On which hand do women wear a wedding band. On which hand do people of different religions wear a wedding ring in different countries

16.08.2019

January 18th, 2014

We continue to be interested in the seemingly ordinary traditions that surround us, but upon closer examination of which many surprising things are revealed.

The tradition of exchanging rings during a marriage ceremony has been known since ancient times. The first mention of this custom dates back to the era of the Old Kingdom, that is, 4 millennia BC. At that time, the presentation of an engagement ring or bracelet (usually made of hemp or sedge) and its acceptance meant that the woman became the property of the man, and he was obliged to protect her.

Men began to wear wedding rings (bracelets) after about 1500 years. And then it became a symbol of the union of two halves into a single whole. In ancient Roman times, rings were made of iron or bronze. The well-known golden ring appeared only in the III-IV centuries.

So, the ring, which is a vicious circle, has long been a symbol of the infinity of the feelings of two lovers and is magically designed to strengthen the earthly and heavenly connection between them. The noble metal from which the rings are made is a symbol of purity and purity. Initially, wedding rings were extremely simple and did not have any decorations.

At the present time, in Russia, another equally important rite is not always observed - engagement, the so-called betrothal, which implies prior consent on the part of the beloved woman to a marriage proposal from her lover. For European countries, such a ritual is mandatory. On the day of the engagement, the young people receive official marriage approval from relatives, and the groom presents the bride with an engagement ring, which symbolizes tender feelings and is a guarantee of serious intentions. Such rings can be heirloom, passed down through generations. In Orthodox Russia, the engagement ring is worn on the ring finger of the right hand of the bride, who wears it without removing it until the day of the official marriage. Subsequently, it can be worn over a wedding band or kept as a family heirloom.

Historians and archaeologists cannot answer the question of which hand the ancient Egyptians wore rings on. The only thing they are unanimous about is that it was worn on the ring finger. According to legend, it was in it that the artery of love (vena amoris) passed. In the Middle Ages, almost every European ruler, and sometimes even counts and dukes, issued their own decrees on which finger to wear a ring on - it could be absolutely any finger of both hands. So, in England at the end of the 17th century, it was customary to wear a wedding ring on the thumb, and in German lands among chivalry it was a very common custom to decorate the little finger with it. In the modern world, it is customary to wear a ring on the ring finger of the right hand among Orthodox Christians, in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, among Catholics in Austria, as well as in Serbia, Ukraine, Poland, Georgia, Chile, Norway, Germany, Greece, Spain, India, Venezuela and other countries. The Orthodox clergy explains this by saying that “right” is a synonym for the right, the right, and is associated with strength and reliability. On the left hand, wedding rings are worn by Catholics, as well as in countries such as Turkey, Armenia, Cuba, Brazil, France, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, Slovenia, Croatia, Sweden, USA, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Korea, Syria.

This is how the "wedding ring" looks like a sign of marriage for men in Iran. A source ( http://loginov-lip.livejournal.com/396446.html)

The Nuremberg Museum houses a 13th-century ring found during excavations. It has a simple triangular profile and the inscription "Loyalty is in me." Then there were inscriptions like “Love to the grave”, “As long as I love - I hope” - or, on the contrary, more pathetic - “United together by God, cannot be separated by man.” The number "3" was considered a symbol of hope, faith and love, and "7" - just happy. Half rings were very popular then. They were worn separately by the husband and wife, but only connected together, these halves made up a whole ring on which one could read some saying.

The Catholic Church focuses on the fact that the left hand is closer to the heart, so the vein of love (the same one from the legend) passes through it. According to Jewish tradition, the bride wears a ring on her index finger. The same tradition existed in ancient Russia. In Islam, it is not customary for men to wear wedding rings. If worn, it is made of silver or other metals. According to Islam, they are not allowed to wear gold.

