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Why are wedding rings worn on the left hand?

  • Writer: Rebekah Ann
    Rebekah Ann
  • Mar 3, 2023
  • 1 min read

Updated: Mar 5, 2023

This is a question that is asked a lot. The tradition of wearing wedding rings on the left hand can be traced back to ancient Roman times. According to the Roman belief, there was a vein that ran from the fourth finger of the left hand directly to the heart, known as the "vena amoris" or "vein of love." They believed that wearing a ring on this finger would symbolize the connection between the heart and the person's love for their partner.

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Over time, this tradition spread throughout Europe and became widely adopted as a symbolic gesture of love and commitment between partners. Today, many cultures around the world follow this tradition and wear wedding rings on the left hand.


However, it's important to note that not all cultures follow this tradition. In some countries, such as India, and Germany, wedding rings are worn on the right hand instead.


Traditions are simply customs that have been passed down from generation to generation. They are not strict rules that must be followed. The finger on which you wear your wedding ring is entirely up to your personal preference. Your wedding ring is a symbol of your love and commitment to your partner, and it is not meant for anyone else's. Although it is customary to place the ring on the left hand during a wedding ceremony in the UK, this does not mean that it has to stay there permanently. Personally, I switch my ring between hands depending on how I feel each day.



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