Rules
Terms of Use

Topic Options
#12415 - Mon Jul 17 2000 09:32 PM Wedding Rings
Caerr Offline
Mainstay

Registered: Thu May 04 2000
Posts: 828
Loc: Huntly NZ
Does anyone know, why wedding rings are worn on the third finger of the left hand?

Thanks in advance

------------------
New Zealand -
All Blacks

_________________________
[i]I'm not smart, but I like to observe. Millions saw the apple fall,
but Newton was the one who asked why.</I]
[i]Bernard Mannes Baruch</I]

Top
#12416 - Mon Jul 17 2000 10:39 PM Re: Wedding Rings
gtho4 Offline
Administrator

Registered: Sun Dec 26 1999
Posts: 54484
Loc: Sydney
oz downunder
quote:
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.
http://www.ourmarriage.com/html/why_the_third_finger__left-han.html


another one along the same lines ...

Modern "authorities" on etiquette follow their predecessors in matrimonial procedure, in urging that the wedding ring always be worn on the third finger.

Before medical science discovered how the circulatory system functioned, people believed that a vein of blood ran directly from the third finger on the left hand to the heart. Because of the hand-heart connection, they chose the descriptive name vena amori, Latin for the vein of love, for this particular vein.


.. and now I know why my mother wears hers on her right hand (!)

[This message has been edited by gtho4 (edited 07-17-2000).]


Top

Moderator:  TabbyTom