India, known for its rich cultural heritage, boasts many traditions and customs woven into the fabric of everyday life. The Indian wedding saree stands out as an epitome of grace, tradition, and intricate craftsmanship. Steeped in history and cultural significance, the wedding saree in India is not merely a garment but a symbol of tradition, emotions, and timeless elegance.
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The History of Wedding Saree
Can you believe it? Your ideal girl’s dream of wearing a wedding saree dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Several ancient and historical texts mention sarees and how brides used to wear certain sarees on their wedding days.
Besides wedding sarees, historically, women wore different kinds of sarees for different phases of their lives. Even now, they do sometimes. Before marriage, they wore soft colours like pink and yellow; after marriage, they wore primarily red, green, blue, etc. Widows often wore back and white sarees.
The saree material ranges from cotton to silk. Whatever is deemed fit in the comfort and beauty factor. Of course, there are several regional variations for every type of saree — the differences are seen mainly in motifs, weaving styles, zari patterns, etc.
Wedding sarees hail from several regions, including Banaras (Banarasi Sarees), Tamil Nadu (Kanjeevaram Silk wedding sarees), Maharashtra (Paithani sarees), etc.
The Significance of Saree in Indian Culture
Sarees are timeless garments that have bridged the class distinction between the royals and the civilians in urban and rural places. Sarees go beyond the age, culture and birthplace of the wearer. When a woman drapes it with pride, confidence and a smile, it completes her Srinagar.
Sarees are easy to care for, flexible, contemporary and forever relevant. The saree has its charm and canvas to portray the wearer’s mood and statement.
When Indian women actively choose wedding sarees, they indeed choose their roots in terms of tradition, family values, and a sense of identity.
Emotions Related to Saree
There are different women with different emotions around wedding sarees.
To the bride, the wedding saree is the marker of transition, new beginnings and family.
To the bride and the groom’s mothers, it is a reminiscence of the past, of their weddings.
To the bride and the groom’s sisters, it is a marker of abundance, love and joyous celebrations.
To the aunts and other family members, it is a sentimental journey. They bestow the newly wedded with blessings, gifts and warm wishes.
Is Saree a Hindu Tradition?
Sarees are not confined based on religion in India. Anyone can wear them — Muslim, Silk, Parsi, Christian, etc. Though it might look like a highly prominent Hindu attire because of its prevalence in most Hindu weddings, other communities cherish it with equal grace and openness. The popularity and importance of wedding sarees in India go beyond religious boundaries, showing the unity of the Indian community.
How has modernization affected the saree tradition?
Of course, with changing times, Indian women have come across many fashion styles. However, their deep-rooted preference towards traditional wear never changed. Modern take on sarees have come to life to level up to the newer ages. Designers are getting inspired and adding Western elements to the saree couture.
Is the significance of the wedding saree diminishing?
- Sarees are evergreen, and almost every Indian prefers to wear a wedding saree on their wedding day. It helps them showcase their culture and heritage the best. Sarees often live up to the bride’s elegance with their intricacies, vibrancy, generational narrative, and global anecdotes attached to them. Every fabric has a story to tell. Tell yours with your wedding saree online!