The tradition of placing a wedding band on a specific finger dates back centuries and is rooted in both practical considerations and symbolic meanings attributed to particular body parts. The reasons behind the modern convention are complex, involving historical beliefs about the body’s circulatory system and the significance of certain digits.
Historically, the practice has been linked to the belief that a vein, known as the “vena amoris” or vein of love, ran directly from the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart. This anatomical notion, while not scientifically accurate, solidified the association between that finger and matters of the heart, making it a fitting place for a symbol of enduring love and commitment. The placement served as a constant reminder of the marital bond, close to the center of emotion.