The tradition of exchanging rings on your wedding day and wearing them throughout your life exists in almost all countries. Moreover, it originated a long time ago! And if you already know how to choose wedding rings, then it’s time to find out on which hand they are usually worn in your home country. The Svadebka.ws portal looked into this issue and prepared it for you Interesting Facts about which hand it is worn on wedding ring in America, Europe, Russia, Muslim and Asian countries.

The tradition of wearing wedding rings originated in Ancient Egypt and then in Ancient Rome. There it was customary to wear jewelry on the left hand. Since then, another belief has come to us, which “tells” which finger the wedding ring should be worn on. Preference should be given to the nameless one, because the “vein of love” passes through it, leading straight to the heart. Now there is another theory regarding the ring finger, which is discussed in the next video.

In Rus', rings were worn on the right hand, because... It was believed that the main symbol of marital fidelity should be worn by the husband and wife on the hand that signs documents and enters into transactions. This indicates the seriousness of the intentions of people who get married.

In Europe, rings were worn mainly on the left hand. In the 18th century, it was believed that women in this way showed respect to their husband, the head of the house, because at that time the right hand was considered dominant and the left hand non-dominant. In society, people often paid attention to which hand a woman wore a wedding ring on in order to understand how respectful she was to her husband.

On which hand do modern newlyweds wear wedding rings? Each nationality and religion has its own answer to this question, as well as to many questions about wedding rings (is it possible to wear this jewelry before the wedding, is it worth using your parents’ rings as wedding rings, etc.).

The general rule is this: in Catholic and Protestant countries it is customary to wear these jewelry on the left hand, in Christian countries - on the right. But there are exceptions!

In which countries do they wear a ring on the right hand?

It is customary to wear rings on the right hand in countries such as Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, Poland, Bulgaria, Latvia, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Austria, Germany, India, Spain, Greece, Serbia, Hungary, Cuba, Colombia, Venezuela, etc. .

Why is a wedding ring worn on the right hand? Most likely, this is due to the fact that in Christianity the right side is considered correct, “true” due to the fact that behind the left shoulder of a person there is a tempter who wants to upset the marriage, and behind the right is a guardian angel. This is why newlyweds who belong to the Christian faith wear a wedding ring on their right hand, especially if they decide to seal their union in the face of God.

In which countries do they wear a ring on their left hand?

It is customary to wear a wedding ring on the left hand in the following countries: USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, France, Great Britain, Italy, Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Scandinavia, Switzerland, Egypt, Botswana, New Zealand, Slovenia, Romania, Slovakia, Croatia, Southern African countries and most Asian countries.

According to one theory, it is believed that the left hand is located closer to the heart. Therefore, the one who wears a wedding ring on this hand expresses all his love for his other half, which comes straight from the heart. Moreover, in many of these countries it is clearly defined which finger the wedding ring is placed on - of course, the ring finger, because the very “vein of love” passes through it.

It is customary to wear an engagement ring on the same hand as the wedding ring before marriage. Then the engagement ring can be kept as a family heirloom, worn on other fingers, or even together with the wedding ring if they match each other in design. The latter option has recently become very popular among European brides. And in Scandinavia, in the future, this tandem will be supplemented with a ring given by the husband for one of the anniversaries.

Non-standard options

Some nationalities have their own special rules regarding the choice of hand for the most important decoration in life.

Rings on opposite hands

For example, on the island of Sri Lanka, the male half wears wedding decoration on the right hand, and women - on the left. The same thing happens in China: newlyweds put rings on opposite hands. The groom is on the left, the bride is on the right, which is considered more active and influential in China. This is due to the fact that the woman, according to chinese tradition considered the keeper of the hearth and comfort in the house.

On which hand do Muslims wear a wedding ring?

Initially, in Islam there was no such thing as wearing wedding rings; this tradition came there from the West. Muslim men choose silver items, which are worn not as wedding rings - symbols of marriage, but as jewelry on either hand. Gold items are generally taboo for them! Women also put rings on either hand, because... there are no special regulations for them.

The wedding ring has long been considered a symbol of marital fidelity. Mystical properties are attributed to this object, and certain traditions have always been associated with it. The exchange of wedding rings between spouses at a wedding takes place in many countries, and the question very often arises of which hand to put it on.

