Scientific reasons behind "Solah Shringar(16 adornments)"

          Looking the most beautiful on one's own wedding is a dream of every girl and for this, she does many things like doing all kinds of makeup and wearing the best of all wedding ornaments. But, when we talk about Indian bride, we must talk about "Solah Shringar(16 adornments)". The 'Solah Shringar' completes the bride's look. They are not only the symbol of bride's marital status but behind all this, it has a deep scientific reason too.

                                                     

The Indian Bride

                                                                                      "Solah Shringar"

          Literally, 'Solah' means Sixteen(16) and 'Shringar' means makeup or adornments. 'Solah Shringar' is the 16 basic step of beautification of an Indian bride from head to toe. The 'Solah Shringar' acknowledges and celebrates the beauty and divinity of the female form.
                                                     

                                                                                                           
          According to Hindu Mythology, there are only 16 items of bride's beautification and not more or less because the 'Solah Shringar' corresponds to the 16 phases of the moon which are linked to a woman's menstrual cycle. This has a negative effect on a woman's physical and mental wellness. Our ancient sages believed that these effects could be nullified by wearing the 16 items of cosmetic and jewelry.

          There are scientific reasons behind each element of Shringar which enhances a bride's beauty.
The reasons help in making the bride more adept to her wifely duties.

          Since there are so many ornaments and accessories, there is no definitive agreement on which sixteen are part of this ritual. I have included most prominent ones based on my experience, various books and references.

Pre-Shringar - The Divine Bath.

          Before 16 Shringar, Pre-Shringar have to be done. It includes Hair wash and application of organic scrub(Ubtan). The Bride takes a warm hair bath with mix of herbs like Brahmi, Shikakai, Aloevera, Amla etc. Then the organic scrub(Ubtan) is applied to the face, hands, arms and legs of the bride. The organic scrub is made by the mixture of various powders(Sandalwood, Turmeric ans Gram floor) and is made a paste by adding oil or ilmk.

16 Adornments and Scientific reason behind them -

1) Bridal dress- Indian shadi ka joda (bridal dress), The type of traditional dress depends on bride’s heritage it may be saree, lehenga or salwar suit. Heavy embroidery with golden colored thread is also common in these outfits.                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Scientific reason - There is no scientific reason behind the bridal dress. But in mythology Red is considered an auspicious color and most commonly seen in wedding dress (fully or in combination with other bright colors). A veil covers the bride’s face, which symbolizes youth, modesty and virginity.

2) Gajra(Flower garland) - This stands for the hair adornment. Usually the bride ties her hair in the traditional braid or bun which is then embellished with gold ornaments and flowers in particular. Jasmine flower are traditionally used because of their long lasting fragrance.

                                                 

Scientific reason - Jasmine is known as queen of all flowers. The fresh and long lasting fragrance of Jasmine games attracts opposite sex. It's fragrance helps the bride to be refreshed all day.

3) Mang tikka - Maang tikka is a hair accessory that adorns the forehead of the bride.  It is usually made out of gold and precious gems. The maang tikka is worn in the central hair parting and extends till the forehead. This ornament increases the charm of the bride as it highlights her face.

                                            

Scientific reason - Maang Tika is said to control the heat of our body. This gorgeous hair accessory is held by a hook at the centre parting of the hair, with the pendant falling on the centre of the forehead. The point where it falls is believed to be the Ajna chakra, which in Sanskrit means “to know or perceive”. The chakra is represented by two petals signifying the holy union of male and female on a spiritual, physical and emotional level.

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4) Sindoor(Vermilion) - Sindoor or vermilion holds lot of importance in Indian society. The tradition of application of sindoor in the parting of hair by married Hindu women is considered extremely auspicious and is being carried on since centuries. In traditional Hindu society, wearing sindoor is considered must for married Hindu women. It is a visible expression of their desire for their husbands' longevity.

                                             

Scientific reason - Sindoor (red vermilion powder) has some great health benefits. It contains turmeric, lime, and a minute level of 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.

5) Bindi- A bindi, worn on the forehead between the eyebrows pretties up the bride in an instant and makes her fair features even more gorgeous.

                                           

Scientific reason-  The place where the bindi is applied is a mojar nerve point in human body. It improves focus and exudes energy. While meditation, kundalini or energy rises from the base of spine to this spot, so this is said to be a ‘command centre’.It help to maintain her mental balance.

6) Kajal(Kohl)- Kajal is used purely to enhance the size and shape of the eyes. It is applied on the upper and lower rims of the eyelids.After all the eyes are called the windows of the soul and convey the feelings of the heart.

                                          

Scientific reason - The application of kajal makes our eyes cool. Kajal protects our eyes from dust particles. It keeps our eyes active and glowing. We can reduce red spots in our eyes by applying kajal.

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7) Nose ring(Nath) - Nose ring is usually made of gold and silver. It is worn in left nostril. It makes The Woman's face more prettier.

