While hitchhikers and and angry drivers may disagree, most would argue that the ring finger is really the one that gets the most attention.
So why is it that we wear our wedding bands on the third finger of the left hand? The tradition is thought to have its roots with the ancient Romans, who believed the vein running through that finger was connected directly to the heart. The “vena amoris,” or “vein of love,” was considered symbolic of deep and everlasting devotion.
Another theory is derived from medieval times, when the groom first placed the ring on the bride’s thumb, followed by her index finger and middle finger, as he recited “In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.” The ring came to rest on the bride’s next available finger.
A more pragmatic explanation is that the ring finger is the least intrusive spot to wear a ring, given that most people are right-handed.
Wedding rings are worn on the right hand in other countries, however, particularly in eastern Europe. Some Greek women wear a ring on their left hand during the engagement, moving it to their right hand after marriage.
This is one of those customs whose true origins we may never know. But that doesn’t mean the words “I Do” have any less ring to them.