Meaning

The meaning of this important accessory is determined by the culture of the people; there are three main versions of what it means. In ancient times, this decoration was brought by the groom to his beloved’s family, thereby showing that he had every opportunity to provide for his future wife. Parents could be convinced of the well-being of their daughter's betrothed.

According to another version, by putting the ring on their finger, the future spouses made a vow of love, endless and immortal. The ring is a symbol of infinity. According to a third opinion, these objects formed links in one chain, and it unites husband and wife forever.

Wedding ring - how to wear a woman/man

How to wear a wedding ring correctly is the main question that worries newlyweds. Historians discovered the first jewelry during excavations in Ancient Egypt. The nobility used rich accessories made of precious metals, and poor people used iron ones.

Thanks to their high knowledge of anatomy, in ancient times, healers believed that a wedding ring should be worn on the left hand.

In ancient times, it was the rulers who decided how this item should be worn. There were countries where they were even worn on the thumb. Each nation has its own traditions regarding the rules of wearing wedding rings.

On which hand is the wedding ring worn, depending on religion

The rules for wearing these accessories largely determine religion.

Christians

Orthodox Christians consider everything connected with the right side of the human body to be correct. In countries where Christianity is practiced, wedding rings are worn only on the right hand. This is practiced in Russia, Greece, Ukraine, and Belarus. Widows change the ring to the opposite hand.

Muslims

Muslims prefer to wear jewelry on their left hand, expressing tribute to tradition. True, this rule does not apply to men. In the East, men are not supposed to wear gold, it is a sign of bad taste. Muslims either do not wear gold accessories or wear silver jewelry.

Catholics

Followers of Catholicism and Protestantism put rings on the ring finger of the left hand. Historically, this has happened in the countries of North and South America and some European countries (France, Austria, Germany, Spain), Australia. Catholics explain this tradition by the fact that the left hand is closer to the heart, which is also located on the left.

Who wears it on their left hand and where?

In many countries, it is customary to wear jewelry on the ring finger of the left hand. But in other countries, the situation may be different; European women prefer to wear the ring on their index finger, and gypsies generally wear this accessory on a chain.

It is no coincidence that a wedding ring is worn on the left hand; the ringed person thus expresses warm feelings for his soulmate from the bottom of his heart. But on the other hand, the right hand has always been considered a symbol of wisdom, and was associated with the right decisions.

The question often arises about which hand Armenians wear the accessory on, because they cannot be classified as Catholics and Christians. Armenians prefer to wear this important element on their left hand. The explanation is simple - the energy of love passes through the left hand, which supports the family in difficult periods.

Not all Catholics wear a wedding ring on their left hand; in some countries (Spain, Austria, Norway) this item is worn on the right hand. And the traditions are supported by the inhabitants of Cuba, Mexico, France, Turkey, Japan, and Canada.

Who wears it on the right

According to Russian traditions, in Russia it is customary to wear a ring on the right hand on the ring finger. It is customary to wear wedding and engagement rings on the same hand in Israel, India, Greece, Georgia, Norway, Spain, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, and Poland. In Holland, this tradition is supported by those who do not support Catholicism.

As for the engagement ring, in Russia there are no specific rules for wearing it, so each person makes his own choice on which finger to put it on. In most cases, the left hand is ringed, but some women prefer to wear it along with their wedding band.

Wearing a wedding ring on special occasions

A ring on the ring finger is an indicator of status, but it can be evidence of more than just marriage. It is worn in a certain way during divorce and widowhood.

Divorce

It happens that love passes, and two recently close people become strangers. How to wear the accessory correctly in this case, and is it worth doing it at all? After a divorce, ex-spouses usually simply take off their wedding ring.

The question of where to put the accessory after this is something everyone decides for themselves. The opinion of many men is to simply take it to a pawnshop. Girls often regret throwing it away, but giving your jewelry to another person is not worth it.

Leaving it in your box is strange, to say the least. Who would want to ring a woman with an object given by her ex-husband?

