Bindis -The Mark of an Indian Woman
A Bindi has always played an important role in Indian culture for centuries. While a few people adorn their foreheads with these accessories to look stylish, for many others it is a part of their culture and religion.
The term ‘Bindi‘ is derived from the Sanskrit term ‘bindu’ meaning ‘a drop’ or ‘point’ and is used to refer to the forehead decoration found on Indian woman. Traditionally, the Bindi is a small red dot, but over the years, this forehead decoration has taken up different styles, shapes and meanings. Visually arresting, the Bindi clearly identifies an Indian woman even in a crowd of hundreds. Placed in the center of the forehead, right above the meeting point of the eyebrows, this piece of body decoration is also known as ‘tika’, ‘tilak’, ‘pottu’ and even ‘kumkum’.
Evidence suggests that the tradition of using the Bindi as a decorative existed as early as the 4th century. It is believed that the Bindi only took on a social and cultural meaning during the era of the Mahabharat, from when they have come to symbolize the married status of a woman as well as the sanctity and social status of the institution of marriage. The color red was chosen for the Bindi as it was believed to bring good fortune into the home of the bride. It also came to symbolize the married woman as the preserver of honor and welfare of her new family.
Another school of thought suggests that the sixth chakra, or the seat of ‘concealed wisdom’ is believed to be in the area between the two eyebrows. It is said that this area acts as the exit point for latent energy. To retain this energy and strengthen and control the various levels of concentration, the Bindi is used. The placement of the Bindi is also believed to be symbolic of auspiciousness and good fortune, and is said to protect the wearer from bad luck and demons.
Over the years, the Bindi has evolved from a single red dot to designs in several shapes, sizes and colors. From vertical lines, to triangles, ovals and even miniature artistry, the Bindi has now become an outlet for creative urges. The advent of the sticker-Bindi served to further revolutionalize the Bindi. The sticker-Bindi, made of felt and with glue on one side, provided women with a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes including a Bindi in the shape of stars, four-leaf clovers, leaves, hearts, crescent moons, tears and even snakes. The array of choices gives women a chance to experiment by allowing them to use several Bindis of different shapes and colors together, to create an attractive, new design. The Bindi has gone so far as to include beads, glittering stones, mesmerizing diamonds and beautiful pearls.
The range of choices gives customers a chance to match their Bindi to their attire. The Bindi adds a touch of glamour to traditional outfits like saris and salwar kameezes. The Bindi caught the attention of the global fashion world when Gwen Stefani, famous musician and singer, made it popular by sporting a wide range of Bindis on her tours. Since then, several Hollywood celebrities like Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Julia Roberts and Katy Perry have been clicked wearing this eye-catching decorative.
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