Women wore one very long piece of cloth called a sari, that they wrapped around themselves in different ways. The word "sari" comes from a Sanskrit word that just means cloth. Saris are first mentioned in the Vedas, about 600 BC. Rich women wore saris made of silk from China, but most women wore cotton saris.
Men also wore one long piece of cloth called the dhoti, which was generally white. They wrapped the dhoti (DOE-tee) around their legs to make sort of pants like the working women. |
Clothing and ReligionThere’s no requirement written in any Hindu scripture that women must wear sari. However, wearing a sari to a temple is a way of fitting in. It carries the symbol of grace in Indian culture.
The quality of cloth and style of wearing the sari differs among one's status in society, such as which caste they fall under, or where they live. Certain styles of wearing clothing speak different messages. Here are some examples: Paisley: Symbol of fertility Elephant: Symbol of water, royalty, fertility, and Ganesh (God of learning) Rudraksha: Seed from a tree grown in the Himalaya’s and the eyes of Lord Shiva Parrot: Symbol of courtship and passion Fish: Symbol of abundance, food and wealth of children Conch: Symbol of gods in the form of sound |