Engagement Ring Finger: Which Finger Does the Engagement Ring Go On?
An engagement ring is more than just a piece of sparkling
jewelery. It is a testimony to the love and commitment of a couple and the fact
that the woman who now bears the ring is engaged to be married. As men propose
to their future brides, they present these engagement rings as betrothal gifts
to the women they love. In some cases it replaces the promise rings which is
usually bestowed as an indication, that there is a chance of a future together.
By giving an engagement ring, this promise is sealed in stone so as to say and
it is a way of telling the world that the person has made a commitment to
someone else. There are also times that a woman buys her partner an engagement
ring. Known as male engagement rings, these are worn to signify the impending
nuptials (I personally think it's a way of telling all the women out there that
this is my man, so "hands off"!). However having said that, not many of us know,
as to which finger does the engagement ring go on. So, how is it decided that
for the engagement ring which finger is the most appropriate one? Well, the
answer to that varies according to the tradition of different countries. While
in most Western countries, you should ideally slip on the engagement ring on the
fourth finger of a person’s left hand, in countries like Poland and Ukraine
tradition dictates that ring be worn on the right-hand. There are many age old
traditions which determine the choice of the engagement ring finger.
Engagement Ring - Which Finger Does the Engagement Ring Go On?
There are many early customs and traditions which dictate as to which finger to
wear engagement rings on. The most popular belief is that the fourth finger of
the left hand is considered to be the veina amoris or the "vein of love", which
means that the veins are directly connected to the heart. Hence, the tradition
of wearing the engagement ring on finger which leads straight to the heart, as
the symbol of love.
In countries like France, Spain and Germany, the tradition is to showcase the
engagement ring on the right hand as there are certain beliefs that attach a
negative connotation to the left hand. This is because the Latin word for left
is "sinistra", a word that evolved into the English "sinister" and the Latin
equivalent for right is "dexter", which evolved into "dexterity". Thus while
left stood for the negative element, the right was considered good.
There are certain religious reasons for choosing a specific engagement ring
finger. For example, in the Jewish culture, couples place the wedding ring on
the right hand during the marriage ceremony and wear it on the left hand post -
ceremony.
Engagement Ring Etiquette - During the Wedding Ceremony
The dilemma, as to where to place the engagement ring often arises on the D-Day
when the wedding ring has to be worn. While an engagement ring signifies an
intent to get married, wedding rings show an actual marriage. The etiquette
usually dictates, that the engagement ring and wedding ring go on the left hand.
Just before walking down the aisle, the bride moves the engagement ring to the
opposite hand. After the ceremony, she can place it back on the left hand in
front of the wedding ring. Some women simply leave their rings on their fingers
and switch the places of the rings later on.
So whether you are someone wanting to give a beautiful diamond engagement ring
or someone who hopes to receive one, knowing engagement ring traditions is
useful for making an educated decision.
Post Comment
Post Comment |
