Sarees – The Identity Of Indian Women

Published on: 14 November 2018 Last Updated on: 19 July 2019
Indian Sarees

Sarees are an integral part of the culture of the Indian subcontinent. The beauty of sarees is nonpareil, and the way they beautify the Indian women is why all of us admire sarees.  If we formally define a saree, it can be referred to as a female garment worn by the women of the Indian subcontinent, that has a drape that is wrapped over the waist and one of its ends draped around the shoulder. Saree is the identity of the Indian women. It is something which defines them, sets them apart, and gives them their own recognition inside the crowd. Most foreigners upon seeing a woman wearing a saree would instantly recognize that the woman belongs to the Indian subcontinent.

History of Sarees

The origin of the sarees can be found in the Indus Valley Civilization, or the Harappan Culture, which flourished in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent during 2800 BC – 1800 BC. A statue of a priest from Indus Valley was found in the remains of the Indus Valley Civilization, which was, interestingly, shown wearing a drape, looking much similar to a saree. This can be called as one of the earliest depictions of sarees. Then, sarees evolved so much that their description can be found in the religious works of various religions like Hinduism and Jainism. Description of sarees, or garments closely resembling sarees can be found in various works of Sanskrit too. Then, sarees commenced becoming popular.  The most renowned occasion where women started wearing sarees was weddings. Red started to become the most preferred color for sarees worn by women, especially the bride at her weddings. Nowadays, sarees are worn at parties, weddings, official meetings, funerals, etc., and there are different saree designs for different occasions.

Sarees and Religion                                             

The types and the importance of sarees on different occasions vary with the religion of the woman wearing it. For instance, in Hinduism, women wear sarees, which are usually in red, during weddings and celebrations. They wear it when there is a puja, or some offering is being made to the God. Also, it is very common in Hindu women to wear sarees even at home. Similarly, women who belong to the Muslim faith wear sarees too. These sarees are mostly influenced by the color of Hijab worn by them. For example, the colors and patterns of the saree are matched or contrasted with that of the Hijab so that the overall clothing gives an elegant impression to the eye. Most of the Muslim women in rural as well as urban areas prefer saree over any other garment. Many a times in their culture, it is also considered obscene if a married woman is seen not wearing a saree. Even though most Muslim women are seen wearing Burqas, but they do wear sarees beneath them.

But, Kashmiri Muslim women do not wear sarees. They have their own attire which is very elegant too. Similarly, sarees are also very popular in Christianity. Many nuns in the Indian Catholic Churches can be seen wearing sarees. Also, many times, a Christian bride can be seen wearing a while colored saree (or a similar garment) too during her wedding.

Significance of Sarees – Then and Now

Sarees, obviously, are big pieces of cloth. So, wearing them is not an easy task. It shows the management skills of a woman, as if she can manage to wear such a big piece of cloth, then she can definitely manage her family and take good care of her spouse and children. Women look the most beautiful and refined when they are wearing sarees. But nowadays, sarees are more skin revealing than skin covering. Earlier, sarees were worn to hide the waist but now they are designed in such a way that they reveal the waist. A woman is considered more gorgeous and beautiful if she wears such sarees. Hence, sarees have evolved keeping in mind the current fashion trends and the changing mindsets/perspectives of the women wearing it.

Sarees and Seasons

Sarees also vary with changing seasons. For example, cotton sarees are the most comfortable and worn by most of the women during the scorching heat of the summers. Similarly, sarees made of silk or usually, some warm fabric is worn during winters to keep warm. Style Caret has a very good collection of sarees for different seasons.

Social and Cultural Aspects of Sarees

When it comes to choosing the right clothes for weddings and celebrations, something which no one can deny getting attracted to is sarees. Sarees are culturally important because they are the identity of Indian women and represent the Indian culture and traditions and the rich Indian heritage. Sarees are worn differently in different parts of India. For instance, Gujaratis wear them differently, Punjabis wear them differently, Maharashtrians wear them differently, and so on. So, there are different types of sarees which are peculiar to different states. For instance, Kota Sarees are peculiar to Rajasthan, as they originated in Kota city. Likewise, Bomkai sarees are famous in Bomkai, Odisha; Talent and Kaantha sarees originated in Bengal; Dhokra, Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees are famous in Madhya Pradesh and so on. Many such sarees are available on Stylecaret which you can check out.

