Do You Know Why the Wedding Ring Is Worn on the Fourth Finger?

Exchanging rings is a tradition that has been followed for centuries. But have you ever wondered why the wedding ring is worn on the fourth finger? In this article, you will find out why the rings are worn in your fourth finger. If you find a person wearing a ring on the right hand ring finger, then the person is probably not married. If it is worn on the left hand ring finger, it means the person is already “taken”. But there is a historical reason behind it. 

History of Wedding Rings

The wedding ring tradition has been followed since ancient times. The tradition of wearing wedding rings on the left hand has been followed since ancient Greek and Roman times. It is considered an indication that you have that the person is already engaged. It is not only because wedding rings are beautiful but there are also several reasons behind it. In the ancient days, people tied chords made of grass around the ankle or waist of their loved one. Later, gold rings were only used but now most of the brides expect diamond rings. The first use of diamond rings was recorded in 1477. Diamond rings were discovered in South Africa, later, the usage of diamond rings for weddings increased a lot. In the 1880s, Cecil Rhodes founded the De Beers mining company, and in the very next decade, they had control over most of the world’s diamond production. Then, not to mention the famous “A diamond is forever” slogan that changed the world. In 2012, according to a survey by jewelers of America, couples spent an average of about $4,000 for a ring.

But Why the Fourth Finger?

Why is the wedding ring on the fourth finger? There is a logical and touching reason behind the concept. Initially, wedding rings were worn on all the fingers. The fourth finger was believed to have the veins that directly connect with your heart and that is why it was also called vena amoris in Latin which means “vein of love”.  Why is it called the ring finger? Fourth Finger is also called the ring finger, because traditionally wedding rings are worn in that finger. Till now, our heart was not just considered an organ, it is thought to take control of all our emotional and mental well being. How great would it be, if this story is true! But sadly it is not true. Humans have no such vein. 

This is not actually what people from all around the world follow. Times have changed, some people do not want to be stuck with the same old tradition anymore. Hence some people started wearing wedding rings in their right hand. This tradition is only followed in a few places as different countries follow different traditions for weddings. In places like India, Germany, and Spain, wedding rings are worn on the right hand. This indicates that this tradition purely depends on the cultural norms that have been followed in each country!