The female view of these things is simple; often it is simply changed to the other hand and carried on. But there are signs according to which you should not leave this accessory, it will remind you of the past. A new life It's easier to start from scratch.

Another point concerns the question of whether it is possible to wear someone else’s ring. Any piece of jewelry carries the energy of the owner, is it worth transferring it and personal troubles to another person? After all, if a ring does not bring happiness to one person, it is unlikely to bring happiness to another. Therefore, wearing someone else's wedding ring is not recommended.

Death of one of the spouses

After the death of one of the spouses, the accessory must be put on the other hand. This is a symbol of fidelity to a loved one even after death. Some women remove their jewelry and place their husband's ring on their left hand as a sign of an eternal connection, or wear both on the ring finger.

In general, the widow herself decides whether it is worth continuing to wear this important accessory.

Signs associated with wedding rings

Wedding rings, according to people, are a magical symbol of marital ties. Naturally, many signs and beliefs are associated with them.

You should not let anyone try on your ring, much less wear it. If it is impossible to refuse a request for fitting, then it should be handed over only by placing it on the table.

It is returned in the same way, and before putting on the accessory should be held under running water or in a salt solution for some time.

You cannot get engaged with rings that were inherited from a divorced couple or from a widow. But if the rings were passed on to young people from grandparents who lived their whole lives in love and harmony and were alive at the time of their wedding, this is considered a lucky omen. You can use the rings of spouses who have lived happily for more than 25 years.

In some countries, freezing rings in a glass of water was practiced. It was believed that when the water thaws, these objects remember their unity and will always be drawn to each other, supporting the spouses in family life.

An unmarried girl may accidentally touch the bride's ring at a wedding or take the box where it was lying. This will lead to the fact that she herself will soon get married. To believe or not in these signs is a personal matter for each woman.

Many girls are interested in the question of whether it is possible to wear an engagement ring before the wedding.. By folk signs, you can’t do that. This can cause unpleasant moments during the wedding ceremony or even cancellation of the wedding.

Engagement ring

After matchmaking followed a beautiful ceremony called engagement. The young man asked his betrothed's hand from her father. And on this significant day, the groom proposed to the girl and gave her a ring, which is usually called an engagement ring in honor of the event.

Which hand should you wear your engagement ring on? Some people put it on their right hand and wear it on their ring finger until the wedding, until it is replaced by an engagement ring. Next, the engagement ring is either worn together with the wedding ring, or worn on the other hand. At the same time, they must be combined with each other, be made of the same material and be similar in texture.

In the West, they prefer to remove it altogether after the wedding, after which it becomes a family heirloom and is passed on from generation to generation. In Germany, they put the ring on the left hand, and after the wedding, change it to the right.

The engagement ring should be worn without removing until the wedding and carefully protected. It is a symbol of the beginning happy life families. His loss, according to signs, leads to the breakdown of the marriage.

After the wedding ceremony, you can wear an engagement ring on any finger of your right or left hand; some prefer to do it all the time, while others use it as a beautiful accessory when attending significant special events.

Violate wedding customs not worth it. But we must not forget that the long and happy marriage First of all, it is ensured by the sincere love and fidelity of both spouses.

A wedding ring is a symbolic and very valuable decoration for lovers, confirmation marital status. This accessory rich story. Similar jewelry was discovered by archaeologists during excavations in Ancient Egypt.

Interesting! In ancient times, it was believed that it was better to wear a wedding ring on the left hand. They believed that on the finger without a name there was a vessel leading directly to the heart. The Egyptians believed that if you applied an ointment or cream with this finger, it would have healing powers.

Interesting facts from the history of engagement rings

The material from which the rings were made directly depended on social status: Noble people preferred jewelry, while the poor made rings from simple iron. References to the fact that the ring actually symbolized marriage date back to the period BC. The ancient Hindus used rings characteristic features castes, and in Ancient Rome there was a custom of exchanging rings. With the help of decoration, the groom demonstrated the seriousness of his intentions and demonstrated his status in society. After marriage, a woman was obliged to wear it - a reminder that she was now the property of her husband.