In some European countries, the wedding ring is also an engagement ring and changes its status when it is engraved with an inscription and worn on the other hand. If the engagement ring is not used for the wedding, but another, and the question arises whether it should be worn during the wedding ceremony, then several options are possible. The bride can put the engagement ring on the ring finger of her left hand, and the groom puts her wedding ring on the same finger. Or the bride can put the engagement ring on the ring finger of her right hand. After the wedding, the bride can wear both rings on different hands, thereby protecting them from scratches. Another option - the engagement ring is kept by the bride's witness in a special bag, on a plate, etc. After the ceremony, the ring can be worn again either on the right or on the left hand.

ancient roman jewelry

Post-wedding customs

In some Western cultures (USA, UK, Italy, France, Sweden) wedding rings are worn on the left hand. The tradition of wearing a ring on the ring finger dates back to very ancient times, when it was believed that a “vein of love” (vena amoris) passes through this finger of the left hand, and a married couple, putting rings on the ring finger, symbolically declared eternal love for each other. . At present, this custom has become a tradition and norm of etiquette in these countries.

In other countries such as Greece, Germany, Russia, Spain, India, Colombia, Venezuela and Chile, the wedding ring is worn on the right hand. Orthodox Christians and Eastern Europeans also wear a wedding ring on their right hand. The Jews wear it on the left hand, despite the fact that during the marriage ceremony the ring is worn on the right hand. In Holland, Catholics wear a ring on their left hand, all others on their right; in Austria, Catholics wear a ring on their right hand. In Belgium, hand selection varies by region. Greeks, many of whom are Orthodox, wear the wedding ring on their right hand, in accordance with Greek tradition.

The reason for this lies in the custom of the Romans to wear a wedding ring on the right hand, because. in Latin, the word for "left" is "sinister", which in English means "evil, sinister." In Latin, "right" will be "dexter", from which the word "dexterity" comes from in English, which means "agility, dexterity, skill." Therefore, the left hand is associated with negative feelings, while the right hand is associated with positive ones.

In general, the ancient Romans, performing the betrothal ceremony, gave the bride's parents a simple metal ring as a symbol of obligations and the ability to support the bride. Marriage has not always been a “union of two hearts”, from ancient, even cave times, until very recently, the purpose of marriage was profit (money, position in society, etc.). In ancient Rome, it was believed that the metal in the wedding ring reflects the inviolability of the marriage bond. A man gave his chosen one, who could be less than 10 years old, an iron ring before the wedding. Then, when the girl grew up, the man officially took her as his wife. After that, he gave her a gold ring. Wedding rings in Rome were worn only by women. Roman women wore up to 16 (!) pieces of rings on each hand. In winter, heavy and wide, and in summer, thin, light and elegant rings. Mostly gold and silver jewelry without stones. Moreover, in everyday life, the rings indicated the social status of the inhabitants: the upper classes had the right to wear gold rings, the townspeople - silver, and slaves - metal. The engagement that preceded the marriage, and then the betrothal (at all these ceremonies, the bride was supposed to be presented with a ring) were actually the guarantees of the upcoming marriage deal, the firmness of the groom's intentions. Initially, the betrothal ceremony was more important than the wedding itself, which was considered only a simple completion of a successful engagement.

Traditions associated with the funeral ceremony

Although according to the law and according to the norms accepted in many religions, the marriage ends with the death of one of the spouses, the customs and symbolism of wearing wedding rings in this case vary greatly: a widower or widow continues to wear his wedding ring, but on the other hand; some take off their wedding ring and put on and wear the ring of their deceased spouse. In many cultures, the duration of wearing and the custom of how to wear a ring does not depend on social norms, but on family traditions and on the choice of the spouse himself. Sometimes a widow or widower will add a deceased spouse's ring to their ring and wear two rings on one finger.

Modern traditions abroad

In the UK and the US, it was widely believed among the older generation that wedding rings should mainly be worn by women. It is now common for both spouses to wear rings, but may occasionally remove them for work, comfort or safety reasons. Some people don't like the idea of using precious metals or they don't want to declare their legal status through jewelry. There are people who prefer to wear a wedding ring on a chain around their neck.

