Dressing up and looking the best on the D-day takes top priority for any bride, and jewellery forms a vital part of it. We 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 symbolises something traditional or cultural. Given the cultural diversity, the list of different jewellery pieces worn by brides religiously or regionally would be a long one. So, here we have listed a few of them. Scroll on and take a look!
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If the legend is to be believed, evil spirits could enter the body through its openings. Ornaments were said to prevent that. So, apart from their acupuncture benefits, earrings are believed to work like a protector against evil for all brides.
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, which is why wedding rings are worn in that particular finger only.
Payal or anklet, which is a traditional piece worn around the ankles is meant to announce the arrival of the new bride in her husband's house with its tinkling sound.
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Traditionally, glass bangles represent safety and luck for a married woman’s husband. The colour and designs of bangles vary in different regions. The North Indian brides wear a chooda- a set of ivory and red bangles. 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. Another ornament worn traditionally by Indian brides is the bajuband or armlet. A beautiful piece that was a must for kings and queens in the past, it signifies strength and ability- virtues that are vital for a bride.
A pretty ornament, kamarbandh or the waistband is a beautiful belt that adds grace to a bride. The ornament is designed in a manner that allows you to hold a bunch of keys, thus signifying the assumption of authority at the bride’s new home.
Necklaces are neckpieces that a bride wears on her wedding day. These neckpieces are usually made of gold with heavy and intricate design on them. One of the neckpieces is a mangalsutra, which the groom puts around her neck during the marriage ceremony. 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.
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Bichiyas as they are known in Hindi, are small, metal bands worn on the toes. They are a traditional symbol of marriage, particularly in Southern India, and are usually made of ornately decorated silver, and are worn in pairs on the second toe of each foot.
This gorgeous head accessory is held by a hook at the centre parting of the hair, with the pendant falling on the centre 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.
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Wearing a nath or nose ring is an age-old custom. Nose piercing is said to have acupuncture benefits. Ayurveda claims that women who have their nose pierced on the left side experience less menstrual pain and easier childbirth. It eventually went on to represent a bride’s virginity, where it is believed that a woman is no longer a virgin once her groom takes off her nath on the wedding night. In some states, the size of the nath also represents the financial power of her in-laws.
Not available in any shop, this one is the most precious ornament a bride wears. No matter how expensive and how the other embellishments she wears, it is only a big genuine smile that makes her look gorgeous.
Well, these were some of the beliefs that people all around have in the stated bridal ornaments. In case you want to add something in this list, do let us know in the comment section below!
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