RAJASTHAN WEDDING
After the vows and rituals, she took her departure with heavy footsteps and a heavier heart.
Head- a symbol of ‘grace’
Marriage, has been the most sacred unions of two souls since times eternal. There are numerous customs and traditions observed in an Indian marriage whose significance can be traced back to the roots of our Indian mythology. Some of them involve the worship of body parts like- feet, legs, shoulders, ears, etc. During the marriage, she is reminded of all her values and traditions and is asked to promise to follow them in her new house too.
The head, as the top most part of the body, is considered very auspicious to begin with, and is expected to be covered in ode of respect and grace. But now, with transcending times, veil or no veil, the head is still held high!
Waist- a metaphor for ‘bond’
From the carrying the saree, to those ‘bunch of keys’ or a new born child, the women leaps from traditions to responsibilities. Just like the waist keeps the upper body attached to the lower one, it’s also that auspicious thread which attaches the values and traditions of both the houses.
Fingers- nimble and delicate
From choosing the right finger to put tilak to the ‘mudras’, fingers have been more than just a fragment of gestures, they tell a tale beyond the eyes and the mouth. As being an absolute feeder, fingers are also the house of good food and taste. But fortunately, women have now leaped their identity beyond the conventions and the kitchen walls, to say!
Hair- prime symbol of ‘beauty’
Hair has always been a powerful metaphor in the Hindu mythology. Generations ago, it was said “Unbound unruly hair represents the wild; well-oiled and combed hair represents culture.” But now, ‘Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder’. Be it ‘bangs’, ‘fringes’ or ‘bald’, hair have gone past as a measuring unit.
Eyes- a sign of ‘respect’
Being the symbol of respect, rejection or enlightenment, eyes were always a window to someone’s soul. On some days they took it in all, as a confidant and other days they were firm, as a symbol of honesty. From then to now, those eyes never held back, and nor will they ever.
Lips- an ‘ornament’
In earlier times, where laughter was too loud to digest, smile was always the ‘correct’ representation of happiness for women, neither too much nor too less. But as generations passed by, women have gone beyond being the ‘squeals and charms of the house’ to ‘leaving audience into splits by taking the center-stage’ now.
Hands- symbol of ‘togetherness’
From vows to sustenance, these hands have held tight. They led, they healed and they helped when ever needed.
Neck- symbol of ‘strength’
Being the supreme embodiment of patience and sacrifice, she has always kept ‘others’ over ‘self’, just like the Neelkanth! She beads together her values, cultural traditions, and her responsibilities, elegantly as a necklace around her neck.
Shoulder- embodiment of ‘responsibility’
From pots, to emotions and now some baggages too, shoulders have always been weighed the most. Since forever, they have been like a pillar to her, in support and solidarity!
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