The tradition of using two rings, i.e. for both spouses, is relatively young. Its origin is unclear, and it has never been widely distributed. In the late 19th century, the American jewelry industry launched a marketing campaign to encourage the use of two rings. This tradition was not widespread at that time, although in a book on etiquette, published in 1937, it is recommended that both spouses wear rings. The lessons of the 1920s, the changing economic situation and the impact of World War II led to a second, more successful marketing campaign, and as a result, by the end of the 1940s. the tradition of "two rings" was already used by 80% of those entering into marriage, compared with 15% before the Great Depression.

There are a lot of interpretations of how to wear rings. So, it is argued that a woman should wear a wedding ring below the engagement ring, thereby placing it closer to the heart. According to other rules, the wedding ring should be placed above the engagement ring in order to maintain an engagement atmosphere in the marriage. Some people believe that only a wedding ring should be worn. In the US, you can see a set of three rings in stores: a men's wedding ring, a women's engagement ring, and a thin ring that is attached to the engagement ring before the wedding and turns it into a permanent wedding ring.

Materials for making rings

In many religions, it is allowed to use rings of any material as a symbol of the marriage vow during the marriage ceremony, and in unusual circumstances even unusual ring substitutes can be used.

Basically, jewelers make wedding rings from a precious yellow alloy of gold, copper, tin and bismuth. Platinum and white gold alloys are also used, although the light yellow white gold alloys used in the past are increasingly being replaced by cheaper nickel-gold alloys plated with a thin layer of rhodium that needs to be reapplied after a few years. Recently, titanium has become very popular as a material for wedding bands due to its durability, affordability, and the gray color associated with weapon material. Tungsten carbide was also used, often with gold or platinum inlays. The cheapest material for engagement rings is nickel-plated silver - for those who prefer this metal over others for its look or cost. Increasingly, couples are buying rings made of stainless steel, which is as durable as platinum and titanium, and polished to a higher quality than the latter. Silver, copper, brass and other cheaper metals are not often used, because they are subject to corrosion over time and thus cannot symbolize permanence. Aluminum or poisonous metals are never used.
Contrary to popular legend, titanium rings can be easily removed with a special jewelry tool and a ring opener.

Styles and fashion trends

Jewish wedding ring, 14th century.

A smooth gold ring is the most popular pattern. People associated with medicine often wear such rings, because. they are easy to wash. Women usually wear narrow rings, men - wider ones.

In France and French-speaking countries, the most common ring consists of three rings intertwined. They symbolize the Christian virtues: faith, hope, love, where "love" is equated with a special type of beautiful sublime love, denoted by the ancient Greek word "agape". However, such rings are used less and less, because. they fall on top of each other.

Women in Greece, Italy, and Anatolian cultures are sometimes gifted and wear so-called puzzle rings, a set of interlocking metal rings that must be joined to form one ring. Men give such rings as a witty test of their women for monogamy: even if a woman already easily copes with the puzzle, she still cannot quickly remove and replace the ring.

In North America and some European countries, many married women wear two rings on the same finger: an engagement ring and a wedding ring. Couples often buy a set of two rings - one for the groom and one for the bride - where the designs of the rings complement each other. In addition, some women who have been married for many years wear three rings on their finger (from palm to fingertip): a wedding ring, an engagement ring and a ring - a symbol of eternity. This combination of three rings is especially common in the UK.

In the United States, the tradition of engraving on rings is becoming increasingly popular.

In the United States, Canada and other English-speaking countries, the Celtic style has become popular among people of Irish and Scottish descent. Rings of this style are distinguished by the presence of an engraving or embossing of the Celtic knot on the ring, symbolizing unity and continuity. The Claddagh design is sometimes used to symbolize fidelity.

In Ukraine, now, too, everyone strives

A marriage proposal is a very exciting moment for any man, and the question often arises: on which finger is a ring put on to propose to a girl? It would seem such a simple nuance, but, as it turns out, young people often do not know what and how to do at this moment. Let's see where this tradition comes from and how it is done today.

1000 and one opinion on which hand the engagement ring is worn

There are, of course, two options - the ring finger of the left or right hand. But there are many opinions. Let's dispel the myths about which hand to wear an engagement ring on.

Myth 1. Married ladies wear a ring on their right hand, and free ladies on their left.

In fact, you are free to wear rings wherever you want. True, Russia has its own traditions, a wedding ring is carried from the right to the left hand by widows or divorced women.

