Why is the ring worn on the ring finger of the right. Why is a wedding ring worn on the ring finger?

In some countries, on the right hand, in others - on the left ... and yet it is customary to “ring” the ring finger of lovers. Why has the choice been falling on him for several thousand years?

In different countries, people give their own explanation for this.

Beautiful Chinese wisdom

And now try to connect the little fingers, thumb, index and ring fingers with pads, and the middle fingers with phalanges, as in the picture.

Here's what happens:
Little fingers, thumbs and index fingers remain mobile. This means that sooner or later you will leave your parental home. Your paths with your brothers and sisters will also diverge and your children will not be able to be with you forever...

But it is impossible to break the ring fingers (well, or very difficult). Thus, they show that a husband and wife should be together for the rest of their lives.

This is an interesting interpretation.

Ancient Egypt

The first wedding rings, which appeared about 5,000 years ago, were not gold. The Egyptians wove them from reeds that grew along the banks of the Nile - the river of the past, present and future. Such rings could be afforded by the most ordinary people - tillers, shepherds, lotus pickers ...

It was the Egyptians who first put wedding rings on the ring finger. And all because the doctors of ancient civilization were keenly interested in the structure of the human body and discovered that only through this finger (on the left hand) does a vein pass, leading directly to the heart. On the other hand, the ring finger is practically not used for work, and therefore the ring put on it did not interfere with daily activities.

Ancient "language of rings" - Ancient Greece

The so-called "language of the rings" originated in ancient Greece and was widely used by men until the beginning of the last century to communicate basic information about their personal lives.
The ring finger, according to the inherited Egyptian tradition, was accompanied by the goddess of love, Aphrodite. Naturally, the ring on this finger spoke of marital ties or the presence of a bride, lover or lover.

The ring on the index finger signaled that its owner was looking for a future wife.

If the middle finger was decorated with a ring, the man emphasized his amorous successes and declared that he was not averse to having a mistress.

The little finger, adorned with a ring, indicated the absence of a beloved, but also disinterest in finding a partner (at the moment).

"Subtle energies" of the Slavs

In ancient pagan times, the Slavs worshiped the solar deity - Yaril, who also patronized all living things. The ring finger was connected to it, so it was on it that wedding rings were worn. In order for them to serve as powerful family amulets, they were made smooth - according to the ideas of the Slavs, patterns destroyed magical properties.

The husband gave his wife a golden ring, which carries male, solar energy. The wife gave her husband a silver ring, thereby transferring to him a part of the lunar, female energy. Thus, a balance and “harmony” were established between the spouses.

Wedding rings were considered more precious, the more generations in the family wore them. Moreover, the Slavs did not part with these symbols of marital unity day or night.

There is also evidence that in ancient Rus' wedding rings were also worn on the index finger, as is customary among Jews today. However, with the introduction of Orthodox traditions, the final leadership was assigned to the ring finger.

Esotericism and Scientific interpretation

Previously, esotericism was dominated by the reputation of "quackery", but times are changing, and science does not stand still. Today, no one doubts that in the human body there are not only physical tissues, but a higher “energy plane”. Energy passes through special energy channels, and it turns out that it can be influenced in a completely physical way.

It is believed that the wedding ring on the ring finger restricts the flow of energy leading to the heart. “Exchanging” rings, lovers close the partner’s channel of love on themselves, and thereby close his heart to other passions.

However, doctors are not happy with all this - after all, a huge number of nerve endings are concentrated on the hands, which are affected by the rings. In addition, the very material from which they are made can sometimes cause a lot of trouble for the owners. Science knows cases when it was enough for infertile women to remove their wedding ring in order to become pregnant. Or get rid of problems with the kidneys, liver, heart, nervous system, as well as migraines. Everything is individual here, but at the same time, doctors also mention the benefits of gold rings: it turns out that they protect against arthritis and arthrosis (at least one single finger). But, on the other hand, we use it so little - maybe it just “wears out” less than the rest?

But, it does not matter on which finger to wear the ring and whether to wear it at all, the main thing is that love and prosperity reign in the house.

It is well known that wedding rings are considered the most important symbol of marriage. The question immediately arises: why not some other valuable item, for example, a bracelet or earrings?

The explanation is quite simple and lies in the fact that the rings are presented in the form of a closed strip of metal, symbolizing stability, immutability, eternity and infinity. Thus, the ring is considered a symbol of fidelity and eternal love, which guarantees cohesion in relationships, the ability to support each other in difficult times, as well as such a quality as constancy. Today, this symbol no longer has the same power as before. Although all the newlyweds swear and believe that they will find immense happiness.

