Why Is the Wedding Ring Worn on the Fourth Finger?

While there is no single reason wedding rings are often worn on the fourth finger, much of the reasoning dates back to ancient beliefs and traditions. Sometimes this finger is referred to as the third finger in cases where the thumb is not considered to be a finger.

Tradition

In the United States, Canada, Japan, India and parts of Western Europe, the wedding band is traditionally worn by both men and women on the left hand's fourth finger, or ring finger.

Vena Amoris

An old myth says that there is a vein, called the vena amoris or vein of love, that goes from the left hand's fourth finger to the heart, making it symbolic of love.

Christian Symbolism

In medieval times, grooms in Christian weddings put a ring on each of his bride's middle three fingers on the left hand to represent the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. The ring on the fourth finger remained on after the wedding was complete.

Chinese Philosophy

The Chinese believe that the thumb symbolizes the parents, the index finger represents brothers and sisters, the middle finger is the self, the ring finger is your mate and the pinky shows your children.

Variation

In some European cultures, a woman wears her wedding ring on the left hand before the wedding takes place, but then moves it to the right hand once she is officially married.

References

• Easy Weddings: The Wedding Finger
• MSN: Why are wedding rings worn on the fourth finger?
• Ourmarriage.com: Why the Third Finger, Left-hand?