In Eastern Cultures, What Hand Does the Wedding Ring Go On

While Western wedding ring traditions are often uniform—favoring the left hand—Eastern cultures offer a rich variety of customs, symbols, and interpretations. From spiritual beliefs to cultural adaptations and colonial influence, the hand on which a wedding ring is worn in Eastern societies depends on several interwoven factors.

South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka

In South Asia, wedding rings are a relatively modern addition to traditional marriage customs. Historically, intricate ceremonies, dowries, and symbolic jewelry like mangalsutras (sacred necklaces) or toe rings, not wedding bands, solidified marriages in this region. region were solidified through intricate ceremonies, dowries, and symbolic However, with Western influence, particularly from the British colonial era and globalization, rings have become more common.

India

In India, the hand on which a wedding ring is worn varies by religion, region, and even the couple’s preference.

Hindu Tradition: Rings are not a required part of However, especially in northern India, people often prefer the right hand when exchanging rings, as they consider the left hand inauspicious for important rituals. Weddings also involve placing the mangalsutra (for women) and toe rings (bichiya). However, when rings are exchanged, the right hand is often preferred—especially in northern India—because the left hand is usedfor important
Christendom Communities: In Indian Christian weddings, the left hand is commonly used, in line with Western practices. Muslim couples may choose either hand to wear their wedding rings; however, in Islamic culture, it is common for men to wear them on the right hand.
Urban Trends: Among younger generations and urban couples, the left hand is increasingly common due to media and Western cultural influence.

Pakistan and Bangladesh

Wedding rings are not traditionally a part of Islamic marriage customs in these countries. However, engagement and wedding ring exchanges are now widespread, particularly in urban areas.

Right vs. Left: Many men choose to wear rings on the right hand, particularly their pinky or ring finger. Women may choose either hand, with a growing tendency toward wearing engagement and wedding rings on the left, following Western styles.
Islamic Tradition: According to Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad), men are permitted to wear silver rings (despite not being the focal point of marriage ceremonies, many modern weddings now incorporate gold rings). Despite not being the focal point of marriage ceremonies, many modern weddings now incorporate rings.

Nepal and Sri

influenced by both Hinduism and Buddhism. Even though marriage ceremonies do not revolve around rings, many modern weddings now incorporate them. Left placement is becoming more common among younger couples.

In Sri Lanka, Christian couples follow Western customs (left hand), while Buddhist and Hindu families may choose either hand depending on tradition or convenience.

East Asia: China, Japan, Korea

East Asia’s engagement and wedding ring customs are relatively modern and heavily shaped by Western practices, particularly post-World War II and during global economic modernization in the 20th century.

China

Traditionally, Chinese weddings focused on gifts of gold jewelry, such as dragon and phoenix bangles, not rings. But in modern China, engagement and wedding rings are now common, especially in urban and international weddings.

Left hand for women: Many Chinese women wear their wedding rings on the left hand, influenced by Western norms.
Right hand for men: In some parts of China, it’s customary for men to wear their wedding rings on the right hand. A popular saying is “男左女右” (nán zuǒ nǚ yòu), meaning “man left, woman right,” but it’s sometimes interpreted in reverse for rings.
Yin-Yang Balance: Some couples wear rings on opposite hands to symbolize yin and yang—balance in marriage.

Japan

Japan adopted the Western custom of wedding rings during the Meiji Restoration and especially after World War II, when American culture strongly influenced Japanese society.

Left-hand tradition: Today, it is common for both men and women to wear engagement and wedding rings on the fourth finger of the left hand.
Engagement first, wedding second: A growing number of Japanese couples follow the Western order—engagement ring first, then the wedding band stacked on the same finger.

Korea

In South Korea, wedding rings became popular in the 20th century. The left-hand tradition is now widely adopted, especially among younger generations influenced by American media and culture.

