Why Engagement Rings are Worn on the Fourth Finger (2024)

FAQs

Why Engagement Rings are Worn on the Fourth Finger? ›

The Reason Why the Fourth Finger Become the “Ring Finger”

In many Western countries, the tradition of wearing an engagement ring on the fourth finger on the left hand, (the left ring finger on the ring finger guide below), can be traced back to the Ancient Romans. They believed this finger had a vein that ran directly to the heart, the Vena Amoris, meaning 'vein of love'.

In many western cultures, a ring on the fourth finger of your left hand—aka, your “ring finger”—signifies that you're engaged or married. Of course, not every country or culture follows suit. For example, citizens from India, Colombia, and Brazil traditionally wear their engagement rings on their right hand.

The Origins Of The Tradition

The ancient Romans believed that the fourth finger of the left hand had a vein that ran directly to the heart and so chose to wear the ring as a symbol of love on this finger.

The ring finger is the third finger on the left hand, where the wedding ring and engagement ring are worn. This is a symbol of eternal love, beauty and creativity. This belief is associated with the god, Apollo, the Sun God, in Greek mythology. Consequently, the base of the ring finger is known as the Mount of Apollo.

The Reason Why the Fourth Finger Become the “Ring Finger”

These cultures all chose to wear their wedding rings on their fourth finger of their left hands because they believed there was a vein in this finger that went directly to the heart. Not surprisingly, the heart was considered the emotional center of the body.

In most Catholic countries, such as Ireland, Latin America and the Philippines, the ring is placed on the fourth ('ring') finger on the spouse's left hand. At the end of the ceremony, the priest may invite the couple to “seal the deal” with a kiss, before leaving the church.

4 fingers have been used to signal domestic violence.

In 2021, a hand signal was created for users to show that they were in a dangerous situation but couldn't talk about it. Users would hold up 4 fingers to the camera, tuck their thumb in, and then fold their fingers over their thumb.

Single men usually wear rings on their left ring finger. This signifies independence and freedom from relationship commitments, as the fourth finger on the left hand is traditionally associated with marriage.

While engagement rings symbolize commitment and unity, divorce rings represent "empowerment, closure, or simply a way to signify a new chapter in one's life,” Akmakjian says. She stresses the importance of having a design that is all about your style.

Why does a woman wear a ring on her middle finger on her left hand? ›

Wearing a ring on the left middle finger is less common but can symbolize balance and responsibility. It's often chosen by those who want to make a statement about their individuality. Rings worn on the right middle finger may carry different meanings depending on the individual.

As per tradition, a wedding band is worn first—"to keep it closer to your heart"—and an engagement ring is then placed above the band, explains jewelry expert Tiina Smith.

The most common placement is on the left-hand ring finger(the fourth finger). Then, once an engagement ring is given, the wearer swaps the promise ring to another finger. Another popular choice is to wear your promise ring on the right hand, leaving your wedding ring finger open for a diamond engagement ring.

Diamonds are a symbol of love, commitment, and eternity. A three stone diamond ring can symbolize the eternal bond of love in a couple's past, present, and future.

Under Civil Code § 1590, upon the termination of the relationship after the engagement and at any time prior to marriage, the person who purchased the ring (i.e. the donor) is entitled to the ring or its value in the situation where the donee sold the ring to a third party.

Wearing a ring on the right hand symbolizes an individual's relationship with both cultural norms and personal experiences. Ultimately, the placement becomes a symbol embedded with rich social context.

In contrast to the left-hand tradition in the West, some Eastern cultures, such as India, Russia, and parts of the Middle East, favour wearing the engagement ring on the right-hand ring finger. The preference for the right hand may stem from cultural beliefs and superstitions specific to each region.

The fourth finger of the left hand, believed to possess a vein that runs securely to the heart, has traditionally been ringed. This Vein of Love, or more amorously called the Vena Amoris, 1 originated in ancient Egypt, where it was first described by Macrobius in 395–423 AD.

Though people traditionally wear it on their left hand, on the ring finger, different fingers have different meanings. You may choose to wear your engagement ring on your middle finger, ring finger, or index finger.

The most common placement is on the left-hand ring finger(the fourth finger). Then, once an engagement ring is given, the wearer swaps the promise ring to another finger. Another popular choice is to wear your promise ring on the right hand, leaving your wedding ring finger open for a diamond engagement ring.