A lot of knowledge, legends and traditions were able to convey to us the ancestors. Some of them are preserved to this day. For example, people who have officially approved a marriage exchange wedding rings. This custom has been going on for a long time, and the first mention of it dates back to the fourth millennium BC. Then it was not only rings, but also bracelets made of wood. Jewelry was given only to the female sex and meant that now she is the property of her husband.
After a period of time, 15 centuries long, men began to wear jewelry. Then the symbolism began to denote the union of two halves, two now kindred souls. On which hand do men and women wear a wedding ring? This is what we will discuss in the article.
Ancient Rome and Egypt
Some beliefsand the customs of the ancestors have not come down to us. This can be safely asserted based on the finds in ancient Egypt. Rings were found on the middle finger of the left hand of the ancient Egyptians. This is almost the only class of the population on the planet that puts jewelry on the middle finger. It is difficult to say what this choice is connected with, but scientists have their own assumptions. In the Middle Ages, doctors did not perform autopsies on their patients, and knowledge of anatomy was completely dilapidated. In one of the manuscripts, it was said that the nerve that connects the left hand and the heart is called the "artery of love." Most likely, the Egyptian priests thought that this nerve was related to the middle finger.
Archaeological finds
Continuing to explore the ancient cities, scientists have found that the ancient rings had three or four-sided profiles. They most often had various images or inscriptions. They said that lovers would be faithful to each other to the grave, never to be separated, and other love vows. You can also find numbers. As you know, in the developed countries of the ancient world there were many philosophers and mathematicians. The relation to numbers there was special. Often on the finds you can find jewelry with the numbers 3 or 7. These numbers were considered by them as a symbol of faith, hope, kindness and happiness.
Orthodox Christians
In ancient Russia, wedding rings were worn on the index finger. This is most likely due to the fact that before the adoption of Christianity there was another faith, following which wedding items were worn on the indexfinger, as in the most visible place of the hand.
Each group of believers has its own principles and rules for wearing wedding items. According to statistics, more than 70% of the population of Russia are Orthodox Christians. Adherents of this faith have fun celebrating weddings, arranging numerous contests and "festivities". They have a considerable number of wedding traditions that are gradually becoming obsolete. On which hand do women and men wear a wedding ring? It is customary to wear rings on the ring finger of the right hand.
Putting luxury on the ring finger began in ancient Europe, because the name of this finger in their language sounds like "ring". It is important to note that traditions are characteristic of both the female and male population of Russia. The church explains the wearing of the ring on the right hand by the fact that in the ancient Slavic language the right one is the right one. That is, it is a symbol of fidelity and strength of marital relations. As long as Christians have harmony in marriage, they adhere to the customs described above.
After a divorce, wedding rings are removed. A wife whose husband has died becomes a widow. For them, there are special rules for wearing exclusive jewelry. On which hand is a widow's wedding ring worn? On the ring finger of the left hand. This rule also applies to widowers.
Which hand do Muslims wear a wedding ring on?
Currently, most representatives of terrorist groups adhere to this faith, because of this, it has lost some prestige anddemand. Their protector is not Jesus Christ, but Allah. Instead of the Bible, Muslims have the Koran. This is their holy book, which they hold dear.
On which hand do Muslims wear a wedding ring? In wearing wedding rings, the Islamists have moved away from the representatives of Christianity. They wear rings not on the right hand, but on the left. And also on the ring finger, adhering to the European style. Wearing on the left hand is explained by the fact that it is located close to the heart. Many are ready to argue with this statement, but you will not go against traditions.
It is important to note that in some Muslim countries only women wear rings. Men, they think, are not allowed to wear shiny and beautiful jewelry on their hands. Therefore, many male Muslims do not wear items that confirm their marital status.
Gypsies
On which finger do they wear a wedding ring? Representatives of this group of the population prefer a wild life in camps. They often get their way by robbery and deceit. But not all gypsies are like that, there are exceptions. Due to the vast number of luxurious things, "tabor" wear wedding rings on gold or silver chains hung around their necks. There are exceptions among the Gypsies. There are supporters of other religions, based on which, the ring should be worn on the finger of the hand. It all depends on what religious group a person belongs to, but most gypsies adhere to "classical" customs.
