This video offers a very interesting explanation on why the wedding ring is worn on the fourth finger (called "the ring finger").

The voice is computer generated, but it's quite ok (apart from the dull intonation).

If you go to the ACTIVITY tab below here, you'll find a listening exercise on this (just don't look at the script).

Why should the wedding ring be worn on the fourth finger? There is a beautiful and convincing explanation given by the Chinese.

The Thumb represents your Parents
The Second finger (or the Index finger)represents your Siblings
The Middle Finger represents your Self
The Fourth finger (or the Ring finger) represents your Life Partner
And the Little Finger represents your Children

Firstly, open your palms (face to face), bend the middle fingers and hold them together,  back to back

Secondly, open and hold the remaining three fingers and the thumb – tip to tip

Now, try to separate your thumbs, which [are] representing the parents…, they will open, because your parents are not destined to live with you for the rest of your lives, they will leave you sooner or later.

Join your thumbs as before and separate your index fingers, which [are] representing siblings… ., they will also open, because your brothers and sisters will have their own families and will have to lead their own separate lives.

Now join the Index fingers and separate your little fingers, which [are] representing your children.They will open too because the children will grow up, get married and settle down on their own some day.

Finally, join your little fingers and try to separate your Ring fingers, which [are] representing your spouse. You will be surprised to see that you just cannot separate them, because husband and wife are meant to be together all their lives – through thick and thin!

Watch the video, then try to answer the questions (you can then listen to the video once or several times if you need) and answer them. Go to the KEY tab to see the correct answers.

Q1- Here are the five fingers in your hands, write the name of each finger and what they represent:

1-
2-
3-
4-
5-

Q2- What fingers can be separated?

Q3- Why can they be separated?

Q4- And the fingers that cannot be separated, why is it?

Q5- And finally a bonus question (not listening): At the end of the video he uses the expression "through thick and thin". Do you know what it means?

Q1:
1- Thumb: parents
2- Index: siblings (brothers and sisters)
3- Middle finger: yourself
4- Ring finger: spouse (husband or wife)
5- Little finger: children

Q2- Numbers: 1, 2, 5

Q3- Because they all will leave you sooner or later

Q4- Your spouse is meant to live with you forever.

Q5- In all circumstances, good and bad ones.