Although there is no set rule about how to wear a wedding band or how to wear an engagement ring, there are certain traditions that have been passed down over the years. In this blog post, we'll decode the mystery of wedding and engagement ring placement by taking a look at the meaning behind wearing your rings on the left or right hand, and what finger to place them on, so you can make the best decision for your own love story.
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The Symbolism Behind Wearing an Engagement and Wedding Ring
For centuries, engagement and wedding rings have been symbols of love and commitment. But have you ever wondered why we wear them on a specific hand and finger? The symbolism behind wearing an engagement and wedding ring is rich with meaning and tradition.
In many countries including the United States, the tradition of wearing a wedding ring on the left hand can be traced back to ancient societies of Egypt, Rome, and Greece (all depending on who you talk to as to which came first!). Egyptian pharoahs are recorded to having worn rings to represent eternity into the afterlife whereas Roman women wore them as a sign of their husbands' ownership (eek, that doesn't sit well with us either!).
Thankfully in more modern times, the ring simply means a visual commitment between two people, and the symbolism behind wearing an engagement and wedding ring is deeply personal and can vary from couple to couple. So when it coms to placement, it is important to choose something that holds meaning for you and your partner, whether it's following tradition or creating your own unique symbolism.
The Traditional Placement of Wedding Rings on the Left Hand
Throughout history, the left hand has been the traditional placement for wedding rings for many countries (but not all!). But why is this? The answer lies in centuries-old beliefs and customs.
In ancient times, it was believed that there was a vein, known as the "vena amoris" or "vein of love," that ran directly from the ring finger (or fourth finger from your thumb) to the heart. By wearing the wedding ring on this finger, it was thought that the couple's love would be directly connected to their hearts. This symbolism still holds true today and is deeply ingrained in Western culture.
The left hand is also considered to be closer to the heart, which further emphasizes the emotional connection between the couple. It symbolizes the commitment and love they share, making the left hand a popular placement for their wedding rings.
Additionally, wearing the wedding ring on the left hand has practical reasons as well. In the U.S., studies have suggested that 90% of people are right-handed. So since the right hand is generally more dominant and active, it decreases the risk of damage to the ring. Placing the ring on the non-dominant hand can help to protect it and keep it safe.
While the left hand is the traditional placement for wedding rings, it is important to remember that ultimately, the choice is yours. Some American couples may choose to deviate from tradition and wear their rings on different fingers or hands that hold personal significance to them. The most important thing is to choose a placement that symbolizes the love and commitment you and your partner share.
Cultural Differences in Ring Placement
When it comes to wedding and engagement ring placement, cultural differences play a significant role in determining which hand and finger to wear them on. While the left hand is the traditional choice in many Western cultures, this is not the case everywhere. In fact, in many cultures, the right hand is considered the ideal placement for wedding and engagement rings.
In some Asian countries, such as India and Indonesia, it is customary to wear wedding and engagement rings on the right hand. This is believed to bring good luck and symbolize the couple's commitment and unity. In contrast, in countries like Russia and Greece, both the engagement and wedding rings are typically worn on the right hand until the wedding day. After the ceremony, the rings are moved to the left hand to signify the couple's married status.
Additionally, in some cultures, different fingers hold different meanings for wedding and engagement rings. For example, in certain European countries, such as Germany and Austria, it is customary to wear the engagement ring on the left hand ring finger, and the wedding ring on the right hand ring finger.
Understanding these cultural differences and your own heritages can help couples make an informed decision about where to place their wedding and engagement rings that feels right to them.
How to Wear Your Wedding Rings on the Big Day
Once you've chosen the perfect engagement and wedding rings, the next step is figuring out how to wear them on your big day. Here are some tips to ensure that your ring placement is comfortable and secure throughout your wedding celebrations.
Firstly, it's important to make sure that your rings fit properly. Before your wedding day, have a professional jeweler size your rings to ensure a perfect fit. You don't want to risk losing your precious rings or feeling uncomfortable throughout the day (and ever after!).
On the day of your wedding, many brides choose to wear their engagement rings on their right hands to allow for ease of placing the wedding ring on the left hand during the ceremony. Afterwards for photos and beyond, the engagement ring is then slid back on the left hand to join the wedding band.
For after the big day, it's customary to wear your engagement ring on the top and your wedding band on the bottom of your ring finger. This allows the wedding band to be closest to your heart, symbolizing your union in marriage.
Tips for Ensuring Comfort with Your Ring Placement
Now that you've learned about the symbolism and traditions behind wearing wedding and engagement rings, let's talk about how to ensure comfort with your ring placement since you're going to be wearing these special things for a very long time! If you plan on wearing both rings on the same finger, make sure they fit together comfortably. Some couples prefer to have their rings soldered together to prevent them from spinning or rubbing against each other or falling off completely. Talk to your jeweler about the best options for your specific ring designs and how it affects cleaning your ring.
Consider the placement of your rings on your hand. Some couples find it more comfortable to wear their rings on the left hand, following tradition. However, if the right hand feels more natural for you, there's no rule against wearing them there. Ultimately, the choice is yours and should reflect your personal comfort and choice.
For couples who work with their hands or operate dangerous power tools, a flexible silicone ring is a great, wise option to keep your fingers safe and your real wedding ring secure while still giving a beautiful visual of your commitment while on the job. (We always recommend storing in a nice wedding ring box when not being worn!)
Keep communication open between you and your partner to what's most important to you symbolically. Your wedding day is a celebration of your love and commitment. Choosing a ring placement that feels comfortable and secure will allow you to fully enjoy your symbolic life together. So take the time to ensure your rings fit perfectly and consider your personal comfort and career when deciding where to wear them.
The placement of your engagement and wedding rings is a deeply personal choice that can hold different meanings for each couple. Whether you choose to follow tradition and wear your rings on the left hand, or blaze your own trail and wear them on the right hand or different fingers, what matters most is the love and commitment behind them.
Remember the symbolism and traditions surrounding ring placement are meant to enhance your love story, not restrict it. So don't be afraid to create your own unique symbolism or incorporate cultural customs that hold meaning to you and your partner! No matter where you choose to wear them, let them be a constant reminder of the beautiful journey you are embarking on together. Cheers to love and happiness!
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