Why are wedding rings worn on the ring finger ?

Of our ten fingers, the fourth finger on the left hand is generally known as the ring finger, or the wedding finger. This is where most brides wear their wedding rings. Though it is not always the case. In some countries, wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the right hand. This was the custom in England until the end of the sixteenth century and lasted among Roman Catholics until much later.

There is a practical reason for wearing wedding rings on the fourth finger of the left hand. It is well protected from accidental damage in everyday activities. There is also a more romantic one. An old belief holds that a small artery runs directly from this finger to the heart - and as any love song will tell you, the heart has a big part to play in marriage.