Myth 2. In the photo of celebrities bragging about the proposals they received, the engagement ring is on their left hand. Who, if not they, knows exactly where to wear the rings.

A good argument when it comes to domestic, our native stars. Compare a hundred different photos of celebrities, and you will understand that there is no monotony.

Myth 3. On the Internet, they read a beautiful legend that the “artery of love” runs straight through the left hand to the heart, so the ring is put on the left hand.

Beautiful, but somewhere in Europe. Of course, if your favorite girl is Catholic, then definitely on the left.

Dear men rehearsing a beautiful declaration of love and living in our country!
Remember, the ring is put on the finger of the right hand!

It so happened in Russia that the right hand is from God. The right side is truth, grace, everything important is done through the right hand. They are baptized with the right hand. A ring on your right hand means that your marriage is under the protection of higher powers.

The left hand is from the evil one, the devil. According to the Orthodox, this can lead to the collapse of the marriage.

An engagement is not a wedding, but why is it so important for girls?

Everyone who is about to get married will have to learn which hand the engagement ring is worn on, because this is important for your chosen one, and you yourself are unlikely to want to overshadow the engagement moment with a hitch in this matter.

The word "engagement" used to mean that a rumor (news) about the upcoming wedding was launched, so the guy and the girl can publicly show signs of attention to each other. Beautifully speaking, a marriage proposal was made. Simply - the girl agreed to marry a particular young man.

The results of a survey conducted on women's forums are interesting: the engagement with the presentation of the ring is valued by the ladies more than the wedding itself. Surprised?

Women's magazine invited readers to tell about the amazing and happy day in their lives. Men, think about it - 76% of the stories sent were about marriage proposals! Here it is - happiness, and you do not want to know which finger is put on the ring when they propose.

Why does the ring finger have no name?

Where they wear a wedding ring, everyone knows - on the ring finger of the right hand.

There is a belief that each finger on the hand symbolizes a certain person.

The middle one is you yourself, in the middle of the family. The thumb, and it is strong, the main one is our parents. Index, poking into all things - our sisters and brothers. Little finger, small, inept - our children.

And who does the nameless one represent? Your soul mate, there is no name in advance, until we know who we will accept into our family.

Remember: the ring finger for the ring is a symbol of a strong family.

Doubt? Connect the palms, press the fingertips to each other. Which of them cannot be separated from each other? Of course, nameless! May you have the same indivisible union!

Making a new acquaintance, a man or woman often stops looking at the interlocutor's fingers: by the hand on which they wear a wedding ring, you can determine whether they are married. However, it should be taken into account that traditions of wearing a particular wedding symbol may vary in different countries. Somewhere the custom of using a wedding ring as an attribute of fidelity has been completely abolished, while residents of other states attach special importance to it.

What is an engagement ring

Not every piece of jewelry has a special place in a person's life. The wedding ring symbolizes fidelity to the beloved spouse, with whom a long and happy future is planned. As a sign of consent to become a wife, the girl accepts the engagement ring chosen by him with love from her future husband. After the marriage is concluded, the engagement ring will take its place on the hand.

Traditionally, it should be smooth: according to popular belief, this saves the spouses from minor troubles in life. but modern newlyweds choose an engagement attribute, guided solely by their own taste. Currently, any metals are in demand. Silver, platinum and white gold are replacing gold jewelry.

History of wedding rings

Opinions about the origin of the symbol of infinity and the fidelity of the spouses to each other differ. Some attribute the emergence of the tradition to the inhabitants of ancient Greece, while others tend to assume that the custom was not fixed without the participation of the ancient Egyptians. The inhabitants of Egypt own the assertion that the thinnest nerve follows from the ring finger to the heart. This fact became the reason for wearing a wedding ring on the finger closest to the little finger. The very tradition of exchanging marriage symbols appeared in ancient times, and initially reed was used instead of metal.