But still, the question certainly arises: why are wedding rings worn on the ring finger?
According to legend, the first rings appeared among the Egyptians, who made them of gold for exchange during marriage. To do this, they took a strip of gold, gave it a round shape, which symbolizes fidelity and love. The inhabitants of Ancient Egypt put rings on the middle finger of the left hand, believing that it was he who was the connecting thread of the vein and the heart, thereby symbolizing love. Thus, Eastern peoples traditionally wear a wedding ring on the middle finger.

Residents of European countries are used to wearing a wedding ring on their right hand, namely on the ring finger. There is a belief that he has miraculous powers, thanks to the ring. Speaking of the Egyptians, the ancient Greeks and Romans, it was this finger that they used to rub in healing ointments. According to legend, the finger that wore the wedding ring could heal from illness.

There is also another legend according to which we owe to the ancient Hellenes that they wore a ring on the ring finger, talking about the employment of a person's heart. It was they who tied together the ring and love. If a person wore a ring on his index finger, then he was in active search. The presence of a ring on the little finger spoke of the unwillingness to marry. The presence of a ring on the middle finger testified to the unprecedented victories of its owner on the love front.

The act of Christians was wise enough, consisting in the legality of wearing a ring on the ring finger of the left hand, associating it with church ritual. Since the 9th century, the Pope has blessed the engraving of the church text on the ring. But this was characteristic only of Catholics, since the Orthodox were accustomed to wear them on their right hand, while the ring finger of the left hand was for divorced people.

So, in history there are many options for wearing a wedding ring, which is a symbol of the bonds of marriage. And it does not matter where this symbol of love and fidelity is worn. The main thing is that everything in life goes well for a married couple. In a word, to have advice and love in their lives.

The thumb stands for parents.
Index - brothers and sisters.
The middle one is you.
Nameless - your partner (spouse / spouse).
The little finger means your children.

Why is a wedding ring worn on the ring finger?

Put your palms together, while the middle fingers should be in contact with the outer sides.
Then, simply touch the remaining 4 pairs of fingers with the pads (big to big, index to index, and so on).
The game begins, follow the instructions, but do not forget that out of five pairs of fingers, only two fingers can be torn apart at a time.

Try to tear apart the pads of the thumbs, which mean the parents. Happened? This happened because all people get sick in their life, and at the end of it they die. This gap symbolizes that our parents will leave us forever.

Now put the pads of your thumbs together, and then tear apart the pads of your index fingers, which symbolize brothers and sisters. Happened? This happened because they also have (or will have) their families for the sake of which they will leave us.

Now put the pads of your index fingers together, and then tear apart the pads of your little fingers, which represent your children. Happened? Sooner or later our children will start families of their own and leave us.

However, put the pads of the little fingers together, and now try to tear apart the pads of the ring fingers, on which we put wedding rings. You will be surprised, but these two fingers cannot be completely opened (without tearing other fingers apart), because they symbolize husband and wife, and the fact that you will be in contact in everything all your life.

True love will last forever...

(based on Chinese beliefs)

Wedding ring. Symbol and traditions

A wedding is unlikely to do without wedding rings - well, perhaps a radical couple can dream of wedding bracelets or something else extravagant ... But most often the bride dreams of how her lover will put a sparkling evidence of his love on the ring finger of her right hand and desire to be with her all my life - an engagement ring.


The history of the origin of such a symbol as a wedding ring is unclear. Perhaps in ancient times it was something like a talisman that brings good luck. The ring is a vicious circle, therefore it means endless love and devotion that lovers promise to each other. Different sources describe the history of the emergence of the tradition of wedding rings in different ways. Some authors believe that this tradition has its roots in Ancient Egypt, others - in Ancient Greece. In ancient times, nomads tied the bride's legs with fragrant straw hoops so that she would not run away from the groom. Subsequently, unreliable straw "shackles" were replaced by leather ones, then - by stone ones. In ancient Rome, they were made of iron, in the 15th century they were made of diamonds. Since then, people's lives have changed a lot, but wedding rings, as an indispensable attribute of a wedding celebration, still exist today.
Only if some nations could afford to tie a flower on their finger as a sign of love and fidelity, then modern brides and grooms put gold rings on each other's fingers. Although the material of the rings may be different, the main thing is the mutual feeling that it symbolizes. It is also important that young people like wedding rings: you should not forget when buying an engagement ring - it is for life!



Signs and superstitions
associated with a wedding ring.

Wedding rings should certainly be smooth (classic), and not pretentious, with stones, notches - then the life of the newlyweds will be smooth.

In no case should newlyweds use wedding rings sawn or melted down from the rings of their parents.

You can't get married with a widow's ring. A widowed woman (or man) retains the wedding ring, but wears it no longer on her right, but on her left hand.

