The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1913-09-25
FINGERS AND RINGS
Why Engagement Ring Is Worn
on Left Hand.
1t Was Rule in Ancient Greek Church
to Use Right-Hand Third Finger
Fashion Changed at Time
of Reformation.

No other finger than the third of
the left hand is now ever considered
for either an engagement or wedding
1ing. but it was not always so. At
the time of the Reformation it was
just coming into fashion, and the rule
in the ancient Greek church was the
use of the right-hand third finger.
Wedding rings have been used as far
back as we have any record, and
the right hand was the favored one.
There are no authentic reasons for
the change save that, the right hand
being in active use, the ring was more
liable to wear and injury, as the gold
used was exceedingly soft. A fifth
century writer speaks very entertain
ingly Of rings. 1t was then the fash
ion to wear great numbers of them,
deliberately set with jewels, carved,
and sometimes of massive designs
and proportions, SO that the hands
thus laden were scarcely fitted for
heavy work Then the rings began to
be worn exclusively upon the left
hand, leaving the right one free.
The fanciful reason given by many
for the use of the third left-hand fin
ger is that it is nearest the heart, and,
as an old chronicle says, this digit
hath especially the honor to bear
rings" The story of the signet ring
has an interest to all, for history tells
us that every free man in Greece was
privileged to wear his signet ring, and
it was a much-prized possession. The
custom was evidently adopted from
the Sabines, and free citizens of Rome
made some of theirs of iron After
ward when Rome was luXuriatlng IN
her tremendous power and was IN
the height of glory, many a stanch old
Roman displayed his signet ring of
iron in token of his regard for the
simple way in which they used to
live.
History does not tell us just when
the custom of wedding rings origi-
mated, but it was long before the time
of Christ. Some say that the ring
is an emblem of eternity, as the circle
has no beginning and no ending; and
from the earliest time it was regarded
as q symbol of cOnstancy and fidelity.
and exchanged in other transactions
besides matrimony when evidences OF
faith and loyalty were solemnly sworn
to and sealed with the sacred token.
At first the signet rings were used
in the marriage ceremony, and in the
sixteenth century motto rings came
into favor. That means the plain
golden circles inscribed with Until
DEATH "Semper fidelis,' 1.-Two hearts
that beat as one" 'Mizpah, I'VE two
together co. "One faith, one love,
etc. These were called "posy'' rings.
Another reason for selecting the
third finger for the wedding ring is
the fact that from the earliest time
the bishops or heads of the churches
wore the insignia of their office upon
that finger; the high priest OF the
temple" wore it as long as he retained
the position, it being placed there IN
the conservation ceremony. We find
the bishops of today wearing the
church ring set with an amethyst.
Signet rings are mentioned in the
Bible, and we find the ring in those
days to have been a sign of honor as
it is with us. During the war lover
who wished to specially honor his
bride sent the gold money to the
goldsmith with which to fashion the
wedding ring, for in those days the
heavier and broader the band she
better, and girls used to measure the
width and "heft" the circles to see
whose was the broadcast and heaviest,
and thereby establish a social stand
ing unimpeachable.
Now the bride asks for very mar
row rounded circle with which to
pledge her VOWS, one that will be as
unobstrusive as possible and not inter
Ter with the wearing Of her other
Inuch-bejeweled rings, some Of which
are almost as big as sixpences and
as long as-well, as long as the fin
gers which they adorn