What Is the Meaning of Each Finger for Rings

What is the meaning of each finger for rings? Throughout history, people wore rings on specific fingers to symbolize romantic attachment, religious expression and social status. While most people wear a ring on any finger for the sake of fashion or self expression, the interest in the symbolic connection between rings and fingers is still prevalent today.

The wedding ring is a custom that crosses centuries and cultures. In most Western countries, a married person wears a wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand. This custom originated from the Roman betrothal ceremony, in which a man gave a ring to his intended wife during a ceremony. The Romans placed the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand as a symbol of a lifelong commitment and love based upon the belief that the vein in the left ring finger was connected to the heart.

The exchange of rings between married people was also a part of the Judeo-Christian marriage since the 7th century. By the 11th century, Christian wedding ceremonies placed the ring on the left ring finger except in Orthodox Christian countries. During the marriage ceremony, the priest took the wedding ring and touched the thumb, the index finger and the middle finger as he recited, "In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit," to represent the Holy Trinity. When he said, "amen," he placed the ring on the left ring finger. In an Orthodox wedding, the ring was placed on the right ring finger.

The signet ring is another common ring in Western culture. In Medieval Europe, a noble man wore signet rings on the fifth finger to identify his family and status. The ring usually depicted the family coat of arms or initials. Over the years, signet rings were also adopted by families outside of the nobility. These rings are often heirlooms passed from father to son. Signet rings remain popular today.

Each finger holds a special significance and the wearing of rings is steeped in tradition.

The early interest in hand and finger symbolism is evident in folklore. During Medieval times, people believed that kings had the power to heal by touch. Strangely, it was also believed that a person could gain healing powers if he cut off the hand of an executed criminal while the body hung in the gallows.

According to old wives tales, a person's hand and fingers can reveal personality traits. These tales included:

• Large hands and thick fingers--Strong character
• Slender hands and long fingers--Intelligent and artistic
• Small hands and short fingers--Weak and foolish

Palmistry, the practice of reading the lines in a person's hands to determine character and fortune, associates the hands and fingers with attributes of the Greek gods and Chinese yin and yang. Whether a person is right-handed or left-handed determines which hand is yin or yang. The active hand is always yin and the receptive hand is yang. For example, if a person is right-handed, his left hand is the receptive yin and the right hand is the active yang.

So what is the meaning of each finger for rings? Here are the common metaphysical properties of fingers and complimentary gemstones:

• The Thumb--The thumb represents self-assertion and willpower. It is the only finger not named after a Greek god. Choose thumb rings made with carnelian, garnet or ruby gemstones.
• The Index Finger--This finger is named for Jupiter to symbolize self-confidence, leadership, ambition, leadership and spirituality. Select a ring with lapis lazuli, amethyst or blue topaz stones.
• The Middle Finger--The middle finger, Saturn, stands for balance, justice, the law, responsibility and soul-searching. Soothing stones such as rose quartz, coral and aquamarine are appropriate for rings.
• The Ring Finger--The ring finger represents Apollo and symbolizes relationships, creativity and the love of beauty. Complimentary gemstones include moonstone, jade, amethyst, sapphire and turquoise.
• The Little Finger--Mercury rules the little finger, which stands for intelligence, communication, persuasion and intuition. Pick rings with stones such as moonstone, amber or citrine.

Today people wear rings on any finger they choose. Yet the left ring finger remains the most common place for a wedding ring. Learning about finger symbolism and historic ring customs may influence some shoppers to make more informed ring choices. It might appeal to those who wear rings for spiritual purposes or self-expression. However, the average person will probably still put her favorite ring on which ever finger it fits.

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