Indian women following the Hindu culture get to experience exclusive rights to wearing certain types of jewelry that make their marital status known and proudly so. While most of these enhance the beauty of the newly-wed woman, each has a profound significance. It also empowers the woman into the new chapter of her life.
\n\nSouth Indian women ensure to have the three most significant ones - Mangalsutra, Toe Rings and Gold bangles. Each of these has spiritual and scientific reasons for being adorned. Read on to know more.
\n\nMangalsutra or Thirumangalyam
\nThirumangalyam is the name given to Mangalsutra in South India. This sacred amulet is tied around the neck of the bride by the groom on the wedding day. The significance of mangalsutra in Hindu marriage is equivalent to that of wedding rings exchanged in commitment at a Western Wedding. It’s worn for life and is symbolic of the couple’s commitment to each other with love, respect and unity.
There are three main aspects when it comes to Mangalsutras:
The Length of the Chain: Traditionally, the mangalsutra chain was made at a length that touches the Heart Chakra of the bride. The Heart Chakra is located in the center of the spine, near the heart. This translates to 24-30 inches in length. The importance of the chain touching the heart chakra is to invoke calmness, balance and serenity in the wearer.
Pendant: Depending on the community, the thirumangalyam comes in different shapes and sizes. Some South Indian women have small gold cup pendants called Vati, with each representing mind and body. The vatis face the heart chakra to dissolve the wearer's negative emotions, particularly, ego. Two spherical beads may be added to the pendant to enhance positive vibrations. Other communities have solid gold pendants that represent the family deity and caste.
Gold: Almost all Mangalsutras are made of pure solid gold. The friction caused by wearing this metal on the body is believed to have significant effects. For one, it is known to increase blood circulation and control body pressure.
Bangles
\nAncient Hindus advised the use of bangles for women for the sheer conservation of energy that it does. The wrists of a human are considered one of the busiest parts of the body with it’s constant use. It is also a part of the body where one can tune in to check pulse. The heart ratio too can be checked from the wrist point that gives an excellent indication of health conditions.
Wearing bangles at the wrists, ensures there is friction and activity that increases blood circulation around the area. Additionally, the energy passing through the outer skin reverts to the body because of the round shaped bangle. Almost every Indian woman loves gold and chooses to wear jewelry in the same. The significance of wearing gold bangles, however, lies in its healing properties.
\n\nModern brides also wear colourful glass bangles along with them. Each colour has a significance, commonly like:
\n\nAs per tradition, married women are expected to wear bangles always for the sake of good health, prosperity and good luck.
\n\nToe Rings
\nToe rings or Metti are worn by married women on the second toe of each foot. These are made in pure silver and consist of two or three spirals. The significance of wearing toe rings in Indian culture has long been around for its benefits. By wearing these on both feet, it is believed that the pressure of the ring influences the nerve that connects to the uterus and passes to the heart. This helps in regularizing menstrual cycles and improving chances of fertility. Silver is an excellent conductor and absorbs energy from the earth through the feet, revitalizing the entire body.
The Indian culture is rich in well informed traditions and rituals that have significance behind each. Jewelry for married women follow suit with their importance in daily life too.
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\n\nHistory Of Birthstones
\nBirthstones were first used for its benefits well before biblical times. Historians argue that the first evidence was of the 12 gemstones on the priestly breastplate of Aaron ( a high priest of the Old Testament). However, it was Josephus (Jewish historian from 1st century AD) and St. Jerome who began associating gemstones with zodiac signs. Post this, it was believed that each stone was allocated to the month for its vibrancy resonation. This potentially could benefit the wearer making people believe that each stone had its own power. Therefore, people started collecting these to wear all 12 gemstones together like a charm or just for therapeutic advantages.
It was in 1912 that the US National Association of Jewelers released a list of “modern birthstones”. These were different from the traditional birthstones both in meaning and looks.
\n\nModern vs Traditional birthstones
\nWhile gem enthusiasts today like to mix both types, you won’t find conventional consumers accrediting stones to powers. Instead, it’s the popular meaning and common associations made, that is interesting.
\nModern birthstones feature transparent gems while traditional birthstones use a mix of transparent and opaque gemstones like opal, pearl, and turquoise.
