2007-06-24 22:21:10 · 15 answers · asked by JSYM 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It is believed that the vein in that finger runs directly to the heart :)
2007-06-24 22:25:02 · answer #1 · answered by Sal*UK 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The ring on the finger is a sexual symbol - obvious! 3rd finger because of an old superstitiom that there is a connection (nerve or vein) direct from that finger to the heart.
It always used to be the right hand, and still is in some Catholic countries, because the right side is the honourable, more powerful side. At ther English reformation (starting with Henry VIII) the use of a ring and the belief in the finger-heart connection came to be thought superstitious relics of Catholicism.
Some Puritans abolished the use of the ring altogether. Most women cherished the sign of marriage, and clung to the ring; the Anglican prayer book has always uad a ring in the wedding service. But at least they took to wearing it on the other hand to show they were above vulgar superstition.
2007-06-24 22:38:59 · answer #2 · answered by Michael B 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As most others have said, it was a superstition regarding the cardiovascular system and overloading it with sentiment.
Hmm, that's a rather harsh way to put it. Ah well, it stuck around, that is why the ring is worn on that finger specifically.
However, the reason it's a ring is to denote the person as married, "property" so to speak. Isn't it romantic? Showing the entire world that you're attached to another person? Funny it was only in the 20th century when many men started wearing a ring. It used to be only the woman. Not that I care really, but this is simply to offer the ugly feminist point-of-view.
2007-06-24 23:31:50 · answer #3 · answered by Chaoslight 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a hold-over from pre-Christian religion that each finger, & toe for that matter, is linked to another part of the body & can influence that part. The third/ring finger is traditionally linked to the heart, so wearing the ring is supposed to influence & increase that effect. Most of the world uses the thrid finger on the left hand for this, but Germans use the third finger on their right hands - so it's just down to tradition.
2007-06-24 22:29:55 · answer #4 · answered by Graham C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the Egyptians started it because a circle is endless and a ring for them meant endless love and the 3rd finger on the left hand they believed that vein ran directly to the heart
2007-06-24 22:34:12 · answer #5 · answered by cubby 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ring finger, apparently the main vein from this finger goes directly to the heart. So the story goes.
Love /Heart.
2007-06-24 22:27:37 · answer #6 · answered by Jeanette 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the old days it used to be a life sentence.
However, most rings can be removed, so it is just an indication of a contract undertaken by two people.
2007-06-25 01:34:38 · answer #7 · answered by Perseus 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, you don't have to put on a ring at all when you get married. It is an optional part of the service.
2007-06-24 22:26:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The tradition started based on a Vein in that finger that is connected directly to the heart, called "Vena Amoris", or vein of love :)
2007-06-24 22:27:08 · answer #9 · answered by Jason 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's supposed to be on the side of a heart, with an artery which is supposed to run straight to the fourth finger.
2007-06-24 22:25:03 · answer #10 · answered by True Blue Brit 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