Sarees and the West

Nowadays, countries in the west are getting influenced by eastern clothing traditions due to the bliss of sarees.  Bollywood actresses like Priyanka Chopra and Aishwarya Rai are these days making a lot of tours to the west and are establishing very good relations with the Americans, like Priyanka Chopra recently made her debut in the Ellen Show. This also exposes the western audience to Indian actresses representing the Indian culture and the sarees become the cynosure of all eyes.

Hence, the whole article can be summarized by saying that there is no garment, but sarees which have given the people of Indian subcontinent such a worldwide recognition and developed them socially and culturally. Sarees have indeed exalted the standard of the Indian women to a higher level.

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Online Boutique

Tips to Make Your Online Boutique More Appealing

If you've started an online boutique, this is such an exciting business endeavor to launch. You'll be able to have access to amazing items, connect with new people and create a financial asset. However, before you get started with the business creation, it's important to be intentional with the way you manage your time and other resources. Consider the following ways you can make more online boutique appealing enough to attract a consistent customer base. Tips to Make Your Online Boutique More Appealing: 1. Be intentional about consistent sourcing: If your online boutique involves reselling items you've found at consignment shops, vintage shops and more, you'll want to make sure you're consistently sourcing new products. If people don't see new merchandise in the rotation, they won't know that it's an active shop. If you're selling clothes that you've purchased from a manufacturer, get consistent about finding new pieces to add to the shop. When you're constantly adding new items, this will give consumers a reason to keep checking your website. It's also okay to try different manufacturers for different types of pieces. 2. Create a strong promotional strategy: One of the best ways to promote your online boutique involves the use of social media. Start by using two different platforms. Learn those platforms, and perfect your strategy. Once you've mastered those two platforms, expand to the others. If you're able to assign someone to manage the social media accounts, you can go ahead and promote on as many platforms as you'd like. When you're running the company as the sole employee, it's best to provide quality over quantity. Provide amazing promotional content on Instagram and YouTube. Once you've created an automated system for both platforms, expand to sites like Facebook and Pinterest. 3. Maintain a secure website: It doesn't make sense to have an online boutique without securing a website. While it might seem easy to build your online boutique through the use of a social media platform and a PayPal account, it's doesn't provide the professional appeal that's best for an asset you're looking to build upon. Plus, if that social media platform decided that your content was offensive and banned you, you'd be out of business. Secure a website where you can use tools like enterprise Magento to produce a seamless website. Use a pop-up button in order to capture the email addresses of potential and current customers. Once you have a person's email address, you have direct access to inboxes that many people check multiple times every single day. While you don't want to send continuous spam, it's wise to develop a relationship with your customers through an email newsletter. 4. Host contests and giveaways: There aren't too many people who would turn down a really good deal or a free item. This is why it's wise to consider hosting giveaways and contests on a regular basis. Make sure the efforts are connected to publicizing your brand. When you've decided to host a contest or a giveaway, make sure that you encourage your followers to implement a few instructions in order to enter. You could ask your followers to repost a specific graphic that promotes the brand. Once they do so, they can tag your company in the post so you'll be notified. As you host these contests and giveaways, it creates a buzz. In turn, this makes your company look relevant. Be sure to add a specific hashtag to the giveaway for more visibility in the algorithm. 5. Perfect the flay lay shot: While there are online boutiques that try to get away with propping their merchandise up on a bed or the floor, this doesn't look very appealing. In fact, it's a great way to cheapen the look of your brand. Instead, become a master with learning the flat lay method. A huge white poster board provides a great backdrop. The larger the board is, the better off you'll be. Then, it's best to add decor to go along with the full look. If you're displaying a stunning dress, make sure the dress is the obvious item for sale. Then, add a cute pair of pumps, a necklace and a simple item like a candle or some flowers on the side. Take the shots from an aerial view. Once you take the shots, make sure to edit them in a photo-editing app or editing software. Not only can you share these photos on your website, but you can also repost the items on social media. Flat lay shots are great because they make your items pop and look more professional. 6. Display the items in various ways: If you're showcasing clothing items, remember that people like to see how the items look from different angles. If you're able to model the clothes or hire a model, make sure to capture the garment from all angles. It's also a great idea to consider purchasing a dress form for diversity. You can always hang clothing, necklaces, and scarves on a dress form. Read Also: Things Need To Start Up A Boutique Dress For Success: 4 Tips To Look (And Feel) Like A Confident Man

