By Vriti Malik Last Updated:
An engagement ring is the ultimate expression of love, a permanent mark of your relationship, as well as a cherished memory of your commitment. Whether you are engaged or not, almost everyone knows one thing for sure when it comes to engagement rings- it is worn on the ring finger or the fourth finger.
Well, this belief is so common that rarely people bother asking- why is the fourth finger of the hand is known as the ring finger? But, there are actually many reasons and logics behind this, and if you too are as curious as us, then keep on reading.
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A quite convincing explanation has been given by the Chinese that states that every finger in your hand represents a part of your life. The thumb represents your parents, the index finger represents your siblings, the middle finger represents yourself, the little finger represents your children, and it is the fourth finger or the ring finger that represents your life partner or your spouse.
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Here is a simple test that will show you why this particular finger is so important, and why it signifies your life partner?
Well, here is a video tutorial to explain it all:
Continue reading below
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In most cultures, engagement ring is worn on the ring finger of the left hand. Well, this is something that we are sure most Bollywood buffs would have already heard of, thanks to Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge!
Yes, according to ancient legends, it was believed that a vein of blood from the fourth finger of the left hand is directly connected to the heart. This is why, the vein was called the “the vein of love”. So, it is befitting that an engagement ring, which is a sign of complete love and devotion towards your partner, is worn on the finger that keeps it closest to your heart.
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Well, the first two reasons might sound very romantic to you, but here is a slight practical touch behind the ‘engagement finger’ idea.
It is more practical to wear the ring on the left hand considering that most people use their right hand for work, daily chores, etc. So, it causes less damage to your precious and fragile ring. What’s more? As your right hand is mostly busy in activities, say chores or writing, it is less visible for people to see. Wearing the engagement ring on the left hand finger makes it far more visible.
Different cultures observe different rituals. In the US, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Italy and other Commonwealth nations, an engagement ring is worn on the left hand ring finger.
Orthodox Christians and Eastern Europeans wear it on the right hand. Amongst Muslims, there is no difference on which hand the ring is worn as there is no set tradition. Even in few Indian cultures, engagement rings are worn on the right hand, as that hand is considered to be more auspicious.
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Some countries follow the tradition of wearing the wedding rings on the right hand because it is the more dominant of the two hands, in turn symbolising the strength of the marriage between a husband and a wife.
An engagement ring is a complete sentiment of love, and that is why you should know why it is worn in a certain way all through one's life. Now that you know, don't you feel like a hopeless romantic, and want to enjoy your engagement ring and the commitment in every way possible, right?
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