INDIAN CULTURE

Amazing culture of Indians
Each and every nation has its own tradition. All the practices that are followed in ancient time have a reason behind it. Among all those countries one nation stands on the top when culture, life style is considered. It’s India.

India is a country where most of the day to day activities employ traditional importance. Whether it is food or dressing or whatever it may be, each thing is followed by tradition. The standards followed make other cultures to become envy on them. Here the topic is discussed about Indian women’s interest towards jewelry the tradition in it. Not, only India but women among many parts of the world are interested in expressing their beauty via wearing ornaments. But among all, Indian women show more interest to ornaments apart from using it to express beauty. The complete importance of ornaments in India is discussed here.

Indian women wear jewels in each part of their body. The significance of it, reason to wear is discussed now.  In general Indian women wear ornaments in Ear, nose, Neck, arms, legs & toes in general. Most of the listed ornaments are worn on special occasions only.

Ornaments, where to wear

Head: The ornament that Indian women wear in head is known as “Netthichutti”. There are other variations in these ornaments. It’s all dependent on where, what style the ornament is.Shringar Patti can be described as a kind of tiara, usually in gold, which adorns the forehead of the bride. It is placed along her hairline and has a circular plaque in the middle, which hangs below the hair line (on the forehead).Maang Tikka can be said to be a shortened version of the shringaar patti. It comprises of a string, with a center piece attached to one end and a hook to the other. It is worn by the bride in center parting of the hair.Well “Netthichutti” is used nowadays only in special occasions such as marriage.

Ear : “Thodu”, “Lolaku”, “Kammal” are some terms that describes Ear ring. As we all know, earrings are jewelry attached to the ear through a piercing in the earlobe or some other external part of the ear. Earrings are women's favorite. Proper earrings can not only make a female look more beautiful, but also have the function of accommodating defects.

Neck : Mangal Sutra (Necklace with Black Beads), the most important part of the bridal jewelry is mangal sutra. However, it is not worn by the bride before the marriage. Rather, it is tied by her husband (around her neck), as symbol of their union. It comprises of a string of black beads, with a gold or diamond pendant.“Necklace” is the one which is worn in neck of the women. There are so many designs in this like a simple chain with or without pendant, thin plate like chain etc. But this the most important ornament because most of the Indian women love to wear necklace. In India a married women must wear “Thaali [in Tamil]” – which is a chain or a piece of rope like which symbolizes that the girl is married. This “thaali” has been believed having spiritual importance in Indian culture.The Thaali is of different types as it varies from community to community. There are different types of thaali. But all symbolizes that the girl is married to a man. Every girl must worship this ornament. Thaali is not the ornament that is worn for beauty. But it is the ornament that is worn to show the status of the women in the society.Apart from thali there are various necklaces that unmarried women can wear.

Nose: Nath (Nose Ring). Nath forms yet another important part of the bridal jewelry. It comprises of a studded nose ring, which has a long chain attached to it. The chain is hooked up in the hair of the bride, above the ear.In Tamil “Mookutthi” is the word that denotes the ornament that is worn in Nose. This Mookutthi can be like a stud or like a ring. The stud like is common in south Indian where the former is popular in north. Nose stud or ring is worn by both married and unmarried Hindu women. The significance of the nose stud varies from region to region. As in several other rituals, there is no written code in Hinduism regarding the wearing of nose ring or nose piercing. In certain Hindu sects, a nose ring is referred as ‘Nath’ is worn during marriage and is a symbol of married woman. There are several communities in Hindu religion which does not perform nose piercing.Several ancient classical texts are silent on the nose stud and therefore there are several theories regarding the use of nose stud in Hindu religion. Some observe that nose stud was not used during ancient times and it was introduced by invaders during the 11th century.

Another school of thought quotes ancient Ayurvedic text Sushruta Samhita to suggest that nose piercing was prevalent from ancient period. It is believed that the piercing of the nose near a particular node on the nostril lessens the pain during monthly menstrual cycle. Some also believe that it protects women from nasal infection.Nose stud is widely worn in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu and in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, by both married and unmarried young women. It is known as ‘mookkutthi.’ In some instances, women wear nose stud on both the wings of their nose. Nose studs of Konkani brides from Goa are famous especially for its design, which are adorned with small fish or bird. Nose ring is not the preferred choice in South India.Nose ring and nose stud are a preferred choice in North India and in several communities it is a must during marriage ceremonies. A nose ring or pin or stud can be made of gold, pearl and diamond. In some Hindu communities, the nose stud is not removed and it is a symbol of married women like sindoor and mangal sutra and is an essential part of Shodash Shringar or Solah sringar - the sixteen beautification processes of a bride.

