INDIAN CULTURE

Written by Luzhe Wang

Abstract

India is the largest country on the South Asian subcontinent and one of the world's four ancient civilizations, boasting a long history and rich cultural heritage that combines diverse traditions, languages, religions, arts, and philosophies. Various religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism originated here and spread across the globe. Literary treasures like the Vedas, Mahabharata, and Ramayana, along with India's timeless arts and music, illustrate a unique fusion of ancient wisdom and contemporary creativity, all while preserving historical roots in the face of modernization. This section focuses on major Indian festivals like Holi, as well as body art, jewelry, and clothing.

Holi Festival

Introduction: Holi, also known as the "Festival of Colors," is a traditional Indian festival marking the New Year in the Indian calendar, celebrated on the spring equinox. It is widely observed not only in India but also by Hindu communities across South Asia, as well as in South Africa, Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, North America, and Europe. Originating from the famous Indian epic, Mahabharata, Holi symbolizes the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is held annually in February or March, with celebration lengths varying.
Mythology (Most Well-Known Version): According to legend, there was once an evil king in ancient India named Hiranyakashipu, who was arrogant and cruel, believing himself to be invincible. He commanded his subjects to worship only him and forbade devotion to the god Vishnu. However, his son Prahlada was a devoted follower of Vishnu, which angered the king. To eliminate his son, the king enlisted his sister Holika, who possessed a magical cloak that protected her from fire. Holika sat with Prahlada in a bonfire, intending to burn him alive. However, under Vishnu’s protection, the cloak flew from Holika to Prahlada, saving him, while Holika was consumed by the flames. Vishnu later took the form of a half-man, half-lion creature and killed the king.
Celebration Style: The festival typically spans two days. The first day is "Holika Dahan," where people light bonfires and throw effigies of Holika made from straw and paper into the fire, symbolizing Prahlada’s loyalty and the defeat of evil. That evening, people gather around the fire to pray, hoping to clear away misfortune and negative energy for a fresh start. On the second day, people dress casually and take to the streets, throwing colored powders (often plant-based) at each other, symbolizing vitality and blessings for a beautiful life. Colors like red, yellow, blue, and green represent spring's vibrancy and convey blessings and wishes between people. On this day, people of lower castes can temporarily disregard social hierarchy and throw powder and colors on those of higher castes. Special treats, such as Gujiya (a sweet) and Thandai (a festive drink), are prepared to share friendship and blessings. Naturally, Holi is celebrated differently in various parts of India. In Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, in addition to throwing colored powder, women chase men with sticks, and the men must not retaliate. In Rajasthan, people twist wet clothes into ropes to playfully strike each other. In the Hindu holy city of Varanasi, people drench each other in water, then parade through the streets, shouting freely. In Bihar and other regions, people sing spring songs, throw mud, and even toss cow dung at one another.

Indian Henna Art

Introduction: Indian henna art, often referred to as henna tattoos, consists of decorative patterns applied to the skin, lasting for days or even weeks. Henna tattoos are a primary form of skin art among Middle Eastern and Indian women. As globalization has progressed, henna art has spread worldwide, becoming a popular form of temporary and natural body decoration.
History and Origins: Indian henna art, or Mehndi, has a long history dating back thousands of years. The earliest evidence of henna use appears in ancient Egypt, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East. Archaeologists found that henna was used for religious ceremonies, decoration, and burial rituals for pharaohs and nobility over 5,000 years ago in Egypt, seeking divine protection and eternal life. Some believe it entered India in the 12th century through the influence of Arab culture and the Mughal Empire.
Preparation and Technique: Henna powder is made from the dried leaves of the henna plant (Lawsonia inermis), which are ground into a fine powder and used to make a natural dye paste. To create the paste, henna powder is mixed with an acidic liquid (like lemon juice or tea) and sometimes sugar to thicken it for better adhesion to the skin. Essential oils, like eucalyptus or lavender, may also be added to intensify the dye. The paste is left to develop for a few hours. In traditional Indian application, the paste is put into a cone for precise control, allowing for intricate designs. Today, pre-made cones or tubes are also available. Artists use cones to apply the paste slowly, following specific designs on the skin. After application, the paste remains on the skin for several hours to ensure color depth; the longer it is left, the darker the resulting stain. Spraying a lemon and sugar mixture on the paste helps keep it moist, allowing it to adhere and deepen the stain. Once dried, the paste is gently removed, leaving an orange or reddish-brown stain that darkens over 24 to 48 hours. During the initial period, avoiding water contact helps the color last longer.
Cultural and Religious Significance:

Wedding Tradition: In Indian weddings, brides often have intricate henna designs on their hands and feet in a ceremony called the Mehndi ritual, symbolizing marital happiness and longevity. Family and friends gather to create the designs, with more complex patterns signifying deeper meaning. It is believed that the darker the henna stain, the stronger the love between the bride and groom. Brides keep the paste on as long as possible to achieve a deep color, symbolizing a happy and prosperous marriage.
Festivals and Celebrations: Henna is also used to celebrate important Indian festivals like Holi and Diwali. People decorate their hands with henna, expressing joy for the new season and blessings for the future. Henna is seen as a way to bring good fortune and cleanse the body and soul, signifying blessings and protection at the start of special occasions.
Religious Beliefs: In Hinduism and other cultures, henna represents purification and protection. It is believed to ward off evil, particularly during rituals or celebrations, allowing wearers to protect themselves from negative forces. Henna designs are also seen as a means of seeking blessings from deities, symbolizing prayers for health, happiness, and safety.
Symbolism of Designs: Mandalas represent inner balance and harmony, often used in spiritual and meditative ceremonies. Peacocks symbolize beauty, elegance, and happiness and are associated with Krishna in Hindu mythology. Vines and leaves signify marital longevity and family growth.
Significance in Other Cultures: In Islamic tradition, henna art is used during weddings and religious holidays like Eid, symbolizing purity, blessings, and reverence for the divine. In the Middle East, it is believed that intricate henna designs can confuse the "evil eye," preventing negative influences.

