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Can a Single Woman Wear a Ring On Her Left Hand

by Danielle Wright

If you’re a believer in superstitions then it’s no surprise that you’re wondering if you can wear a ring on your left hand when you’re not married—specifically speaking, your ring finger.

While there’s no rule to say that you can’t there are many superstitions that warn against this if you do intend on getting married one day.


WHAT ARE SUPERSTITIONS?

According to dictionary.com, superstition is any belief or practice considered by non-practitioners to be irrational or supernatural, attributed to fate or magic. Some of these include:

Knocking On Wood – Roots in the Indo-European or Celtic believe that spirits—both good and bad—resided in trees that could either be called upon for protection or chased away by knocking on their home.


Walking Under a LadderThe superstition of not wanting to walk under a ladder has roots in Christian symbolism. Walking under a ladder was believed to bring bad luck or incur punishment.

Broken Mirror – This belief is that a broken mirror brings bad luck. Take, for example, the Greek myth of Narcissus, or the idea that a crack in a mirror would somehow break its charm or trap one’s soul.


Step On a Crack, Break Your Mother’s Back – As with mirrors, cracks—in the earth, on a sidewalk, or almost anywhere—have long been seen as portals to the realm of the supernatural, for both good and ill. To step on those cracks might be to invite or release unwelcomed spirits into the world ready to do one harm.


Lucky Pennies – The idea that finding a penny would bring good luck also originates in folk beliefs—in this case, based on the idea that metal, regarded by many ancient cultures as quite valuable, was sent by the Gods to protect those whom they favored.


WEDDING SUPERSTITIONS

Wearing a ring on your left hand’s ring finger could signify bad luck in love, just as your foot being swept by a broom or putting on a wedding dress for fun. Just keep in mind that these are superstitions—a model we worked with wore a wedding dress for a photoshoot and she’s now married. So, take this information with a grain of salt, and don’t let it get you too worked up.


There are many wedding superstitions out here, most are old wives' tales which only have power if you believe in them. Here is another that I found quite interesting:

Getting Married On a Weekday: Getting married on a weekend is most popular, especially if you want to make it an event, fly out friends and family, etc. but the superstition goes, “Monday for wealth, Tuesday for health, Wednesday the best day of all, Thursday for losses, Friday for crosses, and Saturday no luck at all.”



CELEBS WHO MARRIED DURING THE WEEK

Ciara and Russell Wilson

Married on Wednesday, July 6, 2016



Gucci Mane and Keyshia Ka’oir

Married Tuesday, October 17, 2017



Kerry Washington and Nnamdi

Married on Monday, June 24, 2013



Tom Brady and Model, Gisele

Married Thursday, February 26, 2009



Kelly Clarkson and Brandon

Married on Wednesday, October 21, 2013


And it’s probably important to note, that some of these marriages did eventually fall apart. So, unless you give superstitions power then they’re pretty much useless. It’s best to do what feels right for you and in your heart. Marriage is a sacred vow that most want to experience at least once in their lives.


THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RINGS

In many cultures, the right ring finger symbolizes love and trust, therefore in countries such as Germany, Russia, and India, wedding and engagement rings are worn on the right ring finger. This finger can convey self-love and is often used for rings that celebrate a milestone or accomplishment.


In places like The United States, the wearing of engagement and wedding rings started centuries ago. In ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome, it was customary for suitors to give their bride-to-be a ring before their wedding to symbolize a promise to get married.


In the 15th century, it was customary for both men and women to exchange engagement rings, symbolizing their mutual love and commitment. Over time, this tradition waned among men, resulting in engagement rings becoming predominantly worn by women. Today, a resurgence in men wearing engagement rings suggests a potential trend for the future.


Loosely put, it’s okay to wear rings on your left hand, especially if you’re doing it to compliment an outfit. Don’t let an old wives tale discourage you. As you can see many changes have been made throughout the years.

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