What is your birthstone?
\nNow that you understand birthstones, let’s take a look at the gemstones and their month association. Depending on your birth month, the gemstone advantages associated with it and its advantages are described below:
JANUARY
Gemstone: Garnet
\nGarnets are hard stones that can be used for daily wear. Deep red garnets are most associated with the first month of the calendar- January. However, they come in different shades too including yellow, orange, dark pink, even purple and green! Garnets signify friendship and trust. These gemstones are popularly believed to protect people during travel.
FEBRUARY
Gemstone: Amethyst
\nThis violet coloured stone is popularly associated with royalty and serenity. It is believed to strengthen relationships and provide courage to the wearer. There are different violet hues available in this gemstone, it’s best to choose one that suits individual colour preference. Traditionally, it is believed that the deeper the purple, the higher the values.
MARCH
Gemstone: Aquamarine
\nA modern birthstone, aquamarine is attributed to youth, health, hope, and love. Traditionally it was associated with excellent healing powers for the heart, stomach, and liver. It is a durable gemstone recommended for daily wear.
APRIL
Gemstone: Diamond
\nConsidered in the modern-day as a “girl’s best friend”, the colourless diamond stone outshines all with its design and clarity. However, there are many coloured diamonds available ranging from black, yellow, brown, etc. This stone is the symbol of love, marriage, and courage.
MAY
Gemstone: Emerald
\nEmerald represents the rich and is symbolic of new life. This extends to signify fertility, health, and faithfulness. This green gem was said to be Cleopatra’s favourite stone. Traditional belief suggests the wearer gets increased foresight, youth, and good fortune.
JUNE
Gemstone: Pearl/Alexandrite
\nTraditionally, the pearl was seen as the birthstone for the month of June. However, Alexandrite, the modern gem, has taken its place and is now seen as the gemstone of the month. A rare gem, it is known to change colours. Alexandrite appears green in sunlight and changes into a purplish red under luminous lighting. Considering it is a recent find (19th century, Russia), it has no ancient meanings. Nevertheless, it has been highly regarded as intuition and pleasure heightening stone.
JULY
Gemstone: Ruby
\nRuby is the traditional and modern gemstone of the month of July. This gem is symbolic in love, wealth, passion and peace. In olden times, people often chose to wear these to protect them from evil energies.
AUGUST
Gemstone: Peridot
\nThis modern gemstone ranges in colours of green, yellow to brown. However, the most popular colour hue is lime green. It symbolizes strength and was used to ward off evil and nightmares. Another modern gem option for August is Spinel.
SEPTEMBER
Gemstone: Sapphire
\nWhen we think of Sapphire, we automatically think of the colour blue. However, this September birthstone comes in all colours but-red. Sapphires hold a high position in the Middle East where it is used to protect loved ones from harm. Christian clergy, on the other hand, wears Sapphire to symbolize heaven. In modern-day, this birthstone stands for wisdom, purity, and faith.
OCTOBER
Gemstone: Tourmaline/Opal
\nTourmaline is the modern birthstone that comes in different varieties and colours. However, it is Opal that is the traditional birthstone associated with the month of October. It is often argued as the luckiest or unluckiest birthstone.
NOVEMBER
Gemstone: Topaz/Citrine
\nNovember has both Topaz or Citrine as their gemstones. Although both are often confused for each other, they are distinct gems. Historically it was believed that wearing a golden topaz could help eyesight while protecting health. Today, it is seen as a sign of love and affection.
DECEMBER
Gemstone: Turquoise/Tanzanite/Blue zircon
\nTraditionally, turquoise was seen as the birthstone associated with December. The other option was Lapis Lazuli. There has since been a modern shift that introduced tanzanite, blue zircon to relieve pain and boost appetite.
The most important thing to remember is that your birthstone has to be worn on your body in the form of jewellery or a pendant at all times. Having it touch your skin allows for the flow of vibration and it’s a benefit to truly affect the wearer. Many gemstone specialists believe by doing so, your body connects to the planets’ healing energy. Wearing birthstones is the perfect way to build a spiritual connection and was often seen as stones with magical powers. Whichever your birthstone, choose one carefully from a trusted jeweller that uses genuine stones and metals.
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