THE FIRST BEST DAY OF OUR LIVES
THE FIRST
Best Days OF OUR LIVES
Pettis Wedding featured on page 46 photo by Erin Daniel
THE HIS TORY OF THE WEDDING BAND In many Western cultures – from the UK to the USA, Canada, and many European countries – engagement rings and wedding bands are customarily worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. Whether you’re somebody who enjoys playing by the rules or an individual who doesn’t tend to follow suit, you’ve most likely embraced this tradition without a second thought. But what’s the story behind the rule? Why is this digit the chosen vehicle for jewels so precious? The answer to these questions is rather endearing. The tradition of wearing jewelry that represents marriage or a relationship on the ring finger dates back to Ancient Egypt when it was believed that a vein called the Vena Amoris (meaning ‘vein of love’ in Latin) ran directly from the tip of that finger to the heart. It's assumed Americans choose the left hand as a matter of convenience as well as traditon. Considering approximately ten percent of the population is left-handed, the left hand, as a rule, isn't used as much as the right. 50
VIPMagSC.com
February 2022
The endless circular form of the engagement ring and wedding band is largely thought to symbolize the eternal nature of the romantic union, with the open center being a portal to the unexplored life ahead as a couple. Today, the modern understanding of anatomy shows that all fingers have venous connections to the heart, and no such singular vein exits. However, tradition still holds true for many couples who signify their commitments to one another with adorned jewelry resting on their left-hand ring finger. Another question you may ask is why we place the wedding band on the inner finger and the engagement ring outside of that. The reason is so that the wedding band lies closest to our hearts, strengthening the commitment. Over the next several pages, you’ll get to peek inside the stories of local couples as they celebrate their day of exchanging rings. They share how they first fell in love and also the many local businesses and individuals that helped create the magic that surrounded their special day.
