Wedding rings are worn by couples as a symbol of their eternal bond. As per wedding rituals, weddings rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, which is why the finger is also called ring finger.

But why are wedding rings always worn on the fourth finger of the left hand – the ring finger?

The Vein of Love

The selection of the fourth finger as the ring finger dates back to times unknown. Before medical science discovered the way our circulatory system works, people (especially in Greece and Rome) believed that a vein from the fourth finger on the left hand ran directly to the heart. Because of this special connection between the hand and the heart, they named this vein as vena amoris, the vein of love.

This belief led to the tradition of wearing wedding rings on this particular finger. Doing so represented the love between the couple being married.

Though science has proved it to be a myth and not true, a majority of people still believe it to be true.

Until the first and second World Wars, only brides used to wear wedding rings. It was only after male soldiers started wearing rings to remind them of their partners, that the custom of wearing wedding rings became popular among both men and women equally.

Fourth Finger is for your Life-Partner

According to a fun Chinese theory, each finger in your hand represents a part of your family-

  • Thumb represents your parents
  • Index finger represents your siblings
  • Middle finger represents yourself
  • Fourth finger (ring finger) represents your life partner
  • Fifth finger or the pinkie finger represents your future children

Try placing your hands together and bend your middle fingers together, allowing your knuckles to touch and all your remaining fingers to touch as well. Now try to pull each finger apart. You will notice that while your thumbs, index finger and pinkie finger will pull apart easily, your ring finger won’t.

That’s because, you won’t stay with your parents, siblings or future children forever, but your life partner is meant to be with you always.

Since your ring finger is for your life-partner, wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger.

In Indian traditions, women wear their wedding rings on the fourth finger of their left hands, while men wear their wedding rings on their right hands.

Regardless of in which finger you wear your rings at, the most important thing is the love between the couple.

For match-making or any marriage or compatibility related issues, consult astrology expert Pt. Pawan Kaushik at +91-9999097600