History Behind the Choice Red for Brides!!

History Behind the Choice Red for Brides!!

AGRITA CHHIBBER

Ever wondered why Indian brides wear red at their weddings?

Today through this article it is being studied why red is often considered a symbol of auspiciousness and good luck, prosperity, and happiness in many South Asian cultures including India.

It is believed to bring positive energy and blessings to the bride as she embarks on this new journey of her life.

Red is not just a color but a culmination of emotions and tradition. Red has been a traditional choice for brides in the Indian sub-continent for times immemorial.

It is considered to ward off the evil eye and bless the couple with prosperity which is also deeply ingrained in cultural practices that a bride is expected to pick red for the bridal outfit, just like her mother did, her grandmother did.

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Today it is being noticed that new brides often wear the same dresses passed down through generations.

In the Western Hemisphere, white wedding gowns are typically the norm.

However, it’s possible that you have also witnessed some stunning Chinese or Indian brides go down the aisle wearing veils and sparkling crimson dresses. Indian brides have been wearing saffron red to their stunning nuptials for decades, a ritual deeply ingrained in history, until modern brides started flirting with the idea of colourful wedding dresses.

Everything that is considered important in Indian culture has a symbolic value; colour is no different.

More precisely, powerful symbols are associated with yellow, orange, white, and green, with red being the most noticeable colour. Red has always been considered a lucky colour; it was initially worn by Indian hermits and monks in the third millennium B.C., but brides didn’t wear it until the early 16th century.

Mythological Significance:

This custom has long history dating back several centuries. Records from antiquity suggest that crimson wedding dresses were common in the more than 3,500-year-old Vedic era. The colour was thought to purify and consecrate the wedding ritual back then, when it was linked to Agