The Engagement Ring Finger And Some Fascinating Facts

There are many tradition and rituals that are followed in the engagement ceremony. Many people from different countries have different perceptions, thoughts and traditions. According to western culture the engagement ring finger is 4th finger of the left hand. The engagement ring is the worldwide known symbol of commitment between couples for always being together and soon will get married. In the engagement ceremony a couple exchange rings and commit that they belong to each-other.

In many countries such as India, Spain, Norway and Denmark the engagement band is worn on their right hand but still on the 4th finger. They think that the right hand is the more dominant of the hands. Wearing an engagement ring on the right hand makes relationships stronger between future husband and wife.

The ring-finger heart connection

Other than the above mentioned countries almost in all the countries engagement bands are worn on the 4th finger of the left hand. This is because the fourth finger of left hand has a vein directly connected to heart. This vein is also known as “the vein of love”. Another reason for wearing ring on the left hand is that many of the humans are habitual of doing all the work with the right hand and wearing the ring on the left hand avoids the ring making contact with other things that might damage it. This increase the chances of keeping the ring in great condition. This is the reason why we wear bracelets and watches on the left hand.

Different engagement traditions all around the world

1. An American tradition is where the engagement ring is only presented by a man to a woman. Especially a diamond ring is the most frequent and traditional engagement band used to propose to a girl.
2. In Japan there is a tradition that is in the engagement ceremony where the families of couple organise a get together and present each other with nine gifts. A big betrothal gift is given to would-be-brides family from boy’s family as a reverse-dowry.
3. In Nigerian tradition not only men ask women for their hand in marriage but the family of the man asks the family of woman for the engagement of the couple. If the would-be- bride’ family agrees than the engagement is confirmed.
4. Egyptian couples exchange rings to be engaged. During the engagement the couple wears the engagement rings on the ring finger on the right hand and then they place the ring on the right hand after they get married.
5. India has similar traditions as Nigeria but the interesting fact is that Indian’s believe in “Nakshatra” i.e. according to the position of the moon and stars the date and time of the engagement is pre decided for both the families. Both families exchanges gifts. Both the families give the would-be bride and groom gold jewellery. The couple exchange gold rings and become engaged.

This was all about the Engagement ring finger and the engagement ceremonies all around the world. This demonstrates that there is not just one approach to becoming engaged, and therefore you can use an old tradition for your engagement or create your own.