Sari:

History and Origins:
The Indian sari dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization around 2000 BCE. Initially, Indian clothing was simple, unstitched fabric draped around the body to suit the hot climate. The sari, as a long unstitched piece of cloth, fit the style of early Indian clothing, practical and easy to wear. In ancient religious ceremonies, both men and women wore this attire. Over time, the sari evolved into a garment primarily for women, becoming a traditional attire in countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Ancient texts such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana contain descriptions of women wearing saris, with the Mahabharata mentioning saris embroidered with pearls. Archaeological findings also show carvings of women in saris with geometric patterns.
Symbolism: The sari represents elegance, cultural identity, and faith for Indian women, embodying India’s national identity. Whether in daily life, weddings, or festivals, the sari signifies respect for tradition and cultural pride. In religious ceremonies, the sari symbolizes sanctity and reverence, with different colors and patterns expressing worship and spiritual aspirations.
Design:

Structure: The traditional sari is made from silk, usually measuring 5.5 meters in length and 1.25 meters in width, with borders and embroidery along its sides. It is wrapped over an ankle-length skirt, with one end draped over the shoulder. The sari consists of three parts: the main fabric, a blouse, and a petticoat. The main part is an unstitched fabric; the blouse is worn on the upper body, and the petticoat is a long skirt worn beneath the sari to support and secure it.
Material: Silk is the primary material for saris due to its lightweight, breathable nature, ideal for India’s hot climate. Other materials, like georgette, chiffon, bandhani (tie-dye), cotton silk, nylon, and synthetic fibers, are also used for various occasions.
Patterns: Common patterns include motifs of plants and animals, such as lotuses, peacocks, or elephants, along with simple geometric stripes or checks. Religious symbols like mandalas and paisley, bandhani tie-dye, and ikat patterns are also widely used.
Regional Styles: Northern India’s Banarasi silk saris are famous for their intricate gold and silver embroidery and floral motifs. In southern India, Kanchipuram silk saris are known for their durable, thick fabric with temple patterns and bright colors. West Bengal’s Tant saris are light and breathable, ideal for hot climates, while Gujarat and Rajasthan’s bandhani saris use traditional tie-dye techniques with vivid spots or floral patterns. The Nauvari sari in Maharashtra has a distinctive pant-like wrap style, offering ease of movement.
Draping Styles: The Nivi style, originating in Andhra Pradesh, is the most common draping style. The sari is wrapped around the waist with the remaining length draped over the left shoulder, creating a flowing pleat. Other styles include the Gujarati, Bengali and Odia, Nauvari, Kanchipuram, Mumbai (or Mermaid style), and modern adaptations.

Jewelry:

Historical Background:
Indian jewelry culture dates back over 5,000 years to the Indus Valley Civilization. Archaeologists have uncovered jewelry made from jade, shells, bones, and clay at ancient sites, demonstrating both the love for adornment and the craftsmanship of ancient Indians. Jewelry at that time also served as amulets, frequently used in religious ceremonies and daily life to seek peace and happiness. During the Gupta Dynasty (4th to 6th centuries CE), gold and gemstone jewelry became widely used, with intricate carvings in earrings, necklaces, and rings symbolizing wealth and noble status. The Mughal Empire (16th to 18th centuries) marked the peak of Indian jewelry culture, as the Mughals introduced Persian-inspired techniques like Kundan (gemstone inlay) and Meenakari (enamel work), blending them with local styles to create unique adornments that symbolized social status. The colonial period saw the influence of Western culture, with British colonizers introducing diamond-cutting techniques, enhancing the beauty of gemstone jewelry. Today, Indian jewelry culture remains vibrant, retaining traditional craftsmanship while integrating innovative designs.
Symbolism:

Religious Belief: Many Indian jewelry pieces bear religious symbols, like lotus flowers and the elephant god, Ganesha, believed to bring divine blessings, peace, and happiness to the wearer.
Marriage: The Mangalsutra (wedding necklace) is an essential ornament for married Indian women, symbolizing the sanctity of marriage and representing a wife's loyalty and commitment to her husband and family. Sindoor (vermillion) and Chooda (red bangles) also signify marital status, symbolizing happiness and longevity in marriage, while the Nath (nose ring), often worn by brides in traditional weddings, signifies fidelity and commitment to marriage.
Family Heritage: Some precious pieces, like a grandmother’s necklace or a mother’s earrings, are passed down as heirlooms, symbolizing family continuity and the blessings from mother to daughter. Family members often wear matching jewelry at weddings, festivals, and other gatherings to represent unity and harmony, sharing joy and blessings.
Identity Symbol: Jewelry is seen as an expression of a woman’s identity. Indian women wear a variety of jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, bangles, hair accessories, forehead adornments, chest ornaments, and anklets. It is believed that "jewelry is half of a woman’s life," with women adorning themselves fully. Even women from less affluent backgrounds may wear inexpensive metal or plastic jewelry.
Social Status: In India, gold symbolizes wealth and purity. Expensive gold jewelry and gemstone-encrusted pieces demonstrate the wearer’s financial and social status, especially at weddings and significant events. In some regions, silver jewelry is viewed as the choice of ordinary people, yet it is also considered to bring blessings and ward off evil. Simple and humble, silver jewelry represents modesty and honesty and is especially common in daily life