Wedding Tradition Breakdown: The Ring Finger

One of the most pivotal moments of the engagement and wedding ceremony is sliding the ring onto the ring finger. But have you ever wondered why exactly we always put engagement and wedding rings on the fourth finger? Our wedding photographers are going to break down the history and tradition of the ring finger!

 

History

The ring finger is the fourth finger on the hand, between the pinky and middle finger. Historically, there was no such thing as the “ring finger”. Wedding rings were worn on just about every finger, even the thumb! Although every finger was available, wearing the ring on the ring finger can be dated back to the Ancient Egyptians.

 

 

Meaning

So why was the fourth finger chosen as the ring finger? Back before modern medicine and anatomy, it was believed that the fourth finger on the hand had a vein that led directly to the heart, which was called the “vein of love”. This notion stuck, and most people started wearing their wedding and engagement rings on this finger as it was believed lovers’ hearts would be connected by their rings.

 

 

Today

Today we know that all fingers have veins connected to the heart. That hasn’t stopped this tradition from being so prevalent though. While most Westerners wear their rings on their left ring finger, in other cultures it’s common to wear them on the right ring finger. No matter which hand your culture chooses, wearing rings on the ring finger as a mark of commitment is one of the oldest and longest-lasting wedding traditions. It’s relatively unchanged today, even though we know the original meaning is no longer true.

 

 

No matter what finger you choose to place your wedding rings on, our wedding photographers would love to capture that key moment! Contact AGI Studio today to book one of our talented, award-winning wedding videographers or photographers.

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