Is 薬指 related to the Latin term "digitus medicinalis"?


薬指 ("medicine finger", ring finger) is interestingly similar to the Latin term
for ring finger, "digitus medicinalis". Are they etymologically related?




Almost certainly not. The likely reason has to do with Buddhist statuary: a
particular buddha called Yakushi has his fourth finger bent in many poses.

More about the finger on the Japanese Wikipedia:

[https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/薬指](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%96%AC%E6%8C%87)

More about this particular Buddha on the English Wikipedia:

<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhaisajyaguru>

