THE ORIGIN OF THE RING FINGER
During 3rd century Greece, the ring finger was the index finger. In India, it was the thumb. During the Christian wedding the priest arrived at the fourth finger (counting the thumb) after touching the three fingers on the left hand ‘…in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.’ The Egyptians believed that a special vein, which they called a “bena amoris” or vein of love, ran from the third finger on the left hand, directly t the heart. By putting on a fitted ring, the affections were bound in and could never flow out the fingertips. Also, this finger although not the smallest on the hand is the weakest and most dependent on the others for help in lifting and holding. It seemed to symbolize the young wife supported by the strength of her husband.
The “ring” finger has sometimes been on the left hand, sometimes on the right, according to country and custom. Among English-speaking persons, it has been on the left since the edict of Edward VI in 1549.
THE ORIGIN OF THE ENGAGEMENT RING
The truth or promise ring is older than the wedding band. Its earliest form was probably plaited sweet grass, which came from the custom of securing the bride’s writs and ankles with rushes during the age of marriage by capture. When restraint became more symbolical than physical, a grass ring was given to her, succeeded by rings of metal as man became more accomplished in the crafts. The Romans and Egyptians, with their love of precious metal and stones, initiated the production of platinum, silver and gold rings. In early Rome, a gold band came to symbolize everlasting love and commitment in marriage.
In 860 A.D., Pope Nicholas I decreed that an engagement ring become a required statement of nuptial intent. He insisted that engagement rings had to be made of gold, which signified a financial sacrifice on the part of the prospective husband.
