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For centuries, couples have chosen to place their wedding ring on a specific finger, the 'ring' finger, dedicating it to love, when any other finger could serve the same purpose. Is it a case of 'left side, strong side'? History says otherwise.
In medieval times, being caught using the left hand for writing could lead to accusations of possession. During the Spanish Inquisition, left-handed individuals were more likely to face torture or death. This aversion to the left hand was widespread, seen in many cultures. For example, Islamic traditions forbid eating or drinking with the left hand, while in ancient Japan, a woman who didn’t favor her right hand could be divorced without question. So why do we choose the finger on this 'cursed' hand to symbolize eternal love?
Not all past perceptions of the left hand were negative. The connection between marriage and the left ring finger can be traced back to the Egyptians in the second century, who believed a delicate nerve began in the fourth left finger and connected directly to the heart, according to Greek scholar Appian. Centuries later, the Romans held a similar belief, calling it the vena amoris, or 'vein of love,' linking this finger to the heart.
In ancient Roman times, a wealthy suitor would place a ring on his fiancée’s fourth finger, symbolically holding onto her 'lover’s vein.' This custom may have influenced the modern tradition.
Some suggest the tradition of using the fourth finger for wedding rings traces back to early Christian rituals. When Orthodox Christians cross themselves, the thumb, index, and middle fingers join together, representing the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The 'ring' finger was thought to symbolize earthly love, making it the ideal choice for a wedding ring.
Until the 17th century, Orthodox couples traditionally wore their rings on the right hand, a symbol of strength, and many Europeans followed this custom. However, in 1549, during the Reformation, Protestant reformer Thomas Cranmer used wedding rings to break with tradition. In his work, *The Book of Common Prayer*, he instructed couples to wear their rings on the left fourth finger instead. Soon, this practice spread across Europe.
