people exchanged on the wedding day, the stronger their union will be.
Modern wedding rings in different countries
In Catholic and Protestant traditions, wedding rings are usually worn on the left hand. This is due to the proximity of this limb to the heart. Today, this is how many couples wear their jewelry in Brazil, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Spain, England, France, Japan, America and Turkey. The right ring finger for a wedding ring is used by Orthodox Christians. The explanation of this tradition is simple - it is customary to baptize with this hand. It is widely believed that a guardian angel stands behind the right shoulder. Today, wedding rings are worn on the right hand in Russia, Georgia, Greece, Poland, Israel, Norway, India, Austria. In the modern world, there are countries where the exchange of wedding rings is not a tradition in principle. First of all, we are talking about Muslim states. The Koran says that gold harms spiritual development. A real Muslim will never wear a wedding ring. At the same time, you can give gold to a bride or wife. But in this case, any ring will become only a beautiful decoration, without any deep meaning.
Signs about wedding rings
Most modern newlyweds buy or order new rings from jewelers on the eve of the wedding. The wedding band on the finger should sit well, but at the same time be a little loose, since the hands can swell during the day. Rings of parents to children can be inherited. However, this tradition also has many limitations. Only married couples who have been married for more than 25 years can give their rings to children. It is important that at the time of handing the jewelry to the next generation, both spouses are alive and happy with their marriage. Remember that you can’t wear a widow’s or widower’s wedding ring, this is a very bad omen. Wedding jewelry is worn on the bare hand, it is impossible to wear them over a glove. It is advisable never to take off the wedding ring, and even more so not to give it into the hands of strangers.
It is widely believed that if an outsider puts on such an ornament, he will take away the happiness of a married couple. After a divorce or death of a spouse, the ring should be removed. Such a family heirloom can be hidden and stored, or worn on the left hand. Now you know why the wedding ring is worn on the ring finger of the right hand. Whether or not to wear it on your own wedding day is the personal choice of each couple. Many of our contemporaries refuse to wear wedding rings, considering this tradition obsolete.
The wedding ring is an ancient symbol of love and fidelity. Wedding rings can be inherited, they are traditionally worn on the ring or “ring” finger, but there are peoples who prefer the index finger for a wedding ring. There are many signs and superstitions associated with the engagement ring. For example, it is believed that losing an engagement ring is a divorce. The Orthodox Church calls not to believe in omens. About which hand they wear a wedding ring in different countries - in the material of Pravmir.
On which hand is a wedding ring worn?
In most traditions, a wedding ring is worn on the ring finger, while someone chooses the left hand for this, and someone the right hand. It all depends on the traditions of the country, the religion of the spouses and their personal choice. On which hand the spouses wear the wedding ring, they decide for themselves, focusing on their preferences.
What does the wedding ring symbolize?
The engagement ring, which used to be called the “altar ring”, is a symbol of family ties and marriage, as a link between two people. Altar means "sacrificial" because marriage is a voluntary sacrifice. In the course of family life, we have to give up a lot, but we get a lot in return - the love and support of loved ones, the miracle of childbearing (although the meaning of marriage is not in childbearing, but in the unity of two people for the sake of the Lord), happiness to overcome all difficulties together and share joys.
We have not received exact information about how the tradition appeared - to wear wedding rings. Some of the scientists believe that it originated in ancient Greece, someone argues that the ancient Egyptians began to exchange the first wedding rings.
We know for sure what Plutarch wrote about wedding rings. He did not answer the question about which hand the wedding ring is worn on, but he said why the ring finger was chosen for the ring:
“According to legend, the ancient Greeks wore a ring on the finger closest to the little finger of their left hand. The same custom, as they say, was among the Romans. The reason for this ... is that during the dissection and opening of human bodies, according to the custom adopted in Egypt (the Greeks call it anatomy), it was found that a certain finest nerve departs from this one finger and reaches the heart; therefore, it was considered appropriate to honor this finger as such an adornment, as it is most closely involved in the heart that predominates in the body.
Wedding rings were not always made of precious metal; at the dawn of this tradition, they could be woven from hemp, cane or other materials. In ancient Rome, the rings were already metal, but the groom did not give the ring to the bride herself. He passed it on to his future wife's parents. Thus, the groom showed that he had sufficient wealth to become the head of the family, and the girl was calmly given after the wedding to her husband's house.
The ring symbolizes infinity, as a sign of the infinity of love. Recently, on rings that were traditionally smooth, they began to place precious stones, engrave inscriptions and their design began to differ from the classical one.
Interestingly, in many traditions, the finger on which the wedding ring is worn is called not “ring”, but “ring”, since it is intended for a wedding ring.
On which hand do women and men wear a wedding ring in Russia
Orthodox Christians usually wear a wedding ring on their right hand. But not only the Orthodox have such a tradition, it was formed in the following countries:
It is customary for Orthodox Christians to wear a ring on the ring finger of their right hand during marriage. On the right hand, wedding rings are worn in the following countries:
- Uzbekistan,
- Ukraine,
- Belarus,
- Russia,
- Moldova,
- Kazakhstan,
- Serbia,
- Poland,
- Georgia,
- Chile,
- Norway,
- Greece,
- Iceland,
- India,
- Venezuela,
- Argentina,
- Kyrgyzstan.
Who wears a wedding ring on his left hand
Catholics usually wear a wedding ring on their left hand. Countries where a wedding ring is more often found on the left hand include:
- Australia,
- Türkiye,
- Azerbaijan,
- Armenia,
- Cuba,
- Brazil,
- France,
- Finland,
- Ireland,
- Canada,
- Mexico,
- Slovenia,
- Croatia,
- Sweden,
- Great Britain,
- Italy,
- Czech Republic,
- Slovakia,
- Estonia,
- Japan,
- Korea,
- Syria.
