From early childhood we remember the names of fingers. Hearing that someone cut the forefinger, broke a fingernail on a big one, or wears a ring on the middle, our imagination immediately draws a hand and its necessary members with these or other characteristics. Where did all these names come from and what do they really mean?
The fingers of the ancient Romans
Their names belonged to all parts of the body. In ancient times, human cognition in anatomy was very conditional. Therefore, physiology was closely intertwined with mystical beliefs. In ancient Rome, the names of the fingers were associated with the peculiarities of using each and imaginary connections with other systems and organs of the body. The index got its name because of the convenience of designating the direction. Yes, the gesture to "point a finger", for which we today abuse children, can be considered as instinctive, since it is the last finger of the four adjacent ones that moves best on their own. The original name of the index is "index". The average one had two names named "impudis" and "obscoenus". These finger names in Latin can be literally translated into modern Russian as "dirty" or "unclean". Explain them very simply - it was the average ancient Romans used in the toilet. But the ring finger, on the contrary, was considered the cleanest, as its use in everyday life is limited. It was called "digitus" and was used only in special cases, for example, the pharmacists mixed their medicinal potions with them. The little finger was called "auricularis" or "ear", and indeed, it is most convenient for them to clean their ears.
The origin of modern names
In olden times, instead of the word "finger" in Russia, the designation "finger" was used. However, today it is obsolete. But the names of the fingers firmly entered our speech and even used in official medical terminology. Starting from the edge of the hand, this is: large, index, middle, ring, pinky. To explain exactly where these finger names came from is not very simple. The middle is designated by its location relative to the neighboring ones, and the little finger - from the old Russian "mizinets" - the smallest. And if everything is clear with the index and the nameless, then the name "big" sounds somewhat illogical. After all, in fact, this finger is the shortest and thickest. However, do not forget that the word "big" in Russian is often used in figurative meaning - "main". Its name was given to the finger for being first and many functions able to perform independently.
Interesting facts about a person's hand
The name of a person's fingers can indicate the functions performed by him. In particular, the big one is really the most mobile and independent. Often, with hand injuries, the brush is bandaged, leaving that finger outside the bandage. And the resulting "claw" the patient can perform some simple actions. On the second place in terms of utility and activity - the index. With this finger it is most convenient not only to gesticulate, but also to feel some objects, to wipe off dirt and perform other similar actions. Nameless is rarely used on its own, however it is indispensable when typing on a keyboard or playing some musical instruments. It is useful to learn the names of fingers with a child as early as possible, for the training of toddlers in the game form there are special finger games and interesting counters. Older children can tell the story of the origin of the name for each finger and explain why historically each of them is used.
Why is the wedding ring worn on the ring finger?
Today, we can easily determine whether a person is married, just look at his hands. Many of the person's fingers have names according to their functions, but the nameless, the least mobile, has been used since time immemorial to wear engagement rings. In some languages it is even called "ring". This tradition originated in the ancient world, according to the Romans and Egyptians, through the ring finger passes the "love vein" - a large vessel that connects the limb with the heart. In Rome and Egypt, the rings were worn on the left hand. In modern Russia it is customary to wear the symbol of marriage on the finger of the right limb, and in many European countries still follow the ancient traditions.