Which hand wear wedding rings

People from different countries have their own customs. Often they are opposite to foreign ones. Why a wedding ring is worn on the right hand or, conversely, the left hand is preferred, can only be found out by understanding the culture of a particular country. The traditions of Ancient Russia or modern Russia, for example, differ from those that are close to a resident of Turkey, Israel or an Armenian. Many of them, concerning the wearing of wedding rings, have a religious connotation: the customs of Orthodox Christians do not coincide with those adopted in Catholic countries.

Orthodox

In addition to opinions about only religious motives for the fact that Orthodox newlyweds put on an engagement ring on their right hand, there are facts that indicate that this custom belongs to the history of Russia. Since ancient times, it was believed that the symbol of fidelity to the spouse should be worn on the hand with which important documents are signed and deals are concluded. This indicates the seriousness of the intentions of people entering into marriage. During the wedding ceremony, the rings, on the contrary, are worn on the left hand. In addition, they should be different: the wife has silver, and the husband has gold.

Muslims

It is often difficult for a resident of an eastern country to understand the customs of Russians. Remembering which hand Muslims wear a wedding ring on, it is not easy to come to a consensus. The tradition of exchanging rings has nothing to do with Islam and the culture of Muslim countries. However, in imitation of Western customs, these pieces of jewelry are sometimes worn on the left or right hand. It is important to observe the fundamental laws of Islam. Women are allowed to wear jewelry made of any metal, while men are forbidden to wear gold items.

Catholics

It is customary in most countries to designate marital status with visual attributes, but there are a number of differences in this matter. Catholics believe that the world owes the origin of the tradition of putting on wedding attributes to the ancient Egyptians, who found the so-called vein of love at the left hand. Catholic bishops, despite beliefs, wear a ring on the right ring finger. Ordinary residents of countries professing Catholicism believe in the story of a vein passing to the heart and consider the left hand suitable for a wedding ring. This is done, as with the Orthodox, in order to show fidelity to the spouse.

Jews

If you delve into the Jewish traditions associated with wedding decorations, you can learn a lot of interesting things. This applies not only to which hand the Jews wear the wedding ring on, but also which finger is chosen. According to the laws, a man must consecrate his future wife with a round ornament. During the wedding ceremony, the groom puts a ring on the bride's index finger of his right hand. Also, according to Jerusalem customs, one can give preference to the middle one. In everyday wear, the attributes of the marriage of both spouses are moved to the left hands.

Where is the wedding ring worn?

Depending on the way a particular piece of jewelry is worn in a country, discrepancies can be seen. If you see someone with a wedding ring on their left hand or, conversely, on their right hand, this does not necessarily mean that a person belongs to a particular religion. The reason may be quite different. Divorce or the death of a loved one forces people to remove these jewelry or put it on the other hand.

married women

Having decided to get married, lovers rarely think about where married people wear a ring. However, it is an important symbol. When proposing to a girl, the groom presents her with an engagement ring, which she wears until the wedding. After marriage, it is combined with an engagement ring or put on another finger. When choosing a hand, it is better to refer to the customs of wearing this product in your country. Somewhere the right hand is traditionally chosen, and somewhere it is customary to wear the attribute of marriage on the left. The finger for the product may be suitable ring, middle or index.

married men

Getting a young man to wear jewelry can sometimes be difficult, and the engagement ring is somewhat of an exception here, although men also allow themselves to remove this item from time to time. This happens not because of the desire to hide marital status, but, often, only as a result of inconvenience. By the end of the eighteenth century, looking at a man's hand, one could understand what phase of a relationship a person was in.

If a man was an ardent opponent of marriage, then the ring flaunted on his little finger. Those who wished to find a good match should put the jewelry on the index finger, and in case of unpreparedness for a relationship, choose the middle one. A guy in love wore a ring on his ring finger, and in some countries his place after marriage was replaced by an engagement ring. The choice of hand is a matter exclusively of local traditions. For married Russians, the ring, as a rule, flaunts on the right hand.

divorced

It happens that at some point the spouses decide to go their separate ways and let each other go. Is it worth it to continue to wear a wedding ring, a moot point. If you are planning to start life from scratch, then you should not take luggage from the past with you. The symbol of allegiance has depreciated, and wearing it does not make sense. However, if you have warm memories of your ex-spouse and the ring is dear to you as a memory - wear it! As a rule, divorced people wear a ring on the opposite hand.

