India has a very long history dating back to thousands of years. Indian traditions and culture are something which has now become renowned all
across the world. Most of the
Indian customs and traditions like Namaste, piercing ears, married women
applying henna/mehendi or Sindoor /vermillon, and many more, are derived from
our ancestors. Traditions in Hinduism were
considered mainly as superstitions, but with the advent of science it is
becoming evident that these traditions are based on some scientific knowledge.
Though the common people did not know the science in it, they were following
these customs very faithfully over generations.
This interaction
with you is an attempt to bring forward the scientific reasoning behind these
traditions and rituals...
1. Joining Both Palms Together To Greet
World adopts 'Namaste' as a way of Greetings due to Corona to avoid physical contact
In Hindu culture, people greet each other by joining their palms–termed as “Namaste” or “Namaskar”. The general reason behind this tradition is that greeting by joining both the palms means respect. However, scientifically speaking, it is associated with the ‘Brow Chakra’ too. Joining both hands ensures the joining of the tips of all the fingers, which are devoted to the pressure points of the eyes, ears, and mind. Putting pressure on them means that it activates these pressure points, which helps us in remembering that person for a long time.
Moreover, in these times of Corona, no germs will get transferred, since we don’t make any physical contact! Because of this reason, it has become a way of greetings in other countries as well.
2. Why Do Women Wear Toe Ring
Toe Rings on the second toe
Wearing toe rings is not just the significance of married women but it has tremendous health benefits. The scientific backing behind the wearing of the toe ring on the second toe is that a particular nerve from the second toe connects the uterus and passes to the heart. Upon wearing the toe ring on the second toe, the acupressure point is constantly pressed, and it helps in regulating the menstrual cycle of a woman, making the uterus healthy, and strong to conceive a baby successfully. We consider silver toe rings good for health, as silver is a good conductor, it absorbs polar energies from the earth and passes it to the body.
3. Throwing Coins into a River
It is a very common practice in India to throw coins in the river. The general reasoning given for this act is that it brings Good Luck. However, scientifically speaking, in ancient times, most of the currency used was made of copper unlike the currency today. Copper is a vital metal very useful to the human body. Thus by making it a practice our ancestors ensured that our body gets sufficient copper on a day-to-day basis. Moreover, it helped in settling the dust particles down at the bottom which in turn made the drinking water available at the top and they could easily use it for daily purposes. Making it a custom ensured that all of us follow the practice even today.
4. Why Do Temples Have Bells
Performing prayers in the temples is an important aspect of Hinduism. We believe that there is no other place to worship as sacred as the temple, and ringing the bell in a temple is an old ancient tradition. People who are visiting the temple will ring the bell before entering the inner sanctum where the main idol is placed. As per the Agama Sastra, ringing a bell in temples will prevent evil spirits from entering the temple. The scientific reason behind hanging the bell in the temples is that the moment you ring the bell it produces a sharp but lasting sound that lasts for a minimum of seven seconds in echo mode good enough to touch your seven healing centers or chakras in your body and as it reaches our brain, the brain is emptied of all thoughts. It feels relaxed. These voices increase your concentration and keep you alert. This results in emptying our brain from all negative thoughts.
5. Why Do We Apply Mehendi / Henna on the Hand and Feet
The general reasoning may be that it is considered a sign of good luck. The scientific reasoning is that it acts as a natural medicinal herbal remedy that cools the body and the nerve endings of the body preventing nerves from tensing up. Weddings are stressful, and the excitement mixed with nervous anticipation can take its toll on the bride and groom. The application of mehendi can prevent too much stress because it cools the body. This is the reason mehendi is applied on the hands and feet, which house nerve endings in the body.
6. Sitting on the Floor & Eating
This tradition is not just about sitting on the floor and eating, it is regarding sitting cross-legged which enhances the blood circulation, the back-and-forth movement helps muscles in the abdomen to secrete digestive juices which help in digesting the food properly and quickly. Sitting in the “Sukhasan” position, a position used for Yoga asanas, and then eating, you usually sit cross-legged–In sukhasana or a half padmasana (half lotus), which are poses that instantly bring a sense of calm and help in digestion.
7. Why We Pierce Ear
Piercing the ears or ‘Karna Vedha’ has great importance in Hinduism. The general reasoning may be that they do it to enhance one’s looks. But the scientific reasoning is that they consider the earlobe the microcosm of the human body. Ear piercing at an early age is said to improve brain development, energy flow is maintained, improves eyesight, and prevents nervousness and anxiety. The center of the earlobe has an important point that is most important for reproductive health. This idea appeals to the Western world as well, and so they are getting their ears pierced.
8. Why Married Women Apply Sindoor or Vermillion
Sindoor is applied at the beginning or completely along the parting of a married woman’s hair. It is considered a symbol of matrimony in an Indian household. The scientific reasoning is that Sindoor is prepared by mixing turmeric-lime and the metal mercury, hence when a woman applies it on the hair partition, the mercury cools down the body and makes her feel relaxed. Besides controlling blood pressure also activates sex drive. It is because of this reason that Sindoor is prohibited for unmarried girls and widows as well. Mercury is also known for removing stress and strain.
9. Why Do Women Wear Bangles
In Indian customs and traditions wearing bangles is necessary for married women. Bangles may be of gold or glass. In general reasoning, bangles symbolize the well-being of the husband and son. Scientific reasoning is that since these bangles are worn on the wrist portion, which has many acupressure points, these points are pressed when the bangles move, which helps the woman to stay healthy. Bangles cause constant friction with the wrist which increases blood circulation levels, reduces chances of anger and helps in improving the flow of positive energy.
10. Applying Tika or Tilak on the Forehead
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