Traditionally, it is believed that the left hand is closest to the heart, but for Orthodox Christians, the right side of the body is considered “correct”, therefore the ring is put on the right hand. It has nothing more than a symbolic meaning.
On which hand they wear a wedding ring, depending on religion
Jews
In Judaism, a wedding ring is most often worn on the index finger, it is interesting that the same tradition existed in Ancient Rus'. It is known that in a number of areas of Egypt and Ancient Israel, wedding rings were worn on the middle finger of the left hand. It is believed (although we do not have exact information) that this is how Saint Joseph and the Virgin Mary got engaged.
The tradition of wearing wedding rings exists in almost all nations. But many have their own peculiarities in the ways of wearing. The www.site portal will trace the variety of such rituals, as well as figure out where the wedding rings came from.
History of wedding rings
According to the finds of archaeologists, the first rings appeared in ancient Egypt. They were used by the pharaohs as a personal seal and confirmation of their own will. The birth of the rite of betrothal dates back to the same time. The groom brought a metal ring to the bride's parents as a symbol of his responsibility to them. Subsequently, such rings became bronze, and then silver. Since then, the ritual has taken hold and has successfully survived to this day.
How is an engagement ring different from others?
Today there are three types of wedding rings - engagement, engagement and wedding. The engagement ring is given to the bride by the groom at the time of the marriage proposal. This jewelry is intended only for women, it is made of gold or silver.
The wedding ring is a pair, designed for both the groom and the bride. It is the wedding rings that the couple exchanges at the registry office. They are made of expensive metals, possibly with inserts of precious stones.
Wedding rings are intended for those couples who decide to consolidate family ties in the bosom of the church and go through the wedding ceremony. They exist only in the Orthodox tradition.
On which finger is a woman's wedding ring worn?
On the ring finger of the left hand
There is a legend that from the time of Ancient Egypt, women wore rings on the ring fingers of the left hand, because the heart and this particular finger are connected by a thin nerve.
Over time, the question of which finger a wedding ring is worn on has been resolved in different ways. For example, in the Middle Ages, it was not uncommon for many kings to issue decrees regulating the rules for wearing rings. And there were up to ten different options, including thumbs.
After the strengthening of the positions of Catholicism and Protestantism in Europe, clear rules for wearing a wedding ring were established. So, the place was again assigned to the ring finger of the left hand. This was due to the same reason as in ancient times - closeness to the heart. Today this tradition is honored by England, Germany, France, Canada, the USA, Brazil and others. Muslims adhere to the same custom.
On the ring finger of the right hand
In this case, the rules are again dictated by religion. For example, the ring finger of the right hand, where a wedding ring is worn in Russia, is an Orthodox tradition. According to the canons, everything that is connected with the right side of the body is considered correct. In other cases, in the conditions of multi-confessional Russia, spouses wear wedding rings on the finger they themselves see fit, or in accordance with other beliefs.
In addition, women often wear their wedding and engagement rings on the same finger. In this case, you need to think in advance about how to choose an engagement ringso that it matches the engagement ring in style and performance.
Other cases
There are peoples who have alternative ways of wearing rings:
- according to Jewish tradition - on the index finger;
- according to gypsy customs - on a chain around the neck;
- among the peoples of the North Caucasus, according to tradition, rings are not worn at all after the wedding.
Sometimes there are cases when the bride or groom wears a wedding ring on the middle finger of the right hand. Such behavior can sometimes be interpreted by others as defiant and contrary to the social laws of morality and rules of conduct. However, there is a very specific explanation for this. The reason may be that the size of the ring is not suitable for the ring finger. Therefore, if its wearer or wearer does not want to go to a jewelry workshop for fitting or purchase another, for example, a wider ring for the bride, then it moves to the middle finger of the right hand.
On which finger do men wear their wedding ring?
There are no separate rules for men. Everything is determined by the following factors:
- nationality,
- religion,
- personal preferences.
On which finger do widows and widowers wear a wedding ring?
The wedding ring is a symbol of endless marital fidelity. Therefore, even after the death of a spouse, their second half, as a sign of devotion, does not stop wearing a wedding ring, especially if it is a personalized engraved wedding ring.
If widowers continue to do this, as they did during the life of their beloved, then there are several behaviors for widows:
- A woman removes her ring from the ring finger of her right hand and wears the ring of her departed spouse in this place.
- The woman removes her ring from the ring finger of her right hand and wears it on the ring finger of her left hand.
- The woman wears two wedding rings on the ring finger of her left hand.
All these cases are purely voluntary and are not mandatory or traditional. Only the widow herself can decide how to deal with the things of her beloved.
Modern traditions of wearing wedding rings
Nowadays, many couples stop wearing wedding rings after they get married. This is due to work circumstances, safety considerations, or simply a desire for comfort. In this case, there is nothing terrible and contradictory, the main thing is that both family members do not experience negative emotions about this.
Young couples are looking for new ways of expressing and breaking away from tradition, but at the same time, preserving family fundamentals. Therefore, more and more people are turning to non-standard ways of handling wedding rings. For example, wearing them in an unusual way - around the neck. For adherents of orthodox orders, a reasonable question arises: won't a wedding ring around the neck look like an ordinary piece of jewelry and can it even be worn like that? Here, again, everything depends on the type of ring (naturally, a diamond ring will look at least strange on the neck), the worldview of the spouses, and family traditions.
Now you know almost everything about how to properly wear a wedding ring in any life situations and why representatives of different nationalities wear wedding rings on the ring finger. The wedding portal Svadbka.ws notes that our time allows spouses to deviate from traditions and choose for themselves which finger the wedding ring should be on, how to wear it and whether to wear it at all.
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