Does anybody know why a wedding ring is worn on the third finger of the left hand?

Answer 1

"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. "

Answer 2

Why do we use the third finger of the left hand? But even in these days of cardiothoracic science, it's not easy to put a ring around the heart. So in the old days they had a simple answer: they put the ring on the third finger which they believed had a vein, artery or nerve (a sort of a USB cable) running directly to the heart. And as the left hand is a bit closer to the heart than the right, they placed engagement and wedding rings on the third finger of the left hand. (Actually, during some periods in the past, the ring was worn on the right hand; a practice that continues to this day in some cultures, since the right hand is considered more righteous.)

Answer 3

In Western cultures a wedding ring is traditionally worn on the ring finger. According to tradition in some countries, the wedding ring is worn on the left ring finger because the vein in the left ring finger, referred to as the vena amoris was believed to be directly connected to the heart, a symbol of love.

Answer 4

Why the Third Finger, Left-hand?

In ancient times, it was believed there was a vein in the third finger of the left hand that ran directly to the heart. Thus, the ring being placed on that finger, denoted the strong connection of a heartfelt love and commitment to one another. Although during times of modern autopsy, this long held belief was found not to be so, the tradition continued to this day.

Medieval bridegrooms place the ring on three of the bride's fingers, in turn, to symbolize, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The ring then remained on the third finger and has become the customary ring finger for English-speaking cultures. In some European countries, the ring is worn on the left hand before marriage, and is moved to the right hand during the ceremony. However, in most European countries the ring is still worn on the brides left hand. A Greek Orthodox bride wears her ring on her left had before marriage, and moves it to her right hand after the ceremony.

Answer 5

I heard that it is because back in the Dark Ages they thought that there was a vein running from this finger to the heart. Not all cultures adhere to this tradition - in Russia, for example, they wear the wedding band on their right hand.

Answer 6

There is a vain that runs from that finger straight to the heart. Way back (B.C.) they would actually tattoo bands on those fingers-probably a lot harder to leave your ring off!

Answer 7

It is another of those traditions stolen by the Christians from the Pagans. Just like most of the Christian holidays.

Answer 8

It is because that vein goes through your finger straight to your heart .... it is supposed to symbolize your love going straight to your heart.

Answer 9

its the one that connects to the heart via and artey
the left side being the most powerful side of the heart

Answer 10

I think it is supposed to lead straight to yout heart