Many people still have doubts about the ring finger in dating, engagement and marriage, especially regarding the engagement ring.
As common as it is to wear wedding rings and promise rings, many people still have doubts about the ring finger. Which is very understandable, since this tradition and rule can be different according to each culture. But generally, what changes are just details, since the right finger to wear the ring is usually always the same, the ring finger.
The biggest question, however, is regarding the right hand for each type of commitment. For dating, there isn’t much to argue about, the promise ring is always worn on the right hand. For engagement, the right hand will depend on the type of accessory, if it is an engagement ring it is worn on the left hand, if it is the wedding ring it is worn on the right hand until the wedding day, which is then transferred to the left hand.
So, let’s explain all this clearly, so that there is no longer any doubt about the finger of the wedding ring. Furthermore, we will also learn about the meanings of the rings on each finger.
Ring finger
Promise, engagement and wedding rings are traditional jewelry that have symbolized a couple’s love and commitment for thousands of years. The first records of the use of rings to symbolize the union between couples date back to 2,800 BC, in ancient Egypt. For these people, the circle has neither a beginning nor an end, just as the love between two people who decide to share a life together should be.
This representation of the union remained unchanged for many centuries, until the Greeks added another meaning to the rings, around 800 AD. For them, in addition to the symbolism of the circle having no beginning or end, the left ring finger has a vein that leads blood directly to the heart. From then on, the finger on the wedding ring began to be used as the ring finger on the left hand.
As for the engagement ring, it was not used until around 860 AD, when Pope Nicholas I introduced the obligation to wear a ring to formalize the engagement.
Therefore, this tradition changed over time, and each culture created its own code of etiquette for using promise rings. For example, the engagement ring can be worn on the right hand depending on the tradition of one country, and on the left hand according to another country.
Ring finger: dating, engagement and marriage
So, to avoid any doubts about this, let’s get to know the tradition of wearing the wedding ring in Brazil, for dating, engagement and marriage.
Affair
Dating is the first stage of a relationship, which precedes engagement and later marriage. Therefore, the rule is simpler and the ring finger will always be the ring finger of the right hand.
Generally, the dating ring or promise ring is made of silver, smooth and without textures or stones. But this is not a rule, as nowadays more modern couples like to innovate and use more elaborate accessories, always silver, sometimes silver and gold to personalize.
As for registrations, this will depend on the couple, normally the dating ring includes the partner’s first name and vice versa. But in addition to the names engraved inside the rings, the couple can also add something to the beginning of their relationship, for example. This detail is up to the couple, the rule is that the finger on the wedding ring must be the ring finger on the right hand and the ring must be predominantly silver.
Engagement
The courtship evolved into an engagement, and now things have gotten more serious, and the finger on the wedding band changes, as does the ring. However, for engagement, there are two main rules in Brazilian tradition, which can be a little more confusing. Everything will depend on whether the bride and groom opted for an engagement ring or wedding bands.
Engagement Ring
The first option, and the most common, is to celebrate the engagement with just an engagement ring, worn only by the bride, reserving the rings only for the wedding day. In this case, the bride will wear the engagement ring on the ring finger of her left hand. The groom, in turn, does not wear anything on his hands until the wedding. Or choose to continue wearing the promise ring, but on your right hand until the big day.
Thus, on the day of the official wedding, the exchange of rings will take place and the bride will be able to choose between wearing the engagement ring together with the wedding band on her left hand, or on her right hand. Both options are correct. The important thing is that your left hand is free when exchanging rings.
Alliances
Now, if the engagement is made with wedding rings, the couple must wear them on the ring finger of their right hand until the wedding day. Then, in the official ceremony, the rings go to the ring finger of the left hand, which is the right one.
Marriage
Lastly, and most important step in the relationship between couples: marriage. Here the ring finger rule is clear: always on the ring finger of the bride and groom’s left hand (from the heart vein mentioned above).
The wedding ring must be gold, which requires a greater investment. After all, the ring will be used constantly, and it needs to be made of noble and durable material. The inscription inside the ring depends on the bride and groom, who can choose their partner’s initials or first name, the wedding date or even memorable phrases for the couple.
Always remember that these are common traditions, but not a rule that cannot be broken. At the end of the day, each relationship is unique, and each couple may have their own rules and traditions. Therefore, there is nothing to prevent promise rings from being used in other ways, such as on a necklace, for example.
Meaning of the rings on each finger
And finally, since we’re talking about the ring finger, let’s also get to know the meanings of the rings on each finger.
As we know, rings are one of the most popular accessories of all, which add style and personality to the wearer. In addition to being a fashion trend, wearing rings on each finger also has a specific meaning. And let’s learn more about the meaning of rings.
According to historical records and traditions passed down from generation to generation, we have a great knowledge of the meaning of the rings on each finger. One of the most striking examples are wedding rings, which have been used as a symbol of marriage from ancient peoples to the present day on the same finger.
Ring on the little finger
In the past, especially in the United States, wearing a ring on the left little finger meant that the person was married in the past. This tradition was widely used in the 19th and 20th centuries and President Franklin D. Roosevelt was one of the personalities to wear a ring on that finger with this meaning.
Another symbolism linked to the little finger is that wearing a pink ring on that finger could represent a link with a mafia. Wearing a ring on the little finger of your right hand means graduation in some area of knowledge. This explains why some people wear their graduation ring on that particular finger.
Ring on the ring finger
Wearing a ring in this case generally represents some type of romantic commitment, as we talked about above, about dating, marriage and engagement. This finger was chosen thousands of years ago by the Greeks, due to the belief that a vein connected directly to the heart would pass through this finger. Furthermore, a ring on the ring finger may also be related to a vow of purity, when a person chooses not to have sexual relations before marriage.
Ring on the middle finger
Wearing a ring on the middle finger has no known historical significance. However, as it is the largest finger on the hand, it can be a symbolic representation of the search for power and a warning about responsibility.
Ring on index finger
As everything depends on context and culture, the right index finger can also represent a romantic commitment. For example, Jews wear their wedding ring on their index finger.
Ring on thumb finger
The thumb is one of the main differentiators between humans and other animal species. Thanks to this specific finger, we are able to perform precise movements, such as handling objects, among other things. Therefore, according to some eastern theoretical lines, this finger would be related to willpower. Therefore, wearing a ring on this finger can symbolize that the person wearing it is independent and confident in his actions and decisions.
Anyway, what did you think of this article? In fact, take the opportunity to also check out Dreaming about a ring or wedding ring – Main meanings.
Photos: Prata Fina Poésie Buffet Tupilas Waufen
Images: JC Photo and Video Grupo Bisutti Diamantina Poésie Waufen Key Design Mood Pinterest PLQ UM Como
