The word Sringaar comes from Sri which is the name of Goddess Lakshmi.
It is believed in Hindu mythology that the 16 phases of moon has a negative effect on the woman’s menstrual cycle. Traditionally the solah sringaar correspond to the 16 phases of moon and when donned they nullify the negative effects.
These are
1. bindi, a dot or tiny adorning the forehead.
( This symbolizes the third eye and is said to empower the spiritual energies and intuitive power. Also associated with kundalini)
2. Sindoor, a sacred mark of vermillion lining the parting of a bride’s hair. applied as a sign of marriage by Indian women.
( Sindoor symbolizes the energy of Parvati and Sati and Goddess Parvati wards off evil spirits and safeguards her husband, bestowing a longer life.)
3. maang tiikaa, a gold pendant that hangs over the bride’s forehead.
(Again the place of the mystical third eye as in bindi)
lab-e-laalii’n pe laakhaa hai na ruKHsaaro’n pe Gaaza hai
jabeen-e-nuur-afshaan par na jhuumar hai na Tiikaa hai
4. kaajal, putting kohl in the eyes
(Not only beautifies the eye but wards off the evil eye)
5. naath, a nose ring.
( Nose ring symbolizes spirituality, royalty, bravery and rite of passage.)
bindiyaa, chuuDii, gajraa, kangan ek taraf
sab par bhaarii kaajal dhaarii aankho’n mein
#Ateeb Jazil
6. haar, Necklace of various beautiful designs worn in the neck
7. Jhoomar and Karan phuul/ Earrings thatcover the entire ear.
( The triangular jhoomar is inspired by the temple and is considered to be auspicious.)
chamakta hai mere maathe pe jhuumar aaj kyun jaise
KHushii kaa chaand ban kar ghar mein aaye hain mere saajan
8. menhdi, henna designs drawn on the hands and feet.
( Henna signifies the essence of love, strength of the bond and connection between the lovrr and beloved. It also keeps away death, misery and disease. Henna has a cooling effect )
chori se uske paanv tak pahunchi thi shab ko kis tarah
aa kahin haath mat bandha kah de ab ai hina ki yun
#ShahNaseer
(From pinintrest )
9. chuuDii, bangles adorning the wrists.
( their sweet sound can convey mood of the girl)
main ‘zafar’ taa-zindagi biktaa raha pardes mein
apnii ghar-vaalii ko ik kangan dilaane ke liye
#Zafar Gorakhpuri
10. baajuband, armlets adorning the upper arms.
(Wards of evil eye)
11. Anghooti, rings on the finger.
(Bride wears aarsi which has a mirror where supposedly she could see her husbands reflection )
12.. Keshapasharachana: styling of hair with Gajra, flowers in the hair or jewellry
13. kamarband, a waist band made of gold and precious gems.
( linked with fertility)
From guiltybytes.com
14. paayal, a chain adorned with small bells, often made of silver, worn around the ankle.
(Announces entry of girl in her beloved’s life. Usually silver as gold on feet is considered inauspicious )
vo ujle dariicho’n mein paayal kii chhan chhan
tanaffus* kii uljhan pe table kii dhan dhan
#Sahir Ludhianvi
*saans
kyun aangan Te.Dhaa lagtaa hai
kyun paayal barham* rahtii hai
#Rasa Chughtai
*angry/vexed
(From pinintrest)
15. itr, perfumes and fragrant oils
(Perfumes help to smell fresh and entice the Beloved as well as make the atmosphere auspicious)
16.Dress – saree or lenhga which completes the Sringaar .
