Gold Jewelry in Indian Culture
India's traditions with gold go way back in history thousands of years. Besides for it being a symbol of wealth and status, it is also a part of worship and the culture. Acquiring gold is alive goal for the people of India. India is the the worlds largest powerhouse in the gold industry. It is a way to wear wealth, gives people financial security and is of course a fashion statement. The scarcity of gold, and its combination with its beauty, is what makes it so valuable.
Ever since we were kids, it was traditional to be gifted gold because of the meaning it has to people in the Indian culture. Parents would put gold bangles and anklets with black beads on their children as a symbol of protection.
Gold is considered to be a symbol of femininity and is auspicious in our culture. It enhances beauty and signifies wealth, power and status. It was a way to show a family's prosperity and status in society.
Gold jewelry is also common amongst men. Wealthy Indian men and many members of royalty can be seen wearing longer strings of diamonds, emeralds and pearls, called malas. More commonly, men of all communities are wear a hansli which is a collar-like necklace, or thin gold chain. Men also wear often wear a Kada which is a form of a bangle or bracelet commonly worn by Indian men of all religions. A Kada can be made of silver or of gold.Larger rings can also be worn made of gemstones or pearl called a Binti.
Weddings
Different pieces of jewelry carry spiritual meaning, especially during weddings. Indian weddings last days filled with music, dancing, food and colors. About half of the gold that Indians purchase in a year is bought for a wedding. Brides will wear many pieces of jewelry from head to toe including large nose rings, anklets, toe rings and layers of adorned necklaces. An Indian bride is usually given jewelry by her parents, many times passed on for generations.
Religious Festivals
Lakshmi is one of the more well known and worshipped Hindu goddesses. She is the goddess of wealth and prosperity and is often associated with gold. One of the more common known holidays in Indian culture is Diwali which is also known as the Festival of Lights. Buying or exchanging gifts of gold and silver is especially popular, and is believed that the precious metal can help bring. wealth and prosperity.
Gold is the most popular metal for jewelry making. It is the most durable and can be worn every day. Hindus believe that gold purifies anything it touches. Gold is worn above the waist and silver is worn below the waist. Silver signifies protection from magic as well as helping fight negative emotions.
People in India prefer 24 Karat gold over 22 Karat, 18 Karat or 14 Karat because 24 is 100 percent pure gold. It can be resold for the highest amount of money and it is the most malleable.