READ MOREDetails
is clothing/shoe/accessory stores a good career path

Is Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores A Good Career Path [2021 Updated]

Fashion retailing is one of the trending career choices across the globe. What comes to your mind when you hear the term fashion? I am pretty sure you think about three things - Clothing, Shoes, and Accessories. It is because these 3 are the most common fashion categories that we deal with almost every day.  But do you actually know the accurate meaning of the word ‘Fashion?’ Is it only about fame, glamour, and celebrities? To be very precise, fashion is much more beyond these.   As per different reports, the market value of the fashion industry in the United States is US$385.7 billion.  This million-dollar fashion retailing industry is a choice of many people as a career path. But ‘Is clothing/shoe/accessory stores a good career path?’. Keep reading to learn more.  What Are Actually Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores? Clothing/shoe/accessory stores are some core components of the entire fashion retailing sector. But do you think that fashion retail is only about purchasing trendy fashion commodities? Yes, certainly, it is, but the process is not as simple as it sounds.  Fashion retailing is the industrial sector that serves as a bridge between producers and consumers. It is basically the process of "purchasing clothing from a producer and selling it to clients." So, if you are planning to get into clothing/shoe/accessory stores, you will be entering into the fashion retail industry as a whole. One of the crucial facts about it is that this sector is ever-changing in nature. As fashion is not stagnant, fashion industries keep moving. So if you want to secure your future in clothing/shoe/accessory stores, you must consider the question - Is clothing/shoe/accessory stores a good career path? Reasons To Work In Fashion Retail?- Is clothing/shoe/accessory stores a good career path? Is clothing/shoe/accessory stores a good career path? - This question is related to numerous sub-questions among which the ‘reasons for choosing it’ are notable. So here are some potential factors that will compel you to dive into this job: Good Pay As a Beginner: In the entry-level positions, the payscale is moderate to good. As you get seniority with experience, the pay starts to rise.  Intense But Healthy Competition: The fashion retail industry is a cutthroat actor, but the competition is healthy. With the continuous evolution of fashion trends, you work hard to achieve success by nurturing yourself.   Skill Development: As working in clothing/shoe/accessory stores involves performing several roles, it kicks your skill base and sharpens them.  How To Secure A Job In Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores? This is an important section that we have to cover to give a robust response to the question - ‘Is clothing/shoe/accessory stores a good career path?’ Therefore, here are some aspects that you need to consider before applying for any position in clothing/shoe/accessory stores. 1. Educational Backgrounds: If you want to get a Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores job, the educational background is not a bar. You can come from any graduation program and still go for this position. However, specialization in fashion retailing or fashion marketing would be an added advantage for you. 2. Core Skills: The responsibilities in clothing/shoe/accessory stores can be multifaceted. You may have to take care of the marketing part or attend to customers simultaneously. So excellent communication skills are the primary criteria. Similarly, some other mandatory attributes that you just have are decision-making ability, perseverance to meet targets, a positive outlook, a sound sense of fashion and lifestyle, good etiquette, and grooming habits. 3. Internship: Internships provide you practical knowledge alongside theoretical understandings. Internships in the fashion industry are beneficial if you want to acquire some hands-on experience before moving on to the real thing. Frequently Asked Questions Q1. Is Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores A Good Career Path For People Above 35 Years' Age? Definitely, people of any age can get a job in clothing/shoe/accessory stores. There is no age limit to it as long as you meet the other eligibility criteria that vary from one store to another. However, there are a few stores, or companies, who want a young, stylish, and vibrant group of employees. Q2. Is There Any Minimum Time Limit To Flourish As An Employee In Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores? In general, there is no such time limit to become successful in clothing/shoe/accessory stores as an employee. But the reviews of the eminent senior associates and managers of internationally popular stores may give you a hint about this. You will find that none of them has reached a higher position before six months of joining.  Furthermore, it depends on the promotional policies of different entities that you must abide by if you decide to grow there.  Q3. What Are The Most Important Criteria For The Career Opportunities At Fashion Retail? If you have a target of working in clothing/shoe/accessory stores, the foremost criteria that the recruiter would look for are your communication skills. If you are multilingual, then it is a plus for you.  Then comes your knowledge of different fashion trends, including shoes, outfits, and accessories. The last skill that you must possess is a sharp attitude and high grooming standards.  The Final Lines Now that you know ‘Is clothing/shoe/accessory stores a good career path?’, why don’t you start planning from today and give it a try? I'm sure you will come out with flying colors.  Indeed, it is a good career to pursue but always decide wisely before hopping on to something. Instead, it’s better to compare your existing skills and future career objectives with the scope of this work.  Please share this post with those who will benefit from it if it has given you a fresh glimmer of hope. Also, if you have any questions or concerns regarding this post, please leave a comment in the box below. We will respond as soon as possible.  Finally, stick with us and keep supporting us; we'll be back with more thought-provoking articles soon. Read Also: Is Energy A Good Career Path Is Business Services A Good Career Path Is Basic Industries A Good Career Path Is Other Consumer Services A Good Career Path Is Hotels/Resorts A Good Career Path Is Packaged Foods A Good Career Path Is Real Estate Investment Trusts A Good Career Path? Is Finance Consumer Services A Good Career Path