Widows and widowers

The death of a loved one at any age is a huge personal tragedy that is very difficult to endure. The wedding ring plays a dual role in this situation: it helps to survive the loss and, at the same time, it evokes memories that make it even more painful. Widowed spouses wear the product on the opposite hand: in Russia and Orthodox countries - on the left, in Catholic countries - on the right. In some cases, the ring of the deceased spouse is also put on, although there is an opinion that it is better to take it to the church in order to allow the deceased to find peace.

How to wear a wedding ring

An aesthetic view of jewelry also exists. It may play a role in choosing which hand to wear the wedding ring on, but more often it is custom. There are several important points to consider when buying a product:

The size of the engagement ring must be chosen correctly. A decoration that is large or small for you will not only cause significant discomfort, but also look ridiculous.
It is possible to wear an engagement ring along with a wedding ring. They are worn on one hand, placing one under the other.
If the engagement gold ring is of a classic type and there are no precious stones on it, then the product can be easily combined with other jewelry. It is desirable that they be of the same metal.

Video

Wedding rings are a symbol of marriage and marital fidelity.

Therefore, many people give them a mystical meaning. Different peoples have different traditions associated with them.

Today, the custom of wearing wedding rings exists in almost all countries.

However, different peoples largely differ in the ways of wearing and wedding signs associated with them.

Even scientists have not come to a consensus about when the first rings appeared and about the reasons for their occurrence.

What does the ring symbolize?

According to one version, in ancient times, when the presence of any rings: gold, silver, iron, testified to the well-being of their owner.

The future husband brought them as a gift to the parents of his bride as a sign that he was able to support his wife and she would not need anything.

According to another theory, in ancient times the ring symbolized infinity Therefore, putting on this symbolic decoration, the newlyweds made a vow of boundless and immortal love.

The third version says that the rings are the links of the chain that connected the husband and wife. The couple wore them as a sign of the inviolability of the bonds by which they were bound.

How is it customary to wear wedding rings?

On the left hand

As a result of archaeological excavations, scientists were able to discover that the first wedding rings appeared in ancient Egypt.

Noble spouses wore gold and silver rings, the poor - copper and iron.

It is known that long before our era, Egyptian healers had a good knowledge of human anatomy. They believed that there was a nerve that runs from the heart to the ring finger of the left hand. Therefore, wedding rings began to be worn on this finger.

True, in some parts of Egypt and Ancient Israel, wedding rings were worn on the middle finger of the left hand. This is how, according to legend, Saint Joseph and the Virgin Mary got engaged.

During the Middle Ages, autopsies were forbidden to doctors, as a result of which all knowledge about anatomy was drawn from ancient manuscripts. The nerve supposedly connecting the left hand and the heart has been poetically called the "artery of love."

However, at that time, the way of wearing wedding jewelry completely depended on the decree of the ruler. Many kings, sovereign dukes and counts issued decrees on exactly how wedding rings should be worn. There were exactly ten options: in some countries, rings were even worn on the thumbs.

Over time, a historical tradition has developed, according to which, in Catholic and Protestant countries, wedding rings are worn on the ring finger of the left hand. This is how it is done in England, France, Germany, Austria, USA, Canada, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, Australia. Catholic theologians explain this by saying that the left hand is closer to the heart.

Muslims also adhere to the custom of wearing the symbol of marital fidelity on the left hand.

However, in many Muslim countries, only women wear such rings, since it is considered bad luck for men to wear gold jewelry. Therefore, Muslim men usually either do not wear wedding rings at all, or wear silver ones.

Gypsies generally prefer to wear them around their necks, on gold chains.

On the right hand

In Orthodoxy, everything related to the right side of the body is considered correct.

Accordingly, wedding rings in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Greece, Serbia, are put on ring finger of the right hand.

Widows and widowers wear their rings on the ring finger of the left hand (in Catholic and Protestant countries - on the ring finger of the right).

Signs

Man is so arranged that even in accidents he sometimes looks for secret signs of fate. And it would be strange if a lot of objects and superstitions were not associated with wedding rings - a symbol of marital ties.

