Flash Your Wedding Ring - Why the 4th Finger is Special
Something borrowed, something blue, throwing the bouquet, tossing rice -- there are so many bridal traditions that the typical busy bride doesn't even have time to stop to ask "why". Thankfully, most young ladies blessed with ten fingers, but do you ever wonder why the wedding ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand instead of any of the others? It turns out that this practice is based on several ancient traditions. One explanation stems from ancient Rome where there were no banks to store valuable possessions. Therefore, it made logical sense to keep precious stones and metal near to the body; the lesser used left hand made the most secure spot. Early Egyptians had other reasons; they believed that a "vein of love" extended straight from the heart to the 4th finger. With all things related to life and love being controlled by the heart, it became both symbolic and sensible to wear the wedding ring on this finger. The Christian religion also has symbolic reasons for wearing the wedding ring on the left hand, fourth finger. The thumb, pointer and middle finger stand, respectively, for God, the Son and the Holy Ghost while the fourth finger represents the earthly bond between a husband and wife. You probably won't ever want to take off your wedding ring, but if you do, stow it safely away in a beautiful keepsake jewelry box. Engraved with monogram initials or your wedding date, these classy little containers make a posh parking spot for your most meaningful material possession. Also, a keepsake box makes a thoughtful choice in bridesmaid gifts for the lovely girls who have put up with your pre-wedding hysteria. Present these bridesmaid gifts as they are or filled with a delicate pair of earring to wear with the bridesmaid dresses.
