Which Finger Do You Wear Your Ring On?

Everything we wear or place around the neck, on a finger, wrist, ankle, or head has not only a functional meaning but also a symbolic and even healing, energy-attracting significance. This time - about rings, which have long been a symbol of completeness, protection, wholeness, and belonging.

But it is important how we wear these rings and what we wish to communicate to the world around us by placing one on a finger - both consciously and sometimes quite unconsciously. Let us look at which finger you wear a ring on and what meaning is attributed to it.

The most widespread practice for both women and men is wearing a ring on the ring finger. Without a doubt the most important information conveyed to those around us by this - marital status. A ring on the ring finger as an indicator of marital status was also important to the ancient Egyptians, as they believed that the "artery of love" began in the ring finger and led directly to the heart. Moreover, it does not matter whether the ring is worn on the ring finger of the right or left hand. The Egyptians wore wedding rings made of various materials - glass, clay, and various metals. In ancient Roman times, the tradition of giving rings made of iron or bronze began. These signified unbreakable family bonds. The wedding ring made of gold, as we know it, appeared only in the 3rd–4th century.

George Bush                                                         Elizabeth Taylor

On their wedding day, newlyweds exchange gold rings, sliding them onto each other's ring fingers. It is interesting how this tradition arose and spread across all cultures. Rings are exchanged not only by Christians but also by Jews and Muslims - only Protestants are firmly convinced that God does not approve of wearing gold rings. This suggests that the tradition was born very long ago, when the religions themselves did not yet exist.

An interesting point: the acupuncture points on the ring finger are responsible for the functioning of the body's endocrine system, the sacral region of the spine, and even vascular tone in the hip area - that is, for the organs that determine our sexual life.

Psychologists believe that a wedding ring and the manner in which it is worn are directly related to how married life develops. A narrow classic 2–4 mm wide ring indicates satisfaction with one's partner. A person wearing a narrow wedding ring has no tendency to seek sexual relations outside the marriage, and their marriage may be long-lasting. However, one must be careful that routine does not creep into the relationship in the future. A wide and thick wedding ring (more than 4 mm) indicates a lack of confidence in the stability of the relationship. The wearer seems to want to protect themselves from a possible divorce. A wedding ring with various embellishments - with facets, grooves, patterns, diamonds, etc. - speaks of the wearer's unconscious desire for richer, more vibrant relationships than they have now. There may also be concerns that passion and love in the marriage will not last long, and that the marriage will become boring in the near future.

Wearing a ring on the index finger signifies a certain authority. Signet rings are usually worn on the index finger. The wearer has strong willpower, pride, and a desire for power. Wearing a ring on the index finger of the right hand indicates that the wearer has pronounced reasoning ability; on the index finger of the left hand, it suggests a tendency towards megalomania and hysteria. Rings on the index finger have been worn by many rulers and military commanders - Caesar, Ivan the Terrible, Cardinal Richelieu, and others.

Angelina Jolie - cocktail ring                          Sarah Jessica Parker

By wearing a ring on the middle finger, you are saying - "I am beautiful." A ring on the middle finger most highlights the beauty of the ring and also how much its wearer loves themselves. The wearer is certainly not aggressive but quite calmly shows the world their self-esteem. When Marilyn Monroe sang about diamonds (Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend), her ring was on her middle finger. Incidentally, the size of the diamond in this case also matters - the larger and more conspicuous the ring, the more forcefully its owner strives to convince those around them of their irresistibility. The size of the ring indicates the spiritual strength of the wearer - the larger the ring, the stronger the wearer.

Meryl Streep in "The Devil Wears Prada"

A ring on the thumb demands caution, especially if the wearer is a man. According to psychologists, those who wear rings on the thumb want to self-realise with all their might - especially in sexual matters. Views in this area have not changed in the last few thousand years, as for the ancient Greeks and Romans the thumb was a phallic symbol. Iron rings were therefore worn on the thumb to protect one's virility.

George Eads

A ring on the little finger announces - "I have artistic gifts." Rings on the little finger are usually worn by artists, actors, and other representatives of creative professions. Marlene Dietrich preferred rings on the little finger. Even if a person you meet with a ring on the little finger is not an artist, they are nevertheless an interesting, talented, and unconventional individual - one who is outside the generally accepted norms.

Elvis Presley                                                             Marlene Dietrich

A few observations on ring-wearing traditions and ring shapes:

* Rings with oval, elongated stones give the hand a slender appearance;
* Wide rings with large stones are not suitable for short women or those with stubby fingers;
* A thin delicate ring will adorn a girl's hand better than a bulky one;
* Wearing several rings on one finger is considered bad taste;
* Large rings with precious stones are not customarily worn during the day.

Johnny Depp

If we speak of ring materials, then noble metals - gold and silver - are of course best. However, as jewellers claim, bronze and iron have a strong effect on the body and healing properties. Iron deficiency in the body creates health problems; in contact with the body it strongly influences the organs. In ancient times, iron amulets, bracelets, brooches, and also rings were worn, into which a specific energetic programme had been embedded. An iron ring on the little finger improves blood circulation; on the ring finger - stimulates the small intestine and regulates body temperature; on the middle finger - affects a person's blood vessels and nervous system; on the index finger - affects the large intestine; on the thumb - affects the lungs. An iron ring can also cure depression, but then it must not be worn on the middle finger. Iron is cleaned in salt, but can also be cleaned in other ways, for example by heating. It is best cleaned when the phases of the Moon change - quarterly. Iron that has passed through fire to white heat is sterile and readily absorbs negative energies.

In any case, when wearing and choosing rings, one must be careful that they are not too narrow, match the size of the wearer's finger, and do not cause injury. When going to sleep, rings should be removed - except for the wedding ring, which may remain on the finger from the moment it is placed there.

Sources used:
• on iron jewellery - http://www.saulesjosta.lv/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=199&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
• on the wedding ring - http://www.sympaty.net/20081123/obru4alnoe-kolco/
• on the symbolic meaning of the ring and circle - http://www.e-mistika.lv/?kat=arh&txt=157
• on ring placement - http://www.publika.lv/index.php?p2=30845
• more on rings - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_(finger)