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On which finger to wear your engagement ring?
Although traditions vary by region of the world, an engagement ring is generally worn on the ring finger of the left hand.
Legend has it that in ancient Egypt and Rome, it was believed that a vein connected the left ring finger directly to the heart. The ring was therefore worn on the left ring finger, as it was the only finger supplied by the "Vena Amoris," a vein believed to lead directly to the heart.
A beautiful story that has been challenged by science, as we now know that all veins in the body are connected in one way or another to the heart.
If the ring is worn on the ring finger, on which hand is it worn?
Let's travel for a moment around the world to see how symbols evolve.
In Ireland, tradition leads us to a ring called Claddagh, composed of a heart symbolizing love, topped with a crown for loyalty, and two hands for friendship. This ring can be worn on both ring fingers and in both directions. However, the direction and the finger each have a meaning:
Right hand:
- The point of the heart facing outwards means the wearer is single
- The point of the heart facing inwards means the wearer is in a relationship
Left hand:
- The point of the heart facing outwards means the person is engaged
- The point of the heart facing inwards means the person is married
In Brazil or India, the ring is worn on the right hand. In India, legend has it that the right hand symbolizes patience in the union.
Finally, to conclude this tour of legends, it is customary to say that the right hand gives and the left hand receives, the first being linked to reason and the other to the heart.
If we now look for a more pragmatic reason: there are more right-handed people than left-handed people, so by wearing the engagement ring on the left, it is less likely to be damaged by daily activities.
The ring finger and little finger are also the two least used fingers on the hand.
A predominance for the left or right ring finger depending on the country
Nowadays, after marriage, two options are the most common:
- On the left ring finger, paired with the wedding band
- On the ring finger of the right hand, as is done in several Germanic countries.
Once you have decided on which finger to wear the ring announcing your marriage, you will also want to know how to wear the wedding band with it. We have some answers for you here.
Good to know: each finger has its symbol
However, you are free today to wear your jewelry on the finger of your choice, so we take this opportunity to remind you of the different symbolisms according to the fingers:
- the thumbs symbolize parents
- the index fingers symbolize siblings
- the middle fingers symbolize the self
- the ring fingers symbolize the beloved
- the little fingers symbolize descendants
