The Significance of Toe Rings in Indian Culture

Toe rings are worn to add beauty to our outfit and make the already beautiful toes, even more beautiful. But this cute piece of jewelry holds significance amongst the Indian women. This toe ring is closely related to Indian culture. It is said that a person’s culture and origin can be found out from her clothing and ornaments. This toe ring reflects Indian culture.

A toe ring is a small circular band made of metal, mostly silver, and is worn on the toes. The silver toe rings are mindexore common. Toe rings are generally worn in the second toe of the foot. It can be worn on both the feet. It is believed that an Indian woman is not complete until she has done her solah shringar, which means decorated with sixteen traditional ornaments. Toe rings form part of Indian women’s solah shringar and this has been a tradition from the ancient times. The significance begins with this. The solah shringar has to be done by a married Indian woman.

Toe rings are a symbol of marriage. Toe rings in India are considered as an essential accessory of a married woman in India. A special ceremony is performed during Indian marriages when the bride is made to wear a toe ring, which she is expected to wear always. Just like the mangal sutra, toe rings also symbolize marriage. Since this is a symbol of marriage, unmarried girls are not allowed to wear them.

Antique_Butterfly_Toe_RingsIndians call it bichiya. Wearing a bichiya has a tremendous social significance. If we talk about the design, the round ring maybe decorated with stones and big designs. Some women wear it in all the five toes, including the pinky. Even though the urban cities ignore this tradition, women in the villages strictly follow this custom. As per the Indian tradition toe rings shall not be made of gold. They say that gold is a respected metal. They believe that gold is the metal of god, symbolizing laxmi and it must not be worn below the waist.
Another interesting fact about toe rings in India is that it also symbolizes a woman’s dual status as a sister and wife. She wears two sets of it, one for her brother and another for her husband. The reason behind this was that if her husband died, then her brother would protect and support her.

Toe rings are also considered sacred because this had a significant role in the Ramayana. It also shows that this tradition had been followed since a very long time
In today’s modern world, women don’t use it as a traditional ornament which is declining its traditional significance. But it is worn as a modern accessory. Even the western countries wear them now. The change in this conception has raised a demand of modern toe rings. Now, even unmarried girls wear them to decorate their feet. Huge collection of toe rings is available in the online stores at cheap rates. So, now that you are aware of its significance, don’t miss to have one.