A nose ring is a part of the cultural traditions and norms. Nose piercing is a widespread custom followed by women in India. And different regions and beliefs attribute varied significance to wearing nose rings.
Wearing nose rings is also believed to have health benefits.
And in this article, you’ll read everything the nose ring means in Indian culture. From its origin to cultural significance and modern representation, I’ve tried to cover it all.
Let’s dive in.
The Origin of Wearing Nose Rings
The mention of nose rings can be found in the ancient Ayurvedic text: Sushruta Samhita. It proposes various benefits of wearing nose rings.
But this practice came to be a part of the daily lifestyle only from the Middle East. As per the beliefs, it became popular in India with the arrival of Mughals during the 16th century. The custom is common among Hindu women, but other religions have also embraced it.
Later, during the 1960s, hippies adopted the practice when they visited India. And thus, nose rings became popular as jewelry in Western countries.
Nose Rings as a Symbol of Marriage
Wearing nose rings symbolize marriage in many parts of India, especially in the Hindu religion. A married woman hardly ever takes off her nose ring.
It’s common for many young Hindu girls to get their noses pierced once they age 14-15 years. It’s considered a way to get the blessings of Goddess Parvati, and find a suitable groom.
Wearing nose rings is considered auspicious even in Muslim marriages. It’s a prominent piece of jewelry brides wear on the day of their wedding. And it’s also a part of the wedding gifts.
Health Benefits of Wearing Nose Rings
In India, nose piercings are also correlated to sexual health, fertility, and childbirth. Ayurveda practitioners have believed that wearing a ring on the left nostril has a healing effect on female reproductive organs.
Wearing nose rings can increase sexual pleasure, regulate the menstrual cycle, and ease the pain during childbirth. It can relieve the pain of menstrual cramps and other female ailments.
Nose piercing also has many spiritual benefits associated. It’s said to attract positive energy, balance the body and mind, and bring peace in life. Some people also claim that rose rings help awaken the spiritual chakra powers.
Nose Rings as a Sign of Wealth and Prestige
Another practice associated with nose rings in Indian society is the judgment of family status and wealth through the nose rings. People gauge a family’s financial position through the size of the nose ring women wear. The design and material of the nose rings also are the parameters.
This association with nose rings is popular not only in India but also in some tribes of Africa
In the Berber community of North Africa, for example, the nose ring is a display of wealth and social status. During a wedding, a large nose ring as a gift is a sign the groom is rich. And a small ring denotes he is from a lower social class.
Modern Meaning of Nose Rings
In modern society, most women wear nose rings as a fashion accessory. It holds little cultural significance or association with religious beliefs.
Men also have adopted the practice of nose piercing. But same as in Western countries, this practice is frowned upon. Men wearing nose rings is considered defiance and rebellion against societal norms. The most possible reason is its association with the hippie and Goth cultures.
But society has now become acceptable to these changing trends. And nose rings are being accepted as jewelry suitable for both men and women.
Some More Beliefs About Nose Ring in Indian Culture
Another popular belief is that wearing nose rings can reduce the bad effects of directly exhaled air on husbands. Those harmful effects are filtered when the air comes through an obstruction like a metallic nose ring.
Then, in some tribes, women pierce their noses to make themselves less appealing. It protects them from being kidnapped. Another odd belief is that nose rings keep women unharmed from vashikaran. It’s a superstitious practice of seducing someone using evil powers.
Thus, in India, a nose ring is a lot more than just a fashion accessory.
FAQs about Nose Piercing in India
Here are some FAQs about the meaning of the nose ring in Indian culture.
1- What does a nose ring mean in India?
A nose ring symbolizes marriage, especially in the Hindu religion. It’s regarded as an honor to Goddess Parvati. It’s an integral part of wedding jewelry in India. Many other social beliefs and health benefits are also associated with nose rings.
2- What kind of nose rings do people wear in India?
In India, women wear different nose rings as per the occasion. On the wedding day, brides don a large ring with a long chain. And on some occasions, they wear rings with pearls and diamonds. However, for daily use, most women were simple gold/silver nose pins or studs.
3- What is a nose ring called in India?
In most parts of the country, the nose ring is called nath. Nathni is another common name. The nose studs are called phool or laung.
4- What does a nose ring mean on a woman sexually?
A sparkling nose ring, along with other traditional ornaments, makes a woman sexier and more appealing. It’s considered a piece of seductive jewelry, which can enhance the charm of the one who’s wearing it.
5- What is the ideal Indian nose piercing – left or right?
If you go by the significance of nose piercing in Ayurveda, left-side nose piercing is ideal. But today, the choice is inherited from the prevalent traditions in the region. Mostly, women wear nose rings on the left side. But in parts of south India, right-side nose piercing is more common.
Wrapping it up
In India, the meaning of the nose ring varies from region to region and culture to culture. But it’s also widely accepted as a sign that the woman is married. It even signifies wealth and family status.
But whatever be the reason, nose rings add to the beauty of women for sure.
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