JEWELLERY THAT INDIAN BRIDES WEAR- REASONS DECODED

Indians are very particular when it comes to their traditions and rituals. Their lifestyle, gestures, acts done during ceremonies and even what they wear has a reason behind it.

With wedding season around, we sat down to decode the science behind jewellery that Indian brides take over. Since, India has its roots deep in the history of science; every piece of jewellery carries with it a symbol of tradition or culture.

1) Earrings

There is a physical and spiritual reason why women began to wear earrings. There is an important nerve that passes through right ear which connects brain, cervical and kidney. Thus, to keep the kidney and bladder healthy, a right amount of pressure is required and so earrings came to existence.

Taking on spiritual side, evil spirits are said to enter the body through openings. Ornaments were said to prevent that. Thus, earrings are believed to work like a protector against evil all brides.

2) Wedding ring

We all know how priceless ornament the wedding ring is. It is believed that the vein in that finger runs directly to the heart. The ring creates a frequent metallic friction which is good for the person’s health and helps them to handle life with ease and confidence.

3) Nose rings

This age old custom is said to have acupuncture benefits. Ayurveda claims that women who have their nose pierced on the left side experience less pain during childbirth. It is also believed that it prevent women from getting hypnotized because it controls brain wavelength.

4) Bangles

Different cultures have different colors and designs of bangles ceremony associated but each one of them aim for safety and luck for a married woman’s husband. The north Indian bride wears a ‘chooda’ whereas a south Indian bride wears green bangles. But all of them signify fertility and prosperity of the married couple.

The science says that bangles increase a woman’s blood circulation level and reverts back the energy that she spreads around.

5) Toe rings

Usually called ‘Bichiyas’ in Hindi, they are small metal bands worn on the toes. They hold a great traditional symbol for a married woman. The nerves in toes are connected to the uterus and passes through the heart. When a married woman wears these toe rings and does her regular chores, the friction revitalizes her reproductive organs.

6) Mangalsutra

Of all the ornaments, mangalsutra is the most sacred customs in any Hindu wedding. A mangalsutra is basically a black and gold beaded necklace with a gold or diamond pendant. It is the symbol of the bond of union between Shiva (husband) and Shakti (wife). In this, the gold symbolises Shakti, while the chain that ties the black beads symbolises Shiva.

This act of tying a mangalsutra signifies the groom and the bride are united and have a responsibility of taking care of each other. By wearing the mangalsutra, the bride is said to become immune to the evil eye.

7) Anklet

‘Payals’ are considered to be traditional, and an auspicious gift for the new bride in India. It is widely believed that by wearing a payal, one’s energy is not wasted but re-vibrated back to one’s body.

The jingling sound of anklet acts as a symbol of a woman entering a new home and in the life of a husband. Also, unmarried woman are also spotted wearing same as anklets are a symbol of bravery and pride.

8) Mang tikka

The maang tikka is a typically Indian hair adornment, placed on the bride’s hairline with a drop pendant that gracefully sits on her forehead. It is said that the pendant of the maang tikka sits on the agya chakra; a spot on the woman’s forehead which is the seat of preservation. It signifies the holy union of male and female, on a spiritual, physical and emotional level.

9) Kalire

Very specific of Punjabi weddings, but widely talked about ornament is ‘Kalire’. They are tied to the bangles of the bride by the friends and family to provide good wishes to the bride and to remind her of her cousins and friends whom she is going to leave behind when she gets married.

The umbrella shaped hangings signify happiness for the newlyweds and eternal love between the couple. Also, the coconut shape of the kalire is symbolic that she never runs out of food in the new home, while the metal symbolises wealth and prosperity.