                                         

Scientific Reason - Nath(Nose ring)  is not just a symbol of marriage, but has an Ayurvedic significance too. A women who get their nose pierced on the left side is customary for the Indian brides for a good reason. The spot for the nose pierce is linked to the reproductive organs of a woman. It is said to ease menstrual and labour pains.

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8) Ear rings(Karn phool or jhoomar) - Ear rings are worn after ear piercing and comes in various designs with embedded gems, stones and diamonds. Jhoomar is an ear ring with hanging design and made of gold.

                                         

Scientific reason - Outer parts of ears carry a lot of important acupuncture and acupressure points. Wearing ear rings has an acupuncture effect on the body, Ear rings can help in curing menstrual problems. It also has an acupressure effect which keeps Kidney and Bladder healthy.

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9) Necklace(Haar) - A chain (often of gold) is worn by the bride and a necklace of black beads is put by groom during the marriage rituals. This black-beaded necklace is called Mangal-sutra and embellished with gems, stones and diamonds. As it symbolizes the marriage, a bride wears it after marraige until her husband has passed away.

                                          

Scientific reason - Necklaces like the mangalsutra are worn to control blood pressure levels and regularize blood circulation.

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10) Bajuband(Armlets) - Bajuband is worn by the bride on the upper part of the arm.  It is common to see Rajasthani and South Indian brides wear them.  Baajuband is either made of gold or silver and can be embellished with gems or pearls.

                                          

Scientific reason - This armband regulates the blood circulation in your arms, and creates the right amount of resistance, which makes your arm feel comfortable.

11) Bangles - Bangles are traditionally a part of the solah shringar of Indian brides. It is mandatory for newly wed brides and would-be-brides to wear bangles made of glass, gold or other metals as they signify the long life of the husband. They signify good fortune and prosperity. Traditionally breaking of the bridal glass or lac bangles is considered inauspicious.

                                      

Scientific reason - The sound of bangles enhances grace while the material of bangles, especially silver and gold, according to Ayurveda, strengthens the bones of hand.
And how does this happens?
Due to the friction, the qualities and properties of these metals enter the body.

12) Finger ring - The wedding ring indicates that the wearer is married. It is made of gold and embedded with gems, stones etc. By wearing a wedding ring on the left hand, a married couple symbolically declares their eternal love for each other.

                                          

Scientific reason - The Ring is worn on the left hand on the fourth finger from thumb. The nerves passing through this finger stimulates brain activity. Frequent metallic friction on this finger is good for person's health.

13) Mehendi(Henna) - Mehendi is a ceremonial art form which is typically applied on the hands and feet of both bride and groom during the wedding. It is applied in various intricate designs.

                                                   

   

Scientific reason - Mehendi has many medicinal properties. It destresses the nerves and relieves them. It also cool down the body. It helps in healing cuts and bruises on the body.

14) Kamarband(Waistband) - Kamarband is the waistband that enhances the graceful shape of a female silhouette. This ornament is made out of gold and embellished with gems. Furthermore, this ornate belt also helps in keeping the dress or sari in place.
                                         

Scientific reason - The science behind kamarbandh,Worn on the hip. It helps in regulating the menstrual periods and provides relief from the menstrual cramps. A silver kardhani is said to control belly fat.

15) Anklets - Anklets are chains that are worn around the ankles, most often attached with a bunch of chiming beads. It may be a slender chain or it may be thick multi-layered design. It is generally made of silver as wearing gold on your feet is considered to be inauspicious.

                                                

Scientific reason - Wearing Anklets helps to get relief from SCIATICA, which is pain, tingling and weakness in legs. It regulates blood circulation and aids in curing swollen heels. Wearing these activates lymph glands in the body and boosts immunity. It helps to cure menstrual diseases, infertility, hormonal imbalance and abnormal conditions of obstetrics.

16) Toe ring(Bichhiya) - Toe ring as the name refers they are worn on the fingers of the feet. They are usually made of silver as gold is considered to be sacred, wearing them in feet would be disrespectful. They are worn after the marriage by Indian woman.

                                                  

Scientific reason - Toe rings are usually worn on the second finger of the feet, blood vessels of which are supposed to be connected to the uterus and heart. The toe ring helps in maintaining the blood flow and regulates menstrual cycle.  This also helps women to maintain their fertility and reproductive health, lowering the chances of miscarriage.


          Our Indian culture and traditions are very vast, since the million years ago. Generation to Generation we follow our traditions,For some we know the reasons, but for many we still don't know. Some people respect these traditions while some say that these are "Stupid beliefs" and "blind superstitions". Without knowing about something we should not judge that thing, because the fact is that many of us don't know the real scientific reasons behind them.

         Everything in the Indian culture is purely based on science. If we observe closely then every tradition help us for our physical and mental well-being. If you want to be mentally and physically fit then there is nothing bad in following these traditions.

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