10 Countries That Wear Wedding Rings On Right Hand

By Dinushka Breaker Gunasekara Jun 04, 2023

Wedding rings are a symbol of love and commitment that many couples choose to wear on their fingers. But did you know that not all countries follow the same tradition of wearing the wedding ring on the left hand?

In fact, many countries wear wedding rings on the right hand for various reasons. In this guide, I will explore some of these countries and their cultures and the meaning behind their choice of ring finger.

Panaprium is proud to be 100% independent, free of any influence, and not sponsored. We carefully handpick products from brands we trust. Thank you so much for buying something through our link, as we may earn a commission that supports us.

The origin of right-hand wedding rings

The practice of wearing wedding rings on the right hand can be traced back to ancient Rome, where the left hand was considered untrustworthy and sinister. The word "sinister" comes from the Latin word for left, which implies something evil or mysterious.

On the other hand, the right hand was associated with honor and strength. Therefore, some Romans preferred to wear their wedding rings on the right hand to show their loyalty and fidelity to their spouses.

Another possible origin of right-hand wedding rings is the religious belief of Orthodox Christians, who follow the Eastern Orthodox Church. According to their tradition, the wedding ring is placed on the right hand during the wedding ceremony by the priest, who blesses it with holy water.

The right hand is the hand of God, which bestows grace and blessing upon the couple. The wedding ring is also worn on the same finger as the signet ring, used to seal official documents in ancient times. The wedding ring thus signifies the marriage seal and the husband's authority over the wife.

Now that we understand the origin of right-hand wedding rings let's get into the meat and borne of the article.

Are you hunting for gorgeous, luxurious, timeless, and designed to be runway-worthy rings? Don't sweat. Here is our selection of the best eco-friendly and recycled wedding rings to wear to the best of your life.

Countries that wear the wedding ring on the right hand

Many countries wear wedding rings on the right hand, especially in Eastern Europe, South America, and some parts of Asia. Here are some examples:

India

In India, there are some cultures wear the wedding ring on the right hand instead of the left hand. The underlying belief for this practice is rooted in the cultural significance attached to the left hand is associated with impurity.

Thus, Indian couples who adhere to these traditions wear their wedding rings on the right hand to uphold these beliefs and maintain cultural customs. This unique approach adds a layer of symbolism to the marital bond and demonstrates the importance of cultural values in Indian wedding rituals.

Hungary

Hungarian couples wear their wedding rings on the right hand to symbolize their eternal love and devotion. They also follow a custom of exchanging rings three times during the wedding ceremony, representing their past, present and future together.

Greece

Greek couples wear their wedding rings on the right hand as a tradition inherited from their Orthodox Christian faith. They also believe that wearing the ring on the right hand brings them closer to God and his blessings.

Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, a country rich in cultural heritage, there exists a distinct practice regarding the placement of the wedding ring. It is customary for the groom to wear his wedding ring on the right hand.

This practice holds special significance as it symbolizes the commitment and union between the groom and his beloved. The cultural nuance adds a touch of individuality and importance to exchanging wedding rings in Sri Lanka.

Serbia

Serbians wear wedding rings on their right hand to signify loyalty and fidelity. They also follow the custom of switching their engagement rings from the left hand to the right hand during the wedding ceremony, which indicates their transition from being engaged to being married.

Belgium

Belgians wear their wedding rings on the right hand as a tradition inherited from their Flemish ancestors. They also follow a tradition of engraving their names and wedding date inside their rings, which adds a personal touch to their jewelry.

Portugal

Portuguese couples wear their wedding rings on the right hand as a sign of their respect and honor. They also follow the custom of wearing gold bands for both engagement and wedding rings, which represents their wealth and prosperity.

Ukraine

Ukrainian lovers wear their wedding rings on the right hand to symbolize their love and commitment. They also follow a custom of wearing two rings: one made of silver for engagement and one made of gold for marriage, which represents their purity and dignity.

Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, people wear their wedding rings on the right hand, a tradition inherited from their Orthodox Christian faith. They also believe that wearing the ring on the right hand brings them happiness and peace.

Denmark

Danish couples wear their wedding rings on the right hand as a sign of their respect and honor. They also follow the tradition of wearing plain bands for engagement and wedding rings, representing their equality and partnership.

Other reasons to wear the wedding ring on the right hand

Besides cultural and religious traditions, some people wear their wedding ring on their right hand for other reasons. For instance:

Same-sex marriages

With the increasing recognition and legalization of same-sex marriages in many countries, the symbolism behind wearing a wedding ring has taken on new significance for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Many community members wear their wedding rings on the right hand to represent their committed and monogamous relationships. Wearing the ring on the right hand, they signal their dedication to their partner and their belief in loyalty, love, and lifelong commitment.

This act is a powerful symbol of the enduring bonds within same-sex marriages. It reinforces the importance of equality, inclusivity, and the celebration of love in diverse forms.

Left-handed people

Some left-handed people may wear their wedding rings on their right hand to avoid damaging them with daily activities or tasks that require using their dominant hand. This may also make them more comfortable and confident when wearing their rings.

Cultural and traditional customs

In some countries, such as Austria, Germany, and other parts of Eastern Europe, wearing the wedding ring on the right hand is a cultural or traditional practice. It is a way of adhering to local customs and reflecting one's heritage.

The cultural traditions dictate that the wedding ring is worn on the right hand. These customs have been passed down through generations and are deeply rooted in the local culture and history. They believe that the right hand symbolizes loyalty, trust, and honor.

Personal preference or style

Some people may simply like how their wedding rings look or feel better on their right hands than on their left ones. This may be influenced by their personality, fashion sense, or mood.

Signing Out!

Many countries wear wedding rings on the right hand for different reasons and traditions. Some are influenced by religion, culture, or history, while others are based on personal preference or style. There is no right or wrong way to wear your wedding ring, as long as it reflects your personality and relationship with your partner.

If you plan to marry in one of these countries or with someone from these cultures, you might want to learn more about their customs and etiquette before choosing your ring finger. You might also consider how your ring matches your other jewelry or accessories.

Whatever you decide, remember that your wedding ring is more than just a piece of metal or stone. It symbolizes your love and commitment that you will cherish for life.

Was this article helpful to you? Please tell us what you liked or didn't like in the comments below.

About the Author: Dinushka Breaker Gunasekara

I am a journalist and a computer scientist passionate about all things online security, sustainable fashion, lifestyle, beauty, and food. I plan my weekends on Monday, and my least favorite time of the day is in between meals.

More, More, More

classic fashion glamour jewelry lifestyle weddings

1 comment

Ana: October 09, 2023

Hi, I would like to correct your article.
In Portugal, the wedding ring is used on the 4th finger of the LEFT hand, as in the UK. We do not wear it on the right hand.