Important! The Egyptians believed that rings were a symbol of union in life and after death. The hole in the ring symbolizes the gate leading to new world. This is the hope that feelings can be eternal and indestructible. People were buried with jewelry, and it was believed that removing such a ring from a deceased person was tantamount to a curse.

In Rus' there was no such romantic attitude towards rings. The tradition of wearing rings after marriage appeared only at the end of the 18th century. It was then that the “language of rings” was invented:

• On the nameless one is a symbol of an unbreakable union.
• A ring on the little finger confirmed that the person had no intention of getting married.
• On the index finger - an active search for a spouse.
• On the middle finger - a frivolous attitude towards marriage.

In Rus', along with the decoration, the bride was given a key, thus the groom recognized her as the mistress of the house. The betrothal ceremony in the Orthodox Church began in 1775. Since then, rings have also been called wedding rings.

Should I wear a ring?

Many people still consider it bad manners not to wear a ring if a person is married. In fact, this is everyone's personal choice. If you have an engagement ring, you can wear both pieces. However, many people prefer to replace the engagement with the wedding.

Divorced people or widowers often continue to wear the accessory, but now on the other hand. You can also wear your wedding ring as an amulet on a chain.

• Women. It all depends on the religion that the woman professes. Divorced ladies often wear their wedding ring on their left hand or as a pendant on a chain. European ladies love to wear the product on their index finger. By the way, this is exactly how it was accepted in Rus' in ancient times.
• Men. Most often, men wear a wedding ring on the ring finger, sometimes on the little finger right hand. In some countries (for example, Belgium) men wear a ring on either hand - there are no specific standards.
• Catholics. Historically, the jewelry was worn on the left hand after the wedding. It is believed that she is closer to the heart, therefore marriage will be based on love and fidelity. This tradition is familiar to many countries: France, Spain, Germany, Austria, the USA.
• Orthodox. It is customary to put the ring on the right hand, since people cross themselves from right to left. In addition, there is a belief that a person’s guardian angel stands behind the right shoulder. Who knows, maybe he will help save the marriage. It is believed that wearing a wedding ring on the left hand promises troubles and troubles; only widowers have the right to do this.
• Muslims. Most often, Muslims refuse this wedding symbolism. Firstly, it is believed that jewelry destroys the soul, and secondly, according to the Koran, men cannot wear gold - only silver. Therefore, true Muslim believers prefer to simply present jewelry to their wives.

Signs about a wedding ring

• You should not let someone else try it on or wear it. If fitting cannot be avoided, do not hand it over personally, but place it on a surface.
• You cannot get married with rings that were inherited from a widow (widower) or a divorced couple - there is a risk of repeating their fate. But family heirlooms inherited from happily married people are not prohibited from being used.
• After a divorce, it is undesirable to wear a wedding ring, as it accumulates negative energy. If a person remarries or gets married, the ring cannot be reused.
• If a stranger picks up your ring, hold it under running water - it is believed that water cleanses negative energy.
• Previously, it was customary to make all wedding rings smooth - it was believed that then the couple’s life would be smooth and happy. However, no one will forbid you to choose a ring with an engraving or stone.
• The ring should not be worn on gloves.
• If an unmarried girl touches an engagement ring at a wedding, she will soon become a bride.

The decision is up to you. Powerful symbolism backed by faith works wonders, but it is quite possible to be happily married even without rings!

Wedding rings are symbols of marriage. Loving people They give them to each other and wear them as a sign of sincerity of intentions and devotion. According to historians, this tradition originated with the ancient Greeks. According to another version - in Ancient Egypt. In those days, finger decoration was symbolic and not valuable. Such decorations were made from hemp or reed. In the Middle Ages, European rulers and even counts and dukes issued decrees about which finger the ring should be placed on.

This tradition was different in each country. For example, in England at the end of the seventeenth century it was customary to wear a ring on the little finger, and in Germany knights wore it on the little finger. At the same time, ordinary people did not adhere to strict rules regarding which finger they put the wedding ring on. Over time, the material used to make rings has changed. They began to be decorated with carvings, inlaid with precious stones, and combining different

So, which finger is currently worn on? Now the tradition of exchanging rings has not lost its original meaning. The form of the decoration, which has neither end nor beginning, represents endless love. Valuable metals that are used for manufacturing jewelry, are considered a symbol of purity and nobility of intentions. Appearance and the design of jewelry is amazing in variety. If previously ordinary smooth rings were considered traditional wedding rings, nowadays jewelry that is complex in construction and design is increasingly being chosen.

