The meaning of an engagement ring

Example of engagement ring vendor

Engagement rings are known from many different eras and cultures. In different countries they are know as kihlasormus in Finland, anillos de compromiso (promise rings) in Spain and “forlovningsringar” if you visit Sweden, the meaning is however always the same, a promise to marry someone.

Canada, the UK and the US. In other countries both the male and the female wear rings to prove their love for eachother, examples of such countries are Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands and Brazil.

The tradition to wear rings can be traced back to ancient rome but died with Rome. It was revived in the 13^th Century and later, in 1477 Mary of Burgundy recieved a diamond ring as an engament ring from Archduke Maximilian of Austria. In many parts of Europe, however, women continued to receive other items than rings upon their betrothal to a man. A thimble was a common engagement gift into the late 1800s.

In Western Europe, as well as in former European colonies such as Australia, Canada and the United States, the engagement ring is normally worn on the fourth finger (counting from the thumb). This is way this finger is called a ring finger. The English Prayer Book from 1549 clearly states that “the ring shall be placed on the left hand”. This custom dates back to the ancient Romans and was revived during the renaissance. The roman thought that the left hand was connected directly to the heart and the ring is hence worn on the left ring finger “vena amoris” (This is latin and can be translated to “vein of love”).

In Poland, Greece and Germany, the engagement rings will be on the left hand until the wedding when it is moved to the right hand. The engagement ring and wedding rings are usually both worn on the left hand in Europe. It is done this way in North America as well. In Brazil, simple rings are worn by both sexes on their right hand. When they are wed, the bands are moved to the ring finger of the left hand. In Argentina, engaged women and men traditionally wear silver rings without any stones or ornaments on the ring finger of the left hand. This is ring is later replaced with another ring at the wedding.