Armenians
Most Armenians are Christians of the Armenian Apostolic Church. But also other religions take place on the territory of the country, such as Judaism, Islamism and so on. In Armenia, most of the opinions about wearing wedding accessories are usually divided into two parts. There are both Catholics and Christians in the country. On which hand do Armenians wear a wedding ring? Christians were mentioned above, and Catholics wear rings on the ring finger of their left hand. Such wedding rules are set by the Catholic Church. Unlike the male half of the population, women do not take off their ring. Men, without realizing it, adhere to Muslim signs. But Catholics and Muslims do it for identical reasons. Widows and widowers change hands with an accessory. Not putting a ring on the other hand after the death of a spouse is considered an insult towards him.
Judaism and marriages
Representatives of Judaism is a well-known people - the Jews. In historical practice, there are many cases of rot and genocide against them. But, despite all the difficulties, the ethnos has survived to this day and retained its religion. Jewish wedding rings are worn only by women. With the help of it, the young man devotes his daughter-in-law to his wife. What does it mean to consecrate as a wife? The Jews have certain traditions, following which, the groom must give the bride money or some expensive item. A ring can act as an object. The wife does not remove it until her death. Men put jewelry on their wivesindex finger, because they consider this place the most noticeable. The ring is always in front of a woman and reminds her of her husband.
So which hand do girls wear a wedding ring on? There is a legend among representatives of Judaism that during the engagement, the ring is put on the index finger of the left hand, and after the marriage is officially approved, it is transferred to the right. Jewish widows change hands again.
Buddhists
According to the teachings of the Buddha, people devoted to his religion should lead a monastic lifestyle. But, nevertheless, Buddhist families exist. For them there are certain rules of family relations. They are represented by a large list.
Which hand do men and women wear wedding rings on? Buddhists have no idea about wedding rings. Marriages are confirmed by the rite of five monks who fumigate the newlyweds and read mantras to them. But if desired, the couple can get married in the registry office. Then the husband and wife will have rings on the ring finger of their right hand. The choice of the ring finger on their part is explained by the fact that, in their beliefs, he is responsible for the husband and wife. Most widows and widowers do not wear commemorative rings, and the rest believe that through them there is a connection with the deceased and leave jewelry on their hand.
Protestantism
The representatives of this religion have a very ornate concept of rings. On which hand girls wear a wedding ring depends on the place of residence, that is, on the country. Regardless of the place of residence, they put it on the ring finger. Those remaining inthe loneliness of a husband or wife, it is not customary to wear a ring. After the death of a spouse, they remove it and keep it at home. The loss of the ring is considered a great grief and setback for the only surviving spouse.
Traditions and signs of different peoples of the Earth
In English-speaking countries, that is, in the UK and America, it is widely believed that wearing a ring is a female occupation, and many husbands simply do not put it on their finger. But in general, both spouses tirelessly wear jewelry, removing it only in case of great discomfort brought by the pressure of the ring on the skin.
According to Orthodox traditions, it follows that you cannot give your wedding ring to anyone. It is believed that you should not let anyone even try on jewelry. This, according to customs, can lead to the most deplorable and terrible consequences, up to the dissolution of the marriage.
It is auspicious omen to betrothed young people with "old" rings. That is, those with whom their grandfather and grandmother got engaged. It is important that the ancestors are alive and have a long and happy family life behind them, which they are ready to pass on to the newlyweds. It is a very bad omen to get engaged with the marriage items of the dead.
The Nordic countries have their own traditions. To make the marriage more comfortable, before the exchange of rings, both copies are dipped into a glass of water and the contents of the glass are turned into ice. Before the wedding, defrosting is carried out. This is done so that the rings remember that they were once one and will always be attracted to each other.
UOrthodox Christians believe that rings should be bought without trying them on. That is, you should not try them on in the store before the wedding.