The decision about which hand to put the engagement ring on is completely up to the couple. There are classic couples who love to follow traditions, although these may vary depending on the country where they are located.
Why is a ring given when proposing?
This tradition comes from the time of the Egyptian empires. They say that, when marrying a woman, the man who would be her husband gave her a gold ring. However, this tradition took on more importance in ancient Roman times. And it is the Christians who gave more importance to this gesture.
It is also said that engagement rings had a rounded shape symbolizing the circle since this represents the cycle of life. Nowadays there are many forms and styles and this tradition is not followed to the letter. Furthermore, over time white gold began to predominate, giving the ring a more youthful and elegant appearance.
In the 15th century, Archduke Maximilian gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy for her engagement. Since then, the diamond has become an indispensable stone in almost all engagement ring designs.
Which hand and finger does the engagement ring go on?
The tradition may vary depending on the country you are in. However, if you are wondering which hand the engagement ring goes on, the answer is very easy. Traditionally the engagement ring is placed on the left hand, specifically on the ring finger or also called the fourth finger.
What to do with the engagement ring at the wedding?
At the wedding, no ring is usually worn so the wedding band takes on more importance. But there are times when the bride wants to wear a wedding ring out of tradition or simply because she does not want to part with her engagement ring. In any case, in Spain, it is tradition, in much of the territory, that the wedding ring is placed on the ring finger of the right hand, so the engagement ring can be worn on the left hand.
How are they used in other countries?
Just as in Colombia, it is also the tradition in Germany and Holland to wear the engagement ring on the left hand and after the wedding pass it to the right hand, where the wedding rings are worn. In other nations such as Brazil, Uruguay, Turkey and Syria it works the other way around, the engagement ring is worn on the right hand and then passed to the left where it is worn along with the wedding rings.
On the other hand, in Mexico, Argentina, the United States, the United Kingdom, France and most European and Asian countries, all rings are worn on the left hand; On the contrary, in India rings are worn on the right hand, because there is a belief that the left hand is “dirty” and “impure.”
You will be able to separate the little fingers, which represent the children, since one day they will build their own families. The index fingers, represent your brothers, who will live their own lives. The thumbs, represent your parents, who are not meant to stay by your side forever. But, you cannot separate your ring fingers, which represent your partner, who is supposed to be by your side for the rest of your life.
