2006-09-10 19:14:45 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
There are many theories as to why this particular finger came to symbolize marriage. Both the ancient Romans and Egyptians believed that a vein - called the vena amoris in Latin - ran directly from that finger to the heart.
In medieval England, a bridegroom would slide the ring part way up his bride's thumb, index and middle finger, saying "In the name of the father, the son, and the holy ghost" as he passed each one. He then put the ring on the next available finger - the third finger of the left hand. This practice was finally formalized in the 1500's when Henry VIII's son authored The Book of Common Prayer, which gives English modern Protestant wedding vows and decrees on which finger our wedding rings should go.
2006-09-10 19:20:46 · answer #1 · answered by Kaitelia 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are two speculated reasons. The rings were actually worn on the thumb in the 17th century, but the 4th finger was used during te ceremony. Some feel that during a Christian wedding, the priest arrives at the 4th finger after touching three fingers on the left hand "In the Name of the Father...Son...and Holy Ghost...". Others believe the Egyptian myth that the ring finger follows the "vena amoris" or vein of love...which supposedly runs directly to the heart.
2006-09-10 19:25:08 · answer #2 · answered by Deep 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"The choice of finger relates to traditions purportedly dating to classical times, from an early usage reportedly referring to the fourth finger of the left hand as containing the vena amoris or "vein of love". At least in part due to this tradition, it became acceptable to wear the wedding ring on this finger. By wearing rings on the fourth finger of their left hands, a married couple symbolically declares their eternal love for each other. This has now become a matter of tradition and etiquette."
In layman's terms...like spaghetti, someone threw this one against the wall, and it stuck!
2006-09-10 19:21:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dunno.
But I once hear that they were originally worn on the left middle finger because there is an artery in there that is directly connected to the heart.
2006-09-10 19:17:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is said that the vein in that finger runs directly to the heart.
2006-09-10 19:18:08 · answer #5 · answered by Chatelaine 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Maybe closest to one's heart
2006-09-10 21:50:00 · answer #6 · answered by sugar_guy84 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