Every Bride wants to look like a princess on her D-day and jewellery plays a vital part of it. I am sure you are all familiar with the traditional jewellery pieces. But, did you know a nose ring or Nath is, traditionally, representative of a bride’s virginity?
In fact, each piece of jewellery that a bride wears symbolizes something traditionally or culturally. Given the cultural diversity, the list of different pieces worn religiously or regionally would be a long one. We give you few of the significant ones in this Blog.
The very significant Maang Tikka - This gorgeous hair accessory is held by a hook at the
center parting of the hair, with the pendant falling on the center of the forehead. The point where it falls is believed to be the ajna chakra, which in Sanskrit means “to know or perceive”. The chakra is represented by two petals signifying the holy union of male and female on a spiritual, physical and emotional level.
The middle eastern influence, 'Nose ring or Nath' - The custom of wearing a nath (nose ring) began in the 16th century and became popular here during the Mughal era. According to the Ayurveda,women who have their nose pierced on the left side experience less menstrual pain and easier childbirth. In many cultures the Nose Ring represents Bride’s virginity. In some cultures, size of the Nath worn by the woman of the house is directly proportional to the financial power of the husband, i.e. richer the husband, bigger the Nath!
The beautiful Earrings- Legends claim that the evil spirits could enter the body through body openings. Ornaments are believed to prevent this. Scientifically, the ear is considered as a microcosm of the body, and earrings are said to have Acupuncture benefits. The father of Western medicine, Hippocrates, advocated ear piercing as a remedy again for menstrual problems in girls. Hence in India, most of the girls go through a short ceremony of getting ear pierced. Also, traditionally, earrings were used to balance energy; i.e. wear gold earrings if there is a deficiency in energy and silver if there was excessive energy.
Sign of Married Women- Mangalsutra- The word mangalsutra comes from mangal meaning holy or auspicious and sutra meaning thread. This sacred necklace is tied around the bride's neck by the groom on the day of the wedding. The wife, thereafter, wears it as long as she or her husband is alive as a sign of their love and commitment to one another.
The Wedding Ring- The wedding ring, worn on the third finger of the left hand, is a priceless ornament. Ancient Romans believed that the vein in that finger runs directly to the heart.
The colorful Bangles or the Chooda- Traditionally, glass bangles represent a charm of safety and luck for a married woman’s husband. These are broken if her husband dies as an act of mourning (highly exaggerated in old Hindi movies!). The color and designs of bangles vary in different regions. In Bengal, the mother-in-law gifts her daughter-in-law an iron bangle which is usually plated with gold. In South India, green bangles signify fertility and prosperity. The north Indian brides wear a chooda- a set of ivory and red bangles worn for 45 days to a year after marriage.
Lastly the Bride wears a Smile! Not available at any shop, this one is the most precious ornament a bride wears! No matter how expensive and how many the other embellishments are, it is only a big genuine smile that makes her look gorgeous.
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