There is no consistency in the wearing of nose stud or ring. In some region, it is worn on the left wing of the nose and in some region it is on the right. For example, a bride from Maharashtra wears it on left. In Gujarat, it is worn on the right. The size and style of nose stud also varies from region to region. The big nose ring is only worn on the marriage day. Some communities opt for small nose rings. Nose stud or ring is used in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.There is also a kind of septum (the dividing part between two cavities) piercing, which is equally popular as nose piercing, in Nepal and in northern parts of India including Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. This nose ring is known as ‘Bulak.’ Such piercing is also practiced by in eastern India by some communities.

 Hip: “Ottiyanam” is the ornament that is worn by women in their hips. This is used in weddings where the bride wears the silk saree and the ottiyanam over it. This prevents the sluggish look that may sometimes created by saree. This looks best for girls who have well structured body. This is more popular in Karnataka, Tamil nadu and Andhra regions.

Forehand: Chudi (Bangles), of gold as well as in glass, makes up a part of the overall jewelry worn by a bride. In some of the cases (like Punjabi weddings), the glass bangles are replaced by ivory ones, in red and white color (called chuda).In India, the girls, the women folk in general wear bangles. It may be one in each hand or several. Further, it may be of lac, glass, metallic.The Hindu married women wear glass bangles in both wrists. It is generally supplemented with gold bangles, those who cannot afford gold, go for cheap ones that look like gold. Glass bangles are 'symbol' of a married woman, whose husband is alive. Widows do not wear glass bangles, but metallic ones only. Unmarried girls generally wear a combination, may be in one wrist or on both, there is no hard and fast rule. The present day girls generally do not wear bangles, they prefer a watch only.

Bangles are a type of rigid bracelet jewelry that today comes in many varieties, ranging from colorful plastic bracelets sold at chain stores to intricate, expensive gold jewelry. They are worn all over the world for style and fashion, but bangles originate in a set of specific customs in Indian and Pakistani culture. While some Indian men wear a single bangle called a "kara" after marriage, bangles (or "kangan") are almost always associated with Indian women, who wear them for a variety of occasions.Bangles are a type of rigid bracelet jewelry that today comes in many varieties, ranging from colorful plastic bracelets sold at chain stores to intricate, expensive gold jewelry. They are worn all over the world for style and fashion, but bangles originate in a set of specific customs in Indian and Pakistani culture. While some Indian men wear a single bangle called a "kara" after marriage, bangles (or "kangan") are almost always associated with Indian women, who wear them for a variety of occasions.

Ankle: Payal (Anklet).Along with the toe ring, a bride is always required to wear payal, also known as pajeb, as a part of her wedding jewelry. It adorns the ankle of a bride, is made of silver (mostly) and has meenakari, kundan or beads as decorations.Anklets have a long and rich history in the world.  Over the years, women from many cultures used ankle bracelets to create a sexy appearance, show their wealth, signal marital status, attract a suitor, and attract attention to their lovely, well groomed, feet.  Indeed, the use of ankle bracelets may have been the precursor to the modern pedicure, painted toenails, and high heels. Anklets were an important custom used to signal marital status and still are an important part of ceremonial wedding garments.But marriage and relationship status weren't the only things which anklets were used for in history. Indian women also attached anklets with bells during dances to create a beautiful jingle to accompany their movements.  The use of ankle bracelets as an accessory to a dance costume was also seen among belly dancers in the Middle East, who generally wore intricate jewelry along with their outfits.

Toe: Bichhua (Toe Ring).An essential part of the bridal jewelry, in many states of India, bichhua comprises of a toe ring, usually in silver. It is also regarded as one of the signs of a married woman and is worn in pairs only.

Other ornaments that are worn by Indian women are:

Fingers of hand: Anguthi (Finger Rings).While wearing hathphool is not compulsory for a bride, anguthi surely is. Apart from the engagement ring, in the ring finger of her left hand, she wears one or more gold/diamond rings as well (in the other fingers).

Arm: Baaju Band (Arm Bands)is used to be a necessary part of the bridal jewelry, at one point of time in the past. However, these days, wearing it is optional. Some brides might wear one in each of the arms, while other may go for a single piece only.

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INDIAN CULTURE

Each and every culture has its own history and mystery. The real fact why Indian women wear ornaments is that they have some power, which is believed to be spiritual.

BENEFITS OF WEARING METAL ORNAMENTS & PRECIOUS STONES

Metals like Gold, silver, copper are used to make ornaments. These are used to obtain benefits from them.

• Physical & psychological effects:By wearing metal ornaments one can obtain benefits such as reduction in body heat, enhancement in beauty etc. For ex., copper ornaments reduce heat while gold enhances beauty.
• Spiritual benefits:From ancient times it is believed and followed that this habit of wearing ornaments is  for protection against negative influences and obtaining positive power, metal ornaments are worn.