A fashionable trend is the inlay of other types of metal or a combination of several types (for example, yellow and a “chaotic” scattering of precious stones. Although gold traditionally symbolizes the purity and purity of a girl.

Currently, there are differences in which finger the wedding ring is placed on. So, for example, Orthodox Christians put it on their right hand, because this hand is considered the “correct” one, more important. This tradition is followed in Central and Eastern Europe (countries of the former USSR), as well as in Germany, Spain, Norway, Austria, Greece, Georgia, India, Chile, and Venezuela. In Armenia, Turkey, France, Ireland, Great Britain, Croatia, Slovenia, USA, Mexico, Canada, Sweden, Korea, Japan, Syria, Cuba, the ring is worn on the ring finger, but on the left hand. In these countries, they adhere to the following belief: which finger the wedding ring is placed on is closest to the heart.

However, not everyone shares this opinion. According to Jewish custom, the bride wears a symbol of devoted love. By the way, in Ancient Rus' they did the same. Gypsies, according to their customs, put the ring on a chain and wear it around the neck. Widowers are known to wear the jewelry on the finger of their other hand. In other words, if married people wear a ring on their right hand, then widows and widowers wear a ring on their left hand. The situation is more complicated when the person is divorced. Many do not wear a “reminder” of marriage at all (in the literal sense of the word), and some put a ring on their left hand after a divorce. There are no clear rules here.

For a long time young people exchange wedding rings during the wedding ceremony. At a wedding, jewelry is usually placed on a specific hand and finger. It is believed that this helps to show the desire for harmonized relationships and happiness. However, in different countries Wedding rings are worn on different hands and fingers, which is due to the peculiarities of religious faith.

Why are wedding rings worn on the ring finger of the right hand?

The people of Ancient Rome were the first to wear a wedding ring in this manner. They were sure: in the ring finger there is a vein that connects heart and finger. Vienna was named after love. If a person put jewelry on this finger, one could immediately understand: he was busy and married. It is for this reason that the wedding ring should be on the ring finger.

Wedding ring

There is another legend that allows us to better understand the existing tradition. In this case, the legend arose thanks to the ancient Hellenes. They noted that the ring is worn on the ring finger to confirm the busyness of a person’s heart and tie it all together. If a person decorated the index finger, he was in an active search, the little finger - unpreparedness for a marital relationship.

The ancient Hellenes also believed: the presence of a ring on the middle finger confirms amazing victories on the love front.

The Christians acted wisely, because they tied the legal wearing of the ring to the ring finger of the left hand and church ritual. Since the 9th century, symbolic religious engraving of inscriptions on jewelry was allowed, but this tradition was observed only by Catholics.

It is believed that with the choice of hands everything is much simpler. The ancient Romans believed: right hand will be happier than the left one. For this reason, the wedding ring is placed on the right hand. This tradition is followed by residents of most countries of the world, including Russia, Poland, Norway, Denmark, Spain, and Portugal. Now it becomes clear on which hand wedding rings are worn in Russia and why the corresponding tradition arose.

Photo of a wedding ring on the finger of a Russian woman

Who wears wedding rings on their left hand?

The tradition of wearing a ring on left hand originated relatively recently, at the beginning of the 18th century. It is believed that women recognized the authority of their spouses, who did not receive special decorations in the past. This opinion was due to the fact that the left hand is non-dominant. For this reason, wearing a wedding ring on the ring finger of the left hand means recognizing the authority of the spouse. This practice is common in English-speaking and Muslim countries, as well as in Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, the Czech Republic, and Romania.

Muslims in the 21st century wear wedding rings only on the left hand. There is a large number in the world Catholics and Muslims, which is important to remember. Many Europeans belong to the Catholic and Muslim religions. It is not surprising that in Turkey they also put a ring on the ring finger of the left hand.