READ MOREDetails
type of hair brush

How to Pick the Right Hair Brush for different hair Types

Picking the right accessory for your hair is always rewarding, and in case of a hair brush; one should first analyze their hair type. There are numerous hair brushes available that can eventually augment your hair style. One just needs to choose the right one precisely. There’s always some misconception among women regarding the need of a dedicated hair brush for different needs. According to the hair styling experts, one can get the desired smooth hair with the correct choice of a hair styling brush. Here we’ll discuss in detail the need for a different hair brush for different hair types, and how you can select the optimum one. Know your Hair? Many of us usually don’t have an idea about our hair type, which can be the reason for unmanaged hair. You need to examine your hair type regarding their strength, length, and volume. It becomes necessarily important for you to analyze your hair type to get the finest hairstyle at home. Moreover, you can consult your hairstyling expert to help you out in finding the optimum hairbrush that can give you the desired results. One needs to keep in mind that a wrong hairbrush might be the reason for hair loss and thin hair. There are several hair brushes available for thin and rough hair that provides proper hair combing experience without damaging the hair. Are there any types of Hair Brushes? What are they? Have you wondered that there exist several types of hairbrushes for different hair types? Well, if your answer is no, we’ll guide you regarding this thing. One can easily pick the right hairbrush from numerous options by analyzing their hair type. Types of Hair Brushes: Round Brush: A round hairbrush is best for long hair, and you can quickly get smooth hair without damage. Moreover, there are further types of round hair brushes available for different purposes. These brushes are designed to provide proper combing experience for dry as well as wet hair. One can keep these brushes for different requirements. One can easily pick from the several designs available on the internet. It is always better to seek professional help if you have no idea regarding your hair type. Moreover, your hair styling expert can guide you in choosing the optimum round hairbrush. Paddle Hair Brush: It is one of the common hair brushes that quickly give a smooth and straight finish to your hair. These brushes are perfect for long and straight hair that requires minimal care. Apart from this, a paddle hairbrush is also a great option for mid-sized hair. Women with short hair should avoid using a paddle hairbrush. Cushion Hair Brush: A cushion type hairbrush is an optimum choice for people seeking a massaging brush. This hairbrush offers the best experience of combing your hair with a gentle scalp massage. A cushioned hair brush significantly improves the blood circulation in the head, which augments the hair growth. Furthermore, this hair brush is a great choice for people having rough and dull hair. Boar Bristles Hair Brush: A boar bristles hair brush is a great option for people with thick hair. These brushes are made from natural boar hair, and hence they provide shinier and smooth hair. A boar bristle brush is preferred by people with short hair as well as long hair and should be used on dry hair. Anti-Static Hair Brush: It has been seen that the primary reason for rough and frizzy hair is a static One can prefer an anti-static hairbrush that can neutralize the static charge present on the hair brush. These brushes are handy and can be used for indoor as well as outdoor purposes. One should always prefer a suitable hairbrush depending on their hair type. You can take help of an expert dermatologist or your hairstylist. The information mentioned-above gives an overall idea regarding the need for a dedicated hairbrush as well as types of hairbrushes available in the market.

READ MOREDetails