In Modunusuan Korea, the intriguing use of “couple rings” before engagement symbolizes a serious relationship. These are usually worn on the left ring finger as a pre-engagement gesture.
Minimalist designs: Korean wedding bands are often simpler than Western rings, with a preference for clean, minimal, elegant styles.

Middle East: A Region of Religious and Cultural Blends

The Middle East is home to diverse traditions shaped by Islamic, Christian, and Jewish influences. Ring-wearing practices vary widely depending on the culture and religion.

Islamic Tradition

Islam doesn’t mandate wedding rings, but exchanging bands has become a widespread cultural practice.

Right-hand preference: Many Muslim men wear their wedding rings on the right hand. The Prophet Muhammad reportedly wore a silver ring on his right hand, influencing many followers to do the same.
Silver over gold: Men are traditionally discouraged from wearing gold rings, so silver rings are popular.
Flexibility for women: Women may wear wedding rings on either hand, though the left hand is increasingly common in urban and modern settings.

Christian Middle Eastern Communities

In places like Lebanon, Egypt, and parts of Jordan, Christian wedding traditions often align with Eastern Orthodox customs. The practice includes placing the wedding ring on the right hand during the ceremony.

Post-ceremony shift: Some individuals move the ring to the left hand after marriage, particularly if they are living in or influenced by Western countries.

Jewish Tradition

In traditional Jewish weddings, the wedding ring is placed on the right index finger of the bride during the ceremony. Many women move the ring to their left hand’s fourth finger after the wedding. fourth

Men’s rings: Not always required, but when worn, the ring is usually placed on the left hand.
Symbolic meaning: Jewish law emphasizes that the ring should be plain, without stones, to reflect the simplicity and seriousness of the marriage covenant.

Southeast Asia: A Mix of Indigenous, Colonial, and Modern Influences

In countries like Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, wedding ring customs are shaped by a mix of indigenous beliefs, colonial history, and global trends.

Indonesia and Malaysia

Primarily Muslim countries, Indonesia and Malaysia often follow Islamic traditions regarding ring materials (favoring silver) and hand choice (often the right hand for men). However, the Western custom of wearing rings on the left hand is also widely accepted, especially in urban and international weddings.

Thailand

Traditional Thai weddings involve Buddhist rituals and the exchange of gold jewelry rather than rings. However, Western-style weddings—especially those held in Bangkok or for destination weddings—commonly include ring exchanges, with couples wearing rings on the left hand.

Philippines

Due to Spanish and American influence, the Philippines has strong Catholic wedding traditions. Couples usually exchange rings during the ceremony and wear them on the left hand. Engagement rings are also common, often worn on the same finger.

Vietnam

In Vietnam, wedding rings are a relatively recent addition to marriage customs. Couples now frequently exchange gold rings, often on the left hand. However, older generations may still focus more on family rituals and symbolic gifts rather than rings.

Modern Urbanization and Globalization in the East

Across many Eastern cultures, the lines between “traditional” and “modern” are blurring. Influences from the West—especially Hollywood films, social media, and global fashion—are reshaping how people perceive and wear wedding rings.

Social media trends: Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok have popularized the left-hand tradition across Asia and the Middle East.
Western-style weddings: Many Eastern couples now include Western elements like white dresses, walking down the aisle, and ring exchanges—even when combined with local rituals.
Global travel and The increasing prevalence of intercultural marriages encourages couples to integrate their cultural practices and migration experiences. Intercultural marriages are increasingly common, leading couples to wear rings on different hands to honor both cultures.

A Tapestry of Tradition and Transformation

In Eastern cultures, the question of which hand to place the wedding ring on is not universally applicable. Some couples embrace religious customs, others follow colonial legacies, and many simply choose what feels right. Whether it’s the right hand, the left hand, or both, the ring’s meaning is what truly matters.

Modern Eastern couples are increasingly empowered to personalize their wedding traditions. They draw from their heritage, their families, and global trends—creating meaningful new customs along the way.