Why is the engagement ring worn on the third finger of the left hand?

Question

Why is the engagement ring worn on the third finger of the left hand?

Answer 1

Back in the day when caveman existed, they used to leave their cave and go steal women from other caves.
They would tie the women up and not let them go for weeks. Finally, when the woman agreed that she would not leave, they tied a string around her ring finger to remind her that they will always come back and get her.

Thus, the wedding ring.

Why that finger? I dont know ehehe

Answer 2

In ancient cultures it was believed that the third finger of the left hand, had a special vein called vena amoris, the vein of "love," that ran from the "ring finger" finger directly to the heart. Diamonds have been worn on
the third finger of the left hand, for the Egyptians
believed the " vein of love" connected this finger to
the heart. Until the 15th century, diamonds were worn
only by royalty, nobility and priests. The first diamond
engagement ring was given in 1477 by Archduke Maximilian
of Austria to Mary of Burgundy. The wedding took place 24
hours later. In these times diamonds were uncut, so they
were valued as a symbol of strength and protection, not beauty. It was not until the 20th century that the possibility of owning a diamond came within the reach of the American public. By the end of World War II, the tradition of the diamond
engagement ring was firmly established in England and the
United States as a symbol of love and commitment.

Answer 3

Its actually the forth finger but thats okay, unless somebody cut off your thumb.

The use of rings in wedding ceremonies is traced back to the early part of the fourth century. However, the first explicit description of the ring’s usage seems to come from Isidore of Seville, who became archbishop of that city in 595. He wrote: "The ring is given by the espouser to the espoused either for a sign of mutual fidelity or still more to join their hearts by this pledge; and therefore the ring is placed on the fourth finger because a certain vein, it is said, flows thence to the heart."

The belief that the fourth finger (counting from the thumb), has a vena amoris–a love vein running directly to the heart–is obviously pure superstition. The annular (ring) finger shares the same "route" to the heart as the other fingers. In spite of its superstitious origin, the custom of wearing the wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand has prevailed in most Christian countries to this day.

Answer 4

Left Hand: The Hand of the Heart. It's true, our heart is slightly to the left of out thorax.
Middle Finger: In the name of the Father, of the Son and The Holy Spirit. The ring is supposedly dangled in front of each finger and so "of the Father" would be dangled in from of the first finger, "of the Son" you'd move to the second and "The Holy Spirit" finally placed on the middle. Customs changed however, so we don't do all that any more.

Answer 5

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.

I hope that I helped!

Answer 6

Props, this is a really good question to ask. I learned something today thanks to you. I had no idea but always wondered myself.

So does that mean that when you have a promise ring, and/or engagement ring it goes on the right third finger as a prerequisite of where it will be when you are married. Kind of a it will be linked through a vein to your heart soon? LOL what a way to put it.

awesome possum...

cc:

Answer 7

It's an american tradition that relates to the vein leading to your heart. In some other countries, like Cuba, it's tradition to wear your wedding ring on your third finger on your right hand. Some couple's don't wear rings at all. It's a decision you have to make for yourself.

Answer 8

There is something else I once heard that is suppose to represent unity with your spouse that you will be together through thick and thin and something cool to try which will explain this further.

Why should the wedding ring be worn on the fourth finger?

There is a beautiful and convincing explanation given by the Chinese.....

Thumb represents your Parents.

Second (Index) finger represents your Siblings.

Middle finger represents you.

Fourth (Ring) finger represents your Life Partner.

Last (Little) finger represents your children.

Firstly, open your palms (face to face), bend the middle fingers and hold them together - back to back.

Secondly, open and hold the remaining three fingers and the thumb - tip to tip. (As shown in the figure below):


Now, try to separate your thumbs (representing the parents)..., they will open, because your parents are not destined to live with you lifelong, and have to leave you sooner or later.

Please join your thumbs as before and separate your Index fingers (representing siblings)...., they will also open, because your brothers and sisters will have their own families and will have to lead their own separate lives.

Now join the Index fingers and separate your Little fingers (representing your children).., they will open too, because the children also will get married and settle down on their own some day.

Finally, join your Little fingers, and try to separate your Ring fingers (representing your spouse). You will be surprised to see that you just CANNOT....., because Husband & Wife get to remain together all their lives - through thick and thin

I hope this helps

Answer 9

They used to say the vein in that hand went directly to the heart.

I still think it's the best place, though. We use that hand less (most of us anyway) and hardly use that finger for anything, so the ring won't get in the way as much.

Answer 10

I think it comes from an ancient belief that the third finger had a vein that went straight to the heart. That is the wedding ring.

The engagement ring came from a 1940's ( I think) strategy from a jeweler to sell diamonds.