Which finger in which hand do you place the wedding band? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Which finger in which hand do you place the wedding band?

1170
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 01:05

I was wondering the same, for so many years, I knew that if you are engaged you place the band/ring in the ring finger in the right hand, when you got married you place it the ring finger in the left hand.

Just come from a trip in spain, had different nationalities - EU mostly - and found many women who are married placing the wedding band in the right hand, either the middle finger or the ring finger.

I know it's a stupid question, but I would like to know.

1236
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 13:41
I used to wonder why a bride (In the UK) always walks down the aisle after marriage on her new husbands left arm (as well as walking UP the aisle on her father's left arm) Apparently it was to ensure that the mens' right arm was free to fight off would be attackers while holding a sword!!! Can still see my SIL at the wedding rehearsal walking down the aisle brandishing an unbrella to protect his new bride! :D
674
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 12:34
Nice tale Annedxb - sadly this only happens because the middle and ring fingers share the same tendon, but there you go. . Possibly a tale.. But some enjoy them and happy to believe them. I like the idea of it even if scientifly can be proven why.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 10:48
Both on left
784
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 10:42
personally..i wear them both on my left hand.
2043
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 10:37
I have Dutch Roman Catholic friends who wear their rings on the right hand, most of the British people I know favour the left!
297
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 10:17
OK then in some European countries then....
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 10:14
Not in all of Europe...
297
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 10:09
It is different in Europe, there the wedding band is on the ring finger of the right hand. It is just a tradition there and they are just as curious about us wearing it on the left hand. I think it has something to do with the right hand being the 'righteous' hand and the left hand the 'sinister' (sinistra= left in Latin). My husband and I who were wed by a northamerican pastor wear ours on the left side, we thought the argument about the left hand being closer to the heart more convincing.
3804
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 10:01
Nice tale Annedxb - sadly this only happens because the middle and ring fingers share the same tendon, but there you go. My German friends, they tend not to do engagements as such, but both will have a ring on the left ring finger, then when they're married it moves to the right ring finger.
943
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 09:59
Wow Annedxb, that's such a lovely explanation! You learn something new every day... Most Arabs wear the wedding band on our right hand fourth finger whilst engaged and then move the wedding band to our left hand fourth finger once we're married.
437
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 09:56
In the UK and US it's the Left hand fourth finger, but I believe that in the Phillipines, the woman wears it on her right hand fourth finger and the man wears it on his right hand fourth finger? I have heard of other traditions following different rules, and know a couple from the CIS countries that wear their tokens of marriage on a chain as a necklace, it's a symbol rather than a ring.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 09:53
Beautiful explanation Annedxb!! Left hand-ring finger
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 09:43
There is a beautiful and convincing explanation given by the Chinese. Thumb represents your Parents 
Second (Index) finger represents your Siblings 
Middle finger represents your-Self 
Fourth (Ring) finger represents your Life Partner 
& the Last (Little) finger represents your children Well I came across this fascinating tidbit! Check it out for your-self - it really works. Firstly, open your palms (face to face), bend the middle fingers and hold them together ( back to back - knuckle to knuckle) Secondly, open and hold the remaining three fingers and the thumb - tip to tip 

Now, try to separate your thumbs (representing the parents)..., they will open, because your parents are not destined to live with you lifelong, and have to leave you sooner or later. Now, join your thumbs as before, and separate your Index fingers (representing siblings)...., they will also open, because your brothers and sisters will have their own families and will have to lead their own separate lives. Now join the Index fingers back, and separate your Little pinky fingers (representing your children)...., they will open too, because the children also will get married and settle down on their own some day. 

Finally, join your Little fingers, and try to separate your Ring fingers (representing your spouse). 
You will be surprised to see that you just CANNOT....., because Husband & Wife are meant to remain together all their lives - through thick and thin!!
1236
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 02:18
Long before there was knowledge of anatomy, it was the belief that there was a blood vessel which led from the left arm to the heart, hence the wearing of a wedding ring on the left hand to signify love. This is a tradition which persists in many parts of the world. Some countries prefer the right hand.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 March 2012 - 01:11
Wedding band, topped off with the engagement ring, on the left hand's ring finger.
 
 

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