 IMPORTANCE OF GOLD ORNAMENTS

• Gold destroys harmful germs in body.
• Among all metals gold is the most SATTVIK
• By using gold, divine energy is obtained in larger extent.
• By adorning gold ornaments, the divine energy -Sakthi- present in woman is activated and the entire family is protected. Gold is associated with fire element – Tejtattva- So, this gold absorbs Chaitanya frequencies which are emitted to the women who wear it. So this activates the Sun channel –Surya nadi- of women. So this makes Sakthi to release energy and protecting not only her but her family also.
• By adorning Gold, one is liberated from untimely death.

IMPORTANCE OF SILVER ORNAMENTS

Silver is next to gold. If one can’t adorn gold, then she can adorn silver. But preferably gold is recommended. Some ornaments are made of Silver, only ex., anklets. In general sometimes bangles and rings are also made of gold. Generally Gold is worn above waist and silver below waist.

IMPORTANCE OF PRECIOUS STONES, GEMS

Various gems are made embedded on ornaments for specific reasons.

• Ruby is worn for protection of the gross body. It provides energy.
• Diamond has the ability of purification of gross & mental body. It emits the Absolute Fire element.
• Red coral awakens the Chetena in the body. Touching leads to enhancement to the mission‘s momentum.
• Pearl is the symbol of coolness. It gives pleasure.
• Emerald maintains the power of our body
• Yellow sapphire, enhances enthusiasm.
• Hessonite helps to do tasks in better way.

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PLANETS & ORNAMENTS
Planets have importance in astrology. Ornaments must be worn by relating one’s position of planets at the time they where born. Each stone has been related to one planet. Each person has to wear ornaments according to their “Graham” position. In case of rings, men wear at right hand, while women wear in left hand.

Here we can see which planet is associated with precious stone and where we have to wear it.

• Sun-Ruby-Ring finger
• Moon-Pearl-Little finger
• Mars-Red coral-Ring finger
• Uranus-Emerald-Little finger
• Jupiter-Yellow sapphire-index finger
• Venus-Diamond-Ring finger
• Saturn-Blue sapphire-Middle finger
• Rahu-Hessonite-Little finger
• Ketu-Cat’s eye-Little finger

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INDIAN CULTURE

Only Hindu culture advocates adorning ornaments in head, neck, nose, ears, hands, waist and feet. According to Dharma, a women must wear ornaments in special occasions such as weddings, festivals etc. But in general a woman need not wear all ornaments all the time. As per financial conditions a women can select her own ornaments.

Hindu culture forces women to wear ornaments is because of the fact that these ornaments prevent negative influences being controlling them. It prevents negative energies that bring problems not only to the person who wears it but also to the whole family.

CHANGING LIFESTYLE OF INDIAN WOMEN

Indian culture is one among the ancient one which has its own unique importance. But as time advances, everything changes. Nowadays Indian women are losing their culture slowly. The main reasons to the loss of culture are listed here:

• Women due to their attraction towards foreign cultures, start focusing to be the way that other cultures. Say for example, nowadays women find interesting to wear shirts, jeans, T-shirts etc., while they know that they have a traditional dress to wear. Not only college girls but school girls too find to be attractive towards foreign culture. So they slowly change their dressing style and skip of the traditional dress and start to follow other cultures.
• Nowadays due to economic conditions, women too need to go for jobs. Some women prefer to go for software jobs. But the fact is that, in some companies do have foreign collaboration so that sometimes these women need to work in foreign locations. Such times makes women to feel that wearing Indian tradition dress will not be suitable for the job, which leads to a decision that they choose casual dresses of that locality ignoring traditional practices.
• Women also think about the insecurity that they face if they have precious ornaments. So they prefer alternatives such as artificial gems, stones. These ornaments will never provide the energy to resist negative power or prevent the spoiling of present power.

• Parents must teach the values of Indian tradition to their sons/daughters. But in recent years both father and mother fails to teach the reason behind the ancient culture, which has its glory behind it.

[A detailed discussion about the changing culture of Indian people is to be published soon]

These are some reasons where Indian women ignore their culture. This too is an effect of negative power.

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SOLUTION

In India, each and every habit has a history behind it. Each and every habit has scientific & spiritual reason s behind it. There must be no adjustments in following the culture that stands across centuries. Women must be aware of the negative influences that not only spoil them but also the whole family.

Women must study their culture. As a mother, women much teach her daughter the importance of ornaments and their power, its history. A girl grown in a family which knows the real values of Indian culture will be a responsible person saving herself and her family from negative power being influencing them.

Whatever the place may be- a foreign country- an Indian girl must always stick to her own motherland’s traditional practices-culture. Following such habit will not only show that she is unique, but also makes a good impression towards her culture.

We request each and every Indian woman to know the real value of precious Indian culture and follow them to full extent. It not only adds beauty to them, but it also maintains the value of Indian culture.

Indian women must not lose, ignore their cultural practices.