Ras Rasika: Nose pins September 20 2015
If you have been around long enough, you'd know how much we love research and delving into history.
The nose pin project was no different and it threw up some really interesting trivia about this small but super punchy piece of adornment! To know what we found out, read on....
While to most a nose ring may seems like a fashion statement, in India, it’s an age old tradition that’s heads back centuries and has significance even today.
Though rarely finding mention in the ancient Hindu texts, it appears that nose piercing could have been brought into the country by Muslims in the 9th or 10th century A.D.
Ranging from the single stone ('Laung') worn on one side of the nose/which rests beautifully on the curve of the nostril, the ornament worn through the cartilage inthe centre of the nose ('Bulak') to nose rings of various dimensions and designs ('Naths'), the nose ornaments through time have come to be associated with different castes, social status and even marital status in various parts of the country.
One of the more sensual and feminine ornaments (think large hoops that encircle the cheek with graceful pendant pearls which dangle provocatively just above the upper lip), 'Nath' is said to symobolize the bride’s virginity. In ayurveda, a piercing on the left side of the nose is said to relieve pains related to menstruation and child birth.
In South Indian jewellery, the “mookuthi” is also said to have healing powers as it regulates the breath and eliminate toxins while breathing in. This stud, usually ornate and worn on the right nostril, is also representative of sexuality and romance in a woman’s marriage.
Nose piercings were also regarded as a Hindu's honor to Parvati, the goddess of marriage and remain an integral part of Indian wedding jewelry. Tradition also embraces the idea that the woman has her nose rings to pay for her funeral if she has all the gold taken from her. Nose rings or gold studs cannot be easily removed from the woman. Many women from the Asian subcontinent are cremated with just their nose studs as jewelry is removed before the funeral. Indian widows usually remove their nose studs as a sign of respect.
Interesting, wouldn't you say?!
Originally posted on our Facebook page on 20th September, 2015.