The Science Behind Traditional Indian Attire Of a Woman

Have you ever wondered why saree is traditionally worn by Indian women? Why do married women apply sindoor (vermilion) on the parting-line of their hair? Why Indian women apply kohl or eyeliner on their eyes*Winged eyeliner= a real struggle*? What's the significance of bindi (red dot on woman's forehead)?  If you want to know the science behind these simple traditions and beliefs, this is the right page!

Let us first understand the science behind wearing a saree. According to google saree is ¨a garment consisting of a length of cotton or silk elaborately draped around the body, traditionally worn by women.¨The movement of healthy energy is the same in the Earth and also the Universe, it travels in circles. Typically a woman's body is curvier than men`s. For us to remain healthy energy must keep on moving in a circular motion. 

Saree is worn in a circular motion around the body. It keeps circling until the end. So when energy touches the sari, it travels in circles around the body this helps the energy to flow correctly. Since it is 5-6 yards of cloth, the negative energy coming inside gets stuck in the cloth and it then cleans up with washing. It is important to understand that sarees made from natural fiber benefits our health and promotes the correct flow of energy. The usage of synthetic material can be harmful. 

Another part of a woman`s make up is eyeliner. Traditional eyeliner was designed as a way of applying cooked medicinal Herbs such as Amalaki (Amla or Indian gooseberry) Haritaki murabba, Haritaki (Myrobalan) to clean and cool the eyes, as well as to prevent them from infections. But nowadays we get eye-liners mixed up with chemicals that are just for ruining our eyes. The traditional way is more effective. 

To add on, many believe that a married woman must apply sindoor (vermillion), but what's the science behind it? Sindoor is a traditional vermilion red or orange-red colored cosmetic powder from the Indian subcontinent, usually worn by married women along the part of their hair. Sindoor is just not applied to indicate a married woman. The sindoor was made from a mixture of lime, turmeric, and mercury traditionally. Mercury helps to decrease blood pressure and also enhances the sexual drive. Hence, this is the reason that widows were not allowed to apply sindoor. Mercury also helps to bring down the feelings of stress and strain. Nowadays use the sindoor full of chemicals instead of the natural ones. 

Another common practice involves applying bindi. Bindi is a decorative mark worn in the middle of the forehead by Indian women, especially Hindus. This decorative mark was traditionally made or done by kumkum ( known as red turmeric). Today it is scientifically proven that the point between the eyebrows is a major nerve point. The priests of ancient India understood this to be the seat of ¨Ajna Chakra¨- the center of infinite intuition. By wearing a kumkum on the mid-brow area that enhances the beauty and increases the power of intuition. The center of intuition was opened up and increased concentration. It also helped to increase the blood supply to the facial muscles. By applying the kumkum the Ajna Chakra was automatically activated. 

To conclude, the Indian way of dressing up is not just limited to beauty, it has a much wider purpose purely based on science. Just that we need to be open-minded enough to understand our traditions and carry them. Ask why when it comes to traditions. 

Citation: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnTc5WeBamo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-M8l2bdG8g&feature=emb_logo

https://www.speakingtree.in/blog/saree-a-scientific-reason-to-wear-by-manoj-saboo

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