A widow should not pass on her wedding ring to her children: this ring can lead to a repetition of the unhappy life path of her parents.

Wedding rings of divorced people should no longer become engagement rings. Such rings are not worn even as ordinary jewelry, especially since they should not again participate in the wedding ritual.

One of the most symbolic gifts for newlyweds are wedding rings, which are inherited, and the higher the degree of inheritance, the more protective potential they have.

Newlyweds can only be married with their parents' rings if they (the parents) have already celebrated their silver wedding. Particularly revered were the rings that were passed on to the young from golden anniversaries (grandfathers and grandmothers).

What to do?

In the Slavic tradition, it is customary for the groom to buy both rings (both for himself and for the bride).

It is advisable to buy rings on the same day, in the same place, which is a good prediction of long-term cohabitation.

If you bought wedding rings and are returning home, then, without entering the house, say the following words: “For a good life, for a faithful family. Amen".

On the day of the wedding, you can not wear rings on your hand, except for the engagement ring.

Don't put your wedding ring on your gloved hand; first you need to remove the glove, and then put on the ring.

What to watch out for?

Don't give wedding rings to anyone before or after the wedding.

After the groom has put the wedding ring on the bride, neither she nor he can take an empty ring box or a plate on which she lay. It is better to take a box to an unmarried girlfriend or friend.

If you drop your wedding ring before putting it on your finger, this is a separation. If this nevertheless happened, then a thread is threaded through the ring, which must be prepared in advance by witnesses and which will collect bad omens, and then the ring is put on. After the end of registration, the thread can only be burned, while saying "burn the fire all my troubles and sorrows." The one who dropped the ring burns the thread.

The loss of a wedding ring portends serious problems with your health, warns of separation and divorce.

They say that vital points of our body are concentrated in our fingers. If a person is unwell or very tired, there is often a feeling that the tips of the fingers are freezing. In addition, in ancient China, it was believed that each finger is associated with certain family relationships. Parents are, of course, big. Those who indicate are brothers and sisters. Those in the middle represent the person himself. Little ones are kids. And just the ring fingers are the spouse or wife, the choice of a lifetime. We leave our parents when we become adults, sisters and brothers start their own families, children grow up and fly away from their parental nest, but the person chosen by fate continues to walk by his side until his death. Provided that harmony reigns in the family. This is why the wedding ring is worn on the ring finger.

We'll cover this in more detail below:

The classic rings that newlyweds exchange at marriage are smooth and usually made of gold. In Russia, as in many other countries, it is customary to wear symbols of eternal love on the ring finger of the right hand. Why do newlyweds exchange rings at all?

Gold symbols of marriage were exchanged in ancient Egypt. However, they wore rings on the middle finger. The Hellenes, on the contrary, were believed to put on rings before marriage. Those who wanted to show that they were looking for a companion or life partner were put on the index ring. Those who wanted to live a free life for the time being put rings on their little fingers. On the middle finger, a symbol of love was worn by those who wanted to boast of love victories. When the Hellene wanted to show that the search was over, he put a ring on his ring finger.


In ancient Rome, newlyweds exchanged rings that were woven from dry herbs. And the guy gave metal rings to the mother and father of the bride as a token of his gratitude and appreciation for the fact that they gave him such a wonderful wife. Later, however, herbal rings still replaced metal ones, but in many romantic films and books there is a plot in which young people who love each other give each other herbal rings.

It is believed that the rings have a closed shape, because it is it that personifies infinity. In this case, the infinity of love for each other, loyalty and readiness to always be there, in sorrow and joy. The traditional symbols of marriage are smooth, as everything in the life of the spouses should be smooth. But today you can find any options from different metals, with engraving, with patterns, with precious stones.

There are many signs associated with wedding rings. It is considered a bad omen to drop the ring during registration, and even worse - to lose it. On the rings of married ladies, young girls who dream of marriage are guessing.

Why is a wedding ring worn on the ring finger? In ancient times, people paid great attention to almost every point of the human body. They believed that by acting on certain points, a person can be healed of an illness or, conversely, even killed. Traditional medicine now relies on this knowledge. The ring finger, from the point of view of our ancestors, played a huge role. The ancient Egyptians associated it with the heart (by the way, this is partly true) and by rubbing medicinal ointments into it, you can heal the body. Since ancient times, gold has been considered a noble magical metal, also capable of bringing healing. Wearing a gold ring on the ring finger had a beneficial effect on the body. It’s hard to say whether it’s true or not, but, according to statistics, married people live longer and get sick less often than single people.


But in the East, special importance is attached to the little finger. It is believed that the red line of fate, connecting two hearts, connects exactly the little fingers of lovers.

