Friday, August 6, 2010

Sola Singaar

Also known as the 16 Traditional Accoutrement's which women may adorn themselves. Written during Vedic times the Sanskrit text lays out 16 items that are used to decorate a woman's body.
  1. Bindi
  2. Necklaces
  3. Earrings
  4. Rings
  5. Bangles
  6. Armlets
  7. Waistbands
  8. Anklets
  9. Flowers In the Hair
  10. Kohl (Kajal)
  11. Toe Rings
  12. Henna
  13. Perfume
  14. Sandlewood Paste
  15. Upper Garment
  16. Lower Garment

I found this list when I was looking for information on toe rings. I also found out why toe rings are made of silver as are payal (anklets). Hindu's believe that gold is the metal of the gods. It symbolizes the goddess Lakshmi, the godess of wealth and therefore inappropriate to wear below the waist.

I always find it interesting to hear of historical meanings behind traditions and thought others may find this interesting too. So how many of them are you using to make yourself more beautiful?

3 comments:

Marcia said...

#3, #4, #15, #16
I think that's it.
Although I do wear glasses, and that's not in the list :)
Love you!

nickelo said...

Thank you for sharing this with us I find it interesting I like things like this as well. I never knew that about toe rings I always wondered why I have hard time finding them in gold now I know why. I love my toe rings aling with my rings and bangles I love bindis too. I do wear glasses and contacts they are not on the list but who cares I have to have wrist watch as well.

Jessica said...

Thanks for sharing this interesting info!

I got married in India in April and wanted gold payals to match all of my other jewelery and no one could explain why they didn't make them. This clears everything up!

And Congratulations on four happy years of marriage!!