Engagement Ring Traditions of the World

I’m a student of people; I find customs from around the world to be incredible fascinating and enlightening.    So, for today’s post, I thought I would look at some engagement traditions around the world.   In the west, an engagement ring is worn by a woman indicating that she is to be married and typically worn on the left hand.  In countries such as Poland and Ukraine, it is customary to wear the engagement ring on the right hand.  

In many countries around the world it is customary for a woman to give a gift  or a promise ring to her beloved.  While it is not common place in the US, it is becoming more common in the US for a woman to purchase an engagement ring or promise ring for her partner at the time of engagement.   

As an example, Egypt and Brazil it is standard practice for a woman to give her beloved an engagement ring.   Typically, both wear matching bands and these eventually become their wedding bands.     I did come across a noted exception; Spain, where it is more common to give a gift of a wrist watch to a woman’s beloved rather than a ring.   For most men, I think this to be a more appropriate gift as many prefer to wear only a watch. 

No matter, what your choice, an engagement ring,  matching wedding bands or a wrist watch, brothel gift are something to celebrate and treasured as they are enduring symbols of love shared.   

As I come across more traditions – I’ll be updating this post…..stay tuned!