We are used to seeing symbols of marriage on the right hand. We borrowed this tradition from the Greeks along with Orthodoxy. They, in turn, adopted it from the Romans, who considered the left hand to be bad, and the right hand to be dexterous, skillful. By the way, in ancient Rus' during pagan times, newlyweds put on rings on the pointing finger.

Catholics basically wear the ring just like we do. An interesting custom among the Jews is that at first they put rings on the right index, but then they wear them on the left. In Holland, it is customary to wear only the symbol of marriage on the right hand, but all other jewelry is worn on the left. In Belgium, they wear it this way and that, depending on the region.


By the way, newlyweds put rings on each other's left hand in Australia, the UK, the USA, Japan, Korea, the Czech Republic and many other places.

We explained why the wedding ring is worn on the ring finger. But, in any case, you need to remember that the ring is just a symbol. The main thing is that love always lives in the heart.

Wedding rings in ancient Egypt


The Egyptians firmly connected the ring finger of the left hand with the heart. And it is no coincidence. It is known that in those days there was a custom to make bodies after death. As it turned out, a thin nerve ran from the ring finger of the left hand to the very heart. Wedding rings were worn on the finger, which is directly connected to the heart.


Wedding rings in Russia


In Russia, it has long been customary to wear it on the ring finger of the right hand. It is traditionally believed that a guardian angel stands behind a person’s right shoulder, and by putting a ring on their right hand, the spouses enlist the support of higher powers that help them in their future family life.


A parable explaining the tradition of wearing a wedding ring on the ring finger


This parable clearly shows why rings should be worn on the ring finger.


The thumbs denote parents, the index fingers denote brothers and sisters, the middle fingers are the person himself, the ring fingers are the spouse, and the little fingers are.


It is necessary to fold the palms so that the middle fingers are bent and touching each other with the outer sides. The remaining four pairs of fingers should touch the pads. Now you need to try to simultaneously tear off two fingers from each other.


It's easy to tear your thumbs apart. This happened because parents often leave the other world before their children. This gap symbolizes that sooner or later parents will leave their children forever. Sad but inevitable.


The index fingers are also easy to tear apart. Even the most loving brothers and sisters cannot be together all the time. Over time, they have their own families and children are born.


Little fingers, symbolizing children, are also easy to tear apart. Children grow up and begin to live their own lives. This is also inevitable.


Only now the ring fingers cannot be torn apart, no matter how hard you try. Only husband and wife will touch each other all their earthly life, because true love lasts forever.


Centuries pass, but wedding rings invariably remain an indispensable wedding attribute. They have powerful energy and can become a reliable talisman for their owners, protecting them from misfortune.

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Advice 2: Why the wedding ring is worn on the ring finger

Wedding rings are the most common symbol of marriage and have been a symbol for thousands of years. I wonder why rings, and not other jewelry, are so strongly associated in people with strong and reliable bonds of marriage? And why are these rings worn on the ring fingers?

Why rings?

The simplest explanation is also the most complete. The ideal and perfect shape of the rings symbolizes infinity, immutability. If we talk about the sphere of emotions, a simple smooth ring takes on a global meaning, becomes a symbol of fidelity and love, solidarity and community in relationships.

It is believed that the first marriage rings appeared among the ancient Egyptians. They made these rings of gold to exchange them when entering into marriage. The Egyptians took special strips of metal, gave them the desired shape, then the bride and groom put them on each other's middle fingers of their left hands, these fingers were considered to be connected directly with the heart. That is why Eastern peoples wear rings after the wedding on their middle fingers.

European traditions

Europeans traditionally wear wedding rings on their ring fingers. It's all about the belief, according to which it is this finger that acquires miraculous power, thanks to the ring. The Greeks and Romans used the nameless one for rubbing healing potions into the skin. European legends say that with a wedding ring he could heal various ailments.

The ancient Greeks, who undoubtedly influenced the formation of modern Western civilization, wore rings on their ring fingers to show the world that their hearts were busy. They developed a whole system of signs. The ring on the index finger said that the person was looking for a lover, the ring on the little finger opposite spoke of unwillingness and unwillingness to marry, and the ring worn on the middle finger claimed that the owner was a real "playboy". The Greeks were the first to have a ring finger and a heart, that is, love. The fact is that in the process of anatomical studies, it was found out that a certain thin nerve goes from the ring finger to the heart, which connects them together.

Other matters

Christians adopted this tradition. In the ninth century, texts from the Bible began to be engraved on wedding rings, which directly connected the rings with the wedding ritual.

Esotericists believe that wedding rings work as limiters of energy currents. Since from an energetic point of view, the heart and the ring finger are directly connected, when the bride and groom give each other wedding rings, they thus seal the hearts, close them to other heart attachments.