In Russia, divorced women and men, widows and widowers wear wedding rings on their left hands

By doing this they show memory and respect for their departed or deceased spouse. People around them often understand such actions, but psychologists have a negative attitude towards such an act, since the decoration reminds a person of the past stage of life and interferes with the search for new happiness. It is advisable to discard the ring, although the memories will remain. Without an accessory, your chances of finding personal happiness will increase.

Wedding ring on a man

Married men and women wear a wedding ring only on ring finger left hand.

Is it possible for an unmarried girl to wear a ring on the ring finger of her right hand?

Girls often choose jewelry and are interested in symbolism. Sometimes the question arises whether it is right for a girl to wear a wedding ring or whether it is advisable to refuse such an act. In most cases, it is inappropriate to decorate a finger taking into account existing traditions, because such an act reduces chances of dating with potential chosen ones.

Palmists and astrologers note: each finger has a special symbolism

Each finger of the hand is under the protection of one planet or another, and therefore affects the character and habits of people. Jewelry is often worn on a specific finger and is activate the desired area, but jewelry should be simple in design and different from engagement jewelry.

Wedding ring

Many peoples believe in I will accept: a free girl should not put a ring on her ring finger, as this will lead to failure in personal relationships, celibacy. In fact, there is some truth in this, because dating will happen less often due to the fact that the other person will think about the lack of opportunities for developing the relationship.

On the other hand, the ring finger is under the beneficial influence of the Sun

Wearing a ring on this finger can promote personal self-expression, finding a partner, and gaining fame and fortune. It is believed that in order to get married, you need to wear a ring on your ring finger, but it is advisable to choose gold jewelry. It is not advisable to choose silver jewelry, as it has an energetically calming effect and makes it difficult to find a soul mate.

Hidden Jewelry cannot be given for fitting. If a girl chooses a ring that should attract her chosen one, it is forbidden to give the jewelry to other people to try on.

Wedding rings for lovers

Also married woman You should wear your wedding ring and not give it to others. Otherwise, your personal life will be wide open, so your chances of personal happiness will decrease.

The meaning of a wedding ring on different fingers

Wedding rings are allowed to be worn on different fingers, despite existing traditions.

Thumb

Symbolizes willpower, reflects the inner essence of a person. If you plan to wear a ring on your thumb, you need to be especially careful and attentive, as serious changes will occur in the near future. Decoration will also contribute to the development of will and determination. Thumb rings are often surprising, although the phenomenon remains common throughout the world. In medieval Europe, rings were often worn on thumb and spouses could wear symbolic jewelry on different fingers, attracting the necessary energy.

Forefinger

The index finger is a symbol of power and leadership ambitions. Decoration activates the corresponding energy. Kings could develop leadership skills thanks to the fact that they put the ring on a certain hand. Nowadays, only a few people do this, but sometimes people can see a symbolic decoration on their index finger.

Middle finger

The middle finger reflects a person's personality. The decoration placed in the center of the hand is a symbol of a balanced life and attracts the energy of harmony. Russians often wear it on the middle finger of their left hand, because they are Orthodox and honor religious canons. A wedding ring on the middle finger of the right hand means that the person has become divorced or widowed, and may also belong to the Muslim or Catholic religion.

Ring finger

The ring finger has a direct connection with the heart, which is why jewelry is most often worn on it. This is believed to promote positive energy in marital relations, strengthens joint affection, helps to get closer and gives optimism. A good option become silver jewelry, as they have the necessary energy. Rings are also often made of gold. To decorate jewelry, it is advisable to choose such gems like moonstone, jade, turquoise or amethyst.

Little finger

Pinky rings are often worn. It is believed that in this case a person wants to report something, to give a signal to the outside world. The fact is that little finger with an engagement ring is sure to attract the most attention, and it is not associated with religious or cultural traditions. The reason for wearing a wedding ring on the little finger may be the desire to strengthen the marriage through business or joint creative activity, show public attention to personal relationships. It is advisable to choose jewelry with moonstone, amber or citrine.

You can also find out additional facts from the video: why wedding rings are worn on the ring finger:

Married women and married men wear a wedding band not only in accordance with traditions and beliefs, but also as a sign of respect and closeness to each other.