Thursday, May 21, 2009

Left or Right Nostril?


Going along with a theme, nose piercing is a natural next step. Nose piercing, introduced in India by the Mogul Emperors in the 16th century, is a common practice in all of India. In Hindu girls, the nostril (left for northern areas and right for South India) is pierced in girls as young as five years old. According to ayurvedic medicine, this position aides in childbirth and lessens menstrual pain. Nose piercing is considered a sign of beauty and marks one's social standing. Piercings is one way Hindu women can honor Parvathi, the goddess of marriage. A special nosering called a Nath is worn by brides on their wedding day. The Nath is connected by a chain to an earring or hair and when it is removed by the groom, represents the end of the bride's virginity. The nose ring typically is not removed while a woman remains married. Nowdays though, a nosering can be worn by all women and does not necessarily denote marriage.

This woman is from a village in the Thar Desert near Jaissalmer. She is wearing a gold disc-shaped nose ring, along with henna dyed hair.

2 comments:

Dirk said...

I chanced upon to view your blog and found it very interesting. Great ... Keep it up!

Pat said...

Not for me, but it certainly is an attractive ring!