The wedding day is fast approaching, and you're unsure which hand to wear the wedding ring on? Many people aren't familiar with the basic wedding traditions in their country, which is why they're filled with doubt as the big day arrives. Which finger should you wear the wedding ring on? Don't worry! You don't need to feel nervous or afraid, because we've prepared a comprehensive article to answer your question: where do you wear the wedding ring? Everything you need to know about wedding rings for men and women is right here!
What should you know about wearing a wedding ring?
Depending on the geographical area where the wedding ceremony will take place, there are 2 options for wearing the wedding ring: the right hand or the left hand.
Wearing the wedding ring on the right hand
In some countries, such as Mexico, Spain, and Greece, wedding rings are worn on the ring finger of the right hand. It's also worth noting that engaged couples often wear the engagement ring on their right hand, replacing with the wedding bands. Here are some countries where the wedding band is worn on the right hand:
- Norway;
- Denmark;
- Austria;
- Poland;
- Bulgaria;
- Russia;
- Portugal;
- Spain;
- Belgium (some of its territories);
- Georgia;
- Serbia;
- Ukraine;
- Greece;
- Latvia;
- Hungary;
- Colombia;
- Cuba;
- Peru;
- Venezuela.
The wedding rings go on the bride and groom's right hand, and the bride can wear her engagement ring over her wedding band. This creates a perfect double ring.
Wearing the wedding ring on the left hand
Ancient Roman tradition dictates that the wedding ring is worn on the ring finger of the left hand. Why? Because the heart is located on the left side of the hand and is connected to the ring finger by the "vena amoris," the Latin for "vein of love." This signifies that the wedding ring is directly linked to the hearts of both partners. In countries like France, Germany, the Netherlands, Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, and Brazil, the bride and groom wear the wedding ring on their left hand. After the wedding, the engagement ring is moved to the right hand, and the wedding ring remains on the left, symbolizing the change in status. Here are some countries where the wedding ring is worn on the left hand:
- Australia;
- Canada;
- Egypt;
- Ireland;
- New Zealand;
- South Africa;
- Great Britain;
- UNITED STATES ;
- France;
- Italy ;
- Sweden;
- Finland;
- Czech Republic ;
- Swiss ;
- Romania;
- Slovenia;
- Slovakia;
- Asian countries.
Finally, Catholic Christian tradition dictates that during the blessing and the "sign of the cross," the engaged couple would begin with their index finger and end with their ring finger, so that the couple wore the ring as a symbol of devotion and fidelity. After the death of the husband or wife, the wedding ring is switched to the other hand, symbolizing the unbreakable bond for eternity with their deceased partner.
What does a wedding ring represent?
In many cultures, the wedding ring is a symbol of love, fidelity, and eternity.
The circular shape
The circle represents eternity, thus uniting the couple forever. It is a figure that has neither a beginning nor an end, much like love itself. Religious ideology presents this symbol as a sign of fidelity. The fidelity symbolized by the wedding ring stems from an inner strength within the man and woman that compels them to be loyal and respectful of their union, for the love they share.
The material
Why are wedding rings made of gold? Because gold, since ancient times, has been associated with the divine and the celestial. In ancient Egypt, it was considered the very flesh of the gods, as it was associated with the sun. Gold symbolized power, divinity, and authority. Although gold has a metaphorical meaning in the Holy Scriptures, it is associated with the highest value, as well as the love between a couple.
Where do the traditions surrounding wedding alliances come from?
The wedding ring has undergone changes and evolutions throughout history, both in form and substance:
Ancient Egypt
Over 5,000 years ago, the Egyptians embraced the art of jewelry making and crafted various amulets imbued with mystical and religious significance. The first wedding rings were made of materials quite different from gold, such as hemp, leather, bone, or ivory. According to tradition, the most important thing was that the couple shared the care of the home and various possessions. This tradition was later adopted by the Greeks and Romans.
Ancient Rome
In ancient Rome, the wedding ring had a connotation of ownership: the husband gave it to his wife as a sign of guardianship of the home.
Ancient China
In the Chinese dynasties, the wedding ring had a more mystical, magical, and divine connotation. In China, each finger of the hand represents an important pillar of family life.
Renaissance
At that time, wedding rings changed in a much more romantic direction, as the inscriptions were phrases or symbols. It was then decided that the engraving and inscriptions would be done on the inside of the ring.
Modern Times
Modern romanticism dictates that the trend is towards combining gold with precious stones such as emeralds, rubies, amethysts, sapphires, etc.
Where to buy wedding rings?
Bollwerk offers a selection of wedding rings, wedding bands, gold wedding bands, two-tone rings, and other styles. We are professionals crafting jewelry using the finest techniques in the best workshops. A wedding ring symbolizes a genuine expression of eternal and unconditional love.
We hope we've answered all your questions about which hand to wear your wedding band on. Feel free to contact us to learn more about our creations and jewelry. You're also welcome to visit our jewelry store in Mulhouse. There you'll find unique pieces, such as the Messika ring .
FAQ
Who wears the wedding ring on their right hand?
In France, we wear the wedding ring on the left ring finger, but in other countries people wear their wedding ring on the right hand. This is the case in Spain, for example.
Why the wedding ring on the left ring finger?
The tradition of wearing a wedding ring on the left ring finger dates back to Ancient Rome. The principle is based on our anatomy and symbolism, as it is believed that a vein connects the left ring finger to the heart.
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