_The Ring-finger_ (Vol. iv., pp. 150. 198. 261.).--The two questions
mooted concerning the ring-finger, _i.e._ why the third finger is the
ring-finger, and why the wedding-ring is worn on the third finger of the
left hand? have not yet been satisfactorily answered.
The _third finger is the only recognised ring-finger_. Hence all who
wear rings _ex officio_, wear them on that finger. Cardinals, bishops,
doctors, abbots, &c., wear their ring on the third finger. The _reason
is that it is the first vacant finger_. The thumb and the first two
fingers have always been reserved as symbols of the three persons of the
Blessed Trinity. When a bishop gives his blessing, he blesses with the
thumb and first two fingers. Our brasses and sepulchral slabs bear
witness to this fact. And at the marriage ceremony, the ring is put on
to the thumb and the first two fingers, whilst the names of "The Father,
and the Son, and the Holy Ghost" are pronounced. Thus the third is the
first vacant finger, and the ring-finger. _The wedding-ring is worn on
the left hand to signify the subjection of the wife to her husband._ The
right hand signifies power, independence, authority; according to the
words:
"The salvation of his right hand is in powers."
Psalm xx. 6.
"The change of the right hand of the Most High."
Psalm lxxvii. 10.
The left hand signifies dependence or subjection. Married women, then,
wear the wedding-ring on the third finger of the left hand, because they
are subject to their husbands.
Bishops, because they have ecclesiastical authority, and doctors,
because they have authority to teach, wear the ring on the ring-finger
of the right hand.