Scientific Reasons, Benefits Behind Wearing Sindoor, Bangles, Toe Rings, Bridal Wedding Traditions!

In Hindu marriages, there are many traditions that are followed starting with the Haldi ceremony to the Mehendi ceremony to the time when the bride gets ready with all that jewellery and also the sindoor or vermillion that is smeared on her forehead. Some continue wearing it all after marriage, some make do with just the wedding ring, some traditional and conservative households have women wearing it all from the toe rings to the nose ring to the sindoor. While some of us believe this all a way of tying down and making a mark on the woman that she is now someone's property, there is another theory I came across which is backed with scientific reasoning to all the paraphernalia. You don't have to believe it all, but the reasonings are pretty interesting.

These ancient customs have many reasonings and they also aim atbringing a holistic balance between the body, mind and soul as they say.

Ritual 1: Mehendi

Image courtesy: Santosh Studios

Mehendi is something most women love a lot. The designs in the market, the artistes, the whole craze around it is amazing. It is not just the bride actually, even the groom has to apply a little. The reason is that henna or mehendi has a antiseptic properties and is very soothing. It has a very cooling effect which takes away the stress and headaches of the bride and groom who are as it is so nervous. It is helpful even in the growth of the nails and protects the person from fungal infections.

Ritual 2: Haldi

Image courtesy: Santosh Studios

During this ceremony, a paste of haldi (turmeric) is applied on the bride and the groom at their respective places. Traditionally, the haldi ceremony is followed so as to bring a natural glow on the face of the couple. Another traditional reason behind this custom is to fend off evil spirits from causing any harm to the couple. Talking about the scientific reason behind this custom, you must first know that turmeric is also called the ‘wonder herb’ because of its various medicinal properties. And thus, the entire process helps the body to receive the best medicinal advantages of turmeric. The turmeric kills bacteria in the skin and makes the couple glow radiantly. The paste is usually prepared by mixing turmeric with oil. Hence, the mixture has a moisturising effect on the skin as well.

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Wearing Bangles

Bangles are very important for women and especially in a typical Hindu house. It does not just enhance the look of a bride but it also has health benefits that surprised me as well. Since these bangles go on the wrist, we have many acupressure points, which when the bangles move are pressed on those points which helps you in staying healthy. The friction improves blood circulation. BuyYouBella Jewellery Gold Plated Pearl Studded Bracelet Bangles Set For Women and Girls for Rs 399, here.

Sindoor or Vermillion

Apart from being the symbol of matrimony for a Hindu woman, sindoor (red vermilion powder) has some great health benefits as well. It contains turmeric, lime, and a minute level of the metal, mercury. When sindoor is applied on the bride’s hair partition, the mercury cools down the body and makes her feel relaxed. It also triggers a sexual drive among them. And this is the reason why, widows or unmarried women are not allowed to wear it. BuyLotus Herbals Divine Dew Herbal Sindoor, Rosy Blush, 8g for Rs 114, here.

Toe Rings

For many Hindu brides, it is a mandate that they have to wear rings in their second toe. There are two benefits of the same. First, there is a nerve in the second toe, that connects the heart while passing through the uterus. This ring apparentlyregulates the menstrual cycle and makes the uterus stronger. The other is that the rings conduct the polar energy from the earth to the body, since they are silver-based and silver is a good conductor. BuyDeccani Handicrafts Daily Use Metal Alloy (Panchaloha) Expandable Wavy Pattern Gold Toe Ring For Women for Rs 230, here.