Wearing of leg jewelleries (toe
rings and ankle chains) has been in practiced for centuries, especially in
India where adorning the legs with jewellery has always held a symbol
significance. Over time, all sorts of rings have been worn by people of
different countries, cultures and tribes. I recently stumbled on an article on www.utsavpedia.com revealing a science behind wearing a toe ring.
According to the article, toe rings are worn for a scientific reason; “there
are pressure points in the second toes of our feet. As per the Vedas, applying
pressure to these points helps in regulating the menstrual cycle in women,
increases the chances of conception and also keeps the uterus healthy by
ensuring blood circulation.” Well, this is quite new to me. I know that many
women wear toe rings for the sake of fashion these days. I am not really a fan
of toe rings or leg chains, but it is okay for those who find it fashionable
enough to wear.
While most of the young
generation might think that toe rings are just another accessory to adorn the
body, it appears to be much more than that. Other than just a fashion fad, there
are claims that leg jewellery has scientific benefits in addition to being a
symbol of marital status in India. It is
worn as a symbol of marriage by Hindu women just like the wedding bands and
rings in western societies. Toe rings are called Bichuya in Hindi. Tradition of
wearing toe rings carries tremendous social significance for married women in
India.
Nowadays, the toe rings are not just for married women
anymore. A lot of unmarried girls also wear them and it has become a huge trend
in Europe and America, plus Africa as well.
Though there is no documentation on when and why toe rings came into use,
but there could be some health benefits of wearing toe rings. The reflexology
scripts mention about treating gynaecological problems by massaging the second
toe. There is also a belief that the wearing of toe rings press on certain
nerves that pertain to the
reproductive system, which helps in keeping the
system balanced and healthy. By wearing these rings in both feet, it is
believed that the menstrual cycle course is regularized with even intervals.
This gives good scope for conceiving to married women, according to www.wordpress.com.
I have come across people who claim that toe rings have
hidden significance and some healing powers. But the claim is yet to be proven. In western countries leg jewelleries are worn
just for fashion, with no hidden meaning. But in the Hindu religion, when a woman wears
a pair of silver toe rings, it means that she is married.
These days, young people around the world are breaking
boundaries; like they say, the world has become a global village. So cultures
are being hybridized. It is becoming increasingly difficult to associate some
practices with particular regions of the world. Therefore, whether leg
jewelleries have scientific benefits, religious or social symbolism, what
matters most is that it has become trendy globally. So if you fancy it for
whatever reason, then wear it. As for me, I prefer jewelleries around my neck,
ears and wrists.
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