A Tradition that has been ingrained in History: The Cool matching rings Finger
The CoupleSet wedding ring finger is an aspect of our daily lives that seems easy, but it actually has an interesting history, symbolism and sentiment. It's not a casual act to put an engagement ring on the wedding ring finger. It's an ancient tradition that has been in place for thousands of years and crosses cultures and continents.
What is the origin of this custom from? Why is it the fourth finger on the left hand to receive this distinction? Does it have any significance for all different cultures? What can we learn about the deep significance behind the wedding ring finger improve our appreciation for this intimate part of a relationship? These are a few of our concerns.
We're embarking on a journey armed with the expertise of anthropologists and relationship experts to uncover the fascinating world of the wedding finger. This exploration will aid you in understanding this long-standing custom, whether you're engaged, married, or simply curious.
Let's start by exploring the origins of this tradition.
Ancient Egyptian papyrus scrolls, dating back 4,800 years, are the first evidence we have of the wedding ring custom. In these scrolls circles were depicted in symbols of eternity and a ring would be exchanged between couples to symbolize eternal love and commitment. It is important to be aware that the finger wasn't designated in these early records.
The association of the ring with the fourth finger on the left hand goes back to the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans. They believed in "Vena Amoris" which is also known as "Vein of Love" which was a vein that is believed to run directly from this finger into the heart. While modern medical science doesn't support this romantic idea, the cultural significance remained and has been passed through generations, surviving in a variety of Western traditions to this day.
The Significance of the Wedding Ring Fingers across Cultures
While the "vein of love" belief may have created the foundation for the wedding rings finger tradition in the West practices, those around the world are diverse and have fascinating stories of their own.
In a lot of Eastern European nations, the wedding ring is worn on the left hand. This change is the result of religious customs within the Orthodox Christian church. In countries such as India, it is common to use the right hand to make the wedding ring, however the type of finger used will vary depending on the region and cultural group.
In Jewish tradition, the ring is first placed on the index finger of the right hand during the wedding ceremony. After the ceremony, it's moved to the ring on the left hand. However, some prefer to keep the ring on their right hand.
On the other side, Scandinavian cultures have a distinct style of engagement rings that are worn by both genders typically on the left hand and then moved to the right hand following the wedding ceremony. This is a way to emphasize the pluralistic nature of their societies and emphasizes the fact that marriage is a commitment which is shared equally by both couples.
The many cultural practices associated with the wedding ring finger illustrate that, although the traditions differ, the fundamental sentiments of love, commitment, and partnership remain consistent.