Wedding band on the right hand or left hand?

One of the eternally debated issues is whether the wedding band should be placed on the right- or left-hand ring finger. In many European countries, including Denmark, it is common for us to wear the wedding band on the ring finger of the right hand, while in the United States and Canada, it is customary for it to be worn on the left hand.

 

Directly to the heart

An ancient myth says that a special ‘vein of love’, called the vena amoris, runs directly from the heart into the ring finger of the left hand. The wedding band’s placement on the left-hand ring finger therefore denotes a direct path from the heart.

 

Wedding vows given with the right hand

But there are also those who claim that the wedding band should be worn on the right hand, as it is the hand that is traditionally used to make vows. Just as in a church wedding, where the bride and groom exchange vows by holding each other’s hands.

Other theories

There are also some who believe that the tradition arose because the priest took the ring and touched the thumb, index finger and middle finger with the words ‘In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit’ and then put the ring on the third finger.

A completely different theory, and more plausible, is that it simply ended up on that finger because it was less in the way for practical activities (Source: Wikipedia).

 

The couple’s decision

So, there is no definitive answer to the question, and it is entirely up to the bride and groom to wear the rings where they prefer. In any case, most Danish couples choose to wear the wedding band on the right hand. However, the engagement ring is often worn on the left hand.

 

Old superstitions about power in the relationship

Superstition has it that whoever puts the wedding band on their spouse’s finger first during the wedding ceremony will gain the upper hand in the marriage. This probably shouldn’t be taken too seriously, so simply choose the order you think is best. As a rule, the best man hands over the rings to the wedding officiant at the appropriate time. You can also choose to have a ring bearer in addition to the best man, and it will then be his/her job to hold onto the rings during the wedding ceremony, hence the title of ‘ring bearer’.

 

Be inspired by Hartmann’s large selection of wedding bands