Sonali Sundar Reward Points : 10500 Member Since : Tuesday, November 20, 2007
What is Bichiya worn by Rajasthani Women? What is the mythological significance attached to it?
Posted On : 5/9/2009 1:36:49 AM
Ratri Basak Reward Points : 37600 Member Since : Thursday, December 13, 2007
Hi Sonali, In India, women traditionally wear a bichiya. which is basically a a toe ring. In some culture this toe ring show their married status. The Rajasthani women also wears this Bichhiya or toe ring on any toe. The married women of Rajasthan usually wear a large, ornate ring on the big toe of either foot or ofyten they wear it in both the feet. Interestingly, these Bichhiyas are always made of silver or other material and are not made of gold as Hindus do not consider it good to wear gold below the waist as Gold is considered as Goddess Lakshmi. I am not aware about any mythological significance but legend says that the mention of toe ring as an inseparable part of SOLA SHRINGAR was there in Vedic times.
Posted On : 5/9/2009 3:25:35 AM
Maniam PS [Guru] Reward Points : 137200 Member Since : Wednesday, March 18, 2009
As far as I know, in the Dravidan culture the toe rings which is known as Metti in Tamil is a symbol of marriage. Both the Bride and Groom willl have to wear it on the toes of both feet. By culture, the Bride s Metti, is put on the toes by the Bridegroom whereas the Meti on the Bridegroom s toes is put on by the Brother-in-Law. It is said, that in the old days, Indian women can easily recognise a married man by the toe ring on his feet.
Some information is available on Indianetzone Articles: Jewellery for Women in Rajasthan at http://www.indianetzone.com/42/jewellery_women_rajasthan.htm . Tradition of wearing toe rings carries tremendous social significance for married Hindu women in India. With age, designs and patterns of toe-rings have changed but it s relevance in the Hindu society has not altered. Even today these are very much a part of the bride s jewelry. Symbol of Married Status of Indian Woman: Toe rings, better known as bichiya in India, are a must for married Hindu woman. In Rajasthan, bichwa or toe rings is one of the most important symbols of marriage and women are encouraged to decorate each toe with different rings with myriad motifs ranging from paisley, to fish to flowers. In South India too, toe rings are a symbol of marriage and women wear a heavy ring on the second toe of each foot. Traditionally, toe rings are quite ornate, though more contemporary and simple designs are now being developed to cater to the requirements of modern bride. Toe Rings are a Part of Traditional Sola Shringar: During the Vedic times, Sanskrit texts laid down the concept of Sola Shringaar or the sixteen traditional accouterments with which every woman could adorn herself. These were carefully laid down for every part of body. Irrespective of class or economic status, these items of person grooming can be fashioned out of wood, glass, fresh flowers or precious jewels. Toe rings along with anklets were amongst the shringars to help women adorn their feet. Bicchwas Not be worn by Unmarried Girls: As Toe Rings or Bicchwas were considered to be symbolic of married woman, Hindu religion prohibits unmarried girls from wearing Bichhwas. Even in present times, girls refrain from wearing toe-rings before marriage. Tradition of Wearing Silver and Not Gold Bichhiyas: Traditionally, toe-rings are made of silver and not gold, this is because, the metal gold is held in high regard by the Hindus. It is believed that gold is the metal of gods and hence Hindus do not consider it appropriate to wear it below the waist. In present times though, this tradition is not followed very strictly and women can be seen wearing toe rings made of gold and diamonds. The Rajasthan foot ornaments are of two types- the toe rings and the anklets. The toe rings for the big toe are and are called amvat. The rings for the other toes are modelled in the shapes of fish, flowers, or just circles of gsaranules on the surface. There are also double toe rings which cover the entire toe. There is a great exuberance in the designs of the anklets. These ornaments makes sounds like bell tinkles as lady walks.
Bichiya
