What Hand Does a Wedding Ring Go On?

A wedding ring is one of the most significant symbols of love and commitment between two people. It represents the eternal bond and devotion that a couple shares with each other. However, many people are often confused about which hand the wedding ring should go on.

Traditionally, in Western cultures, the wedding ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, also known as the ring finger. The reason for this goes back to ancient Rome, where it was believed that the vein in the fourth finger of the left hand,

called the "vena amoris" or vein of love, was directly connected to the heart. Thus, wearing the wedding ring on this finger symbolized the deep connection and love between two people.

However, this tradition is not universal, and in many cultures, the wedding ring is worn on the right hand instead. For example, in many European countries such as Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, the wedding ring is traditionally worn on the right hand.

In some countries like Ukraine, and Greece, the wedding ring is worn on the right hand during the engagement and then moved to the left hand during the wedding ceremony.

In some cultures, such as Hinduism, there is no specific finger for the wedding ring, and it can be worn on any finger. In some cases, it is also common for both partners to wear their wedding rings on a necklace or bracelet instead of their fingers.

Ultimately, the decision of which hand to wear the wedding ring on is a personal preference and varies from culture to culture. Whether it's on the left hand or right, what matters most is the love and commitment that the ring symbolizes between two people.