How precious metals are valued in our traditions
by Umesh Agarwal MDIndian culture is one of the oldest living
cultures and our fondness for precious metals like gold, silver and copper is
well known. While much of this fondness comes from the investment and jewellery
aspect, there are other scientific and mythological reasons that make these
metals so revered in Indian culture. At Krishna Pearls, we have a very close
understanding of precious metals and their connection with the Indian culture
and traditions.
Gold is yellow, the colour of the sun and all
things positive. Not only is the metal revered in its jewelled form, but is
also woven into thread for clothing, especially in bridal trousseau for the
energies it provides along with the shimmery look it lends under the lights.
This soft, malleable metal is mostly found in the forms of gold coins and
jewellery, and is an integral part of every festive celebration in the north
and south of India. Gold coins are placed in front of the Gods as an offering
during poojas and both men and women
are decked up their finest gold jewellery at an auspicious occasions and
festivals.
Due to the value of gold, owning gold
jewellery and gold coins has always been an important form of investment,
especially in India. In the olden days, the richer the house a woman came from,
the more gold jewellery she wore. This custom is still popular across India,
with many married women wearing gold bangles, earrings and necklaces as a sign
of prosperity. Even men wear gold rings with a gemstone embedded as a sign of
prosperity and for good fortune to improve their business.
Gold jewellery not only provides financial
stability and investment to the owner, but also promotes good health. It is a
pure metal, and it brings warm, soothing vibrations to the body. It also
increases the blood circulation around the body and keeps the heart functioning
well. It is no wonder that Indians wear gold, to keep themselves protected from
the disadvantages of the tropical nature of our country.
Silver, on the other hand, is popular in many
holy and auspicious ways. The lustrous metal is used to make idols of various
divine forms, and certain temple items, like the pooja thaali, spoons and diyas
are made in silver. Silver symbolises luck, fortune and good health, and is
thus more popular in the household and gifting purposes.
Silver is always gifted at the start of
something new, like before a marriage amongst the bride and grooms’ families,
or when a new baby is born. Silver spoons,
bangles or anklets are presented to the baby for good luck and fortune in life.
Silver thaalis are also said to be
extremely healthy to eat food out of, although this is not really followed these
days because of the maintenance that silver requires. In the olden days, royal
folk would eat and drink only out of silverware as it promoted good health and
kept toxins at bay. Even today, some Indians prefer drinking water out of
silver glasses for its health benefits.
Silver jewellery is worn by both men and
women for astrological purposes, usually to increase fortune and good health in
a person. Silver rings are worn by married women to increase their fertility and
keep their immune system strong, as they were the emotional caregivers for a
family and would have to provide everyone with love and care.
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Created on Jul 23rd 2018 03:29. Viewed 1,184 times.