It is believed that in no case should you give your wedding ring to anyone to try on or put on.

If such a request is made by a completely obsessive person who you don’t want to offend, then you can put the ring on the table so as not to pass it from hand to hand.

The ring should be returned in the same manner - across the table, and even better - before putting it on, hold it a little under running water or in a salt solution.

It is considered a lucky omen if the newlyweds are engaged with the same rings as their grandparents, who have lived in peace and harmony for many years, and at the time of the wedding of their grandchildren are still alive. To use the rings of divorced or dead people is for worse.

In many northern countries, there was a custom before the wedding to freeze both rings in a small amount of water: thawing, they allegedly remember that they were once a single whole, and will always reach out to each other.

Exchanging rings on the wedding day is probably the oldest, and certainly the most common wedding tradition. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact date when and from where this beautiful and romantic ceremony came to us.

Romantic tradition - exchanging wedding rings

A bit of the history of engagement rings

Historians and archaeologists claim that the first bride and groom who exchanged this symbol of love were Egyptians. True, among pundits there is no consensus on which hand the pharaohs and their spouses wore a wedding ring. But they are absolutely sure that it was the ring finger, since it is through it that the artery of love passes. The ancient Romans also thought so, so they also wore a ring on their ring finger. In Russia, newlyweds exchanged simple birch bark rings, which symbolized infinity. So the young swore an oath of love and fidelity to the grave.

Centuries passed, eras changed, and the look of the engagement ring changed. Without changing the shape and smooth surface, they began to make it from wood, from ceramics, from precious and semi-precious stones, from simple metal. And only by the 16th century did the wedding rings become gold.

At about the same time, the shape and traditional design of the ring changed. The riot of fantasy of lovers of that era is striking. The ring could be in the shape of a heart pierced by an arrow of Cupid or intertwined hands. Half rings were very fashionable. Each of the spouses carried with them only half of the jewelry, and only connected, these halves formed into a whole ring. Sometimes a saying was engraved on such an amazing ring. For example: “Those who are joined together by God cannot be separated by man.”

Antique wedding rings could be the most bizarre shape

But on which hand it is worth wearing a ring, and on which finger to put it on for a loved one, at different times in different countries there was no single established rule. In Europe in the Middle Ages, in each state, the ruler issued a special decree on this matter. So, the British in the 17th century wore a wedding ring on their thumb, and the German medieval knights adorned their little finger.

Raphael's riddle: on which hand is the wedding ring?

The very first disagreement on which hand to put on a wedding ring is connected with the legend of the betrothal of Joseph and Mary. The legend says that Joseph put the wedding ring of the Virgin Mary on his left hand on the middle finger. Therefore, during the wedding of the Catholics of many countries, the newlyweds put on the symbol of love and fidelity on their left hand. However, if you look at the picture of the great Raphael "The Betrothal of the Virgin Mary", then you should pay attention to the fact that the ring was put on by Joseph not on his left, but on his right hand. By the way, this canvas is a mirror image of the picture of the teacher Rafael Perugino "Betrothal of Mary". According to the plot of this picture, the wedding ring is also put on by Joseph on the right hand of the virgin Mary.

Rafael Santi. Betrothal of the Virgin Mary

On which hand should modern newlyweds still wear a wedding ring?

Why is it customary in most countries to wear a wedding ring on the right hand?

Although the answer to this question is lost in the mists of time, but, most likely, because most people on our planet are right-handed. During the day, the right hand often catches our eye, and the ring on this hand often reminds us of marital duty and fidelity to our soulmate. In addition, when meeting with other people, we extend our right hand to greet, and the ring emphasizes the family status of the interlocutor. And it is also believed that it is behind the right shoulder of each of us that the Guardian Angel stands and protects us and our marriage from evil forces. But those who constantly wear a wedding decoration on their left hand explain this by the fact that the left hand is closer to the heart.

Traditionally, the Orthodox wear a wedding ring on the right hand.

Well, on which hand to put a wedding ring on your soul mate on the most wonderful day, it's up to you. The main thing is that for many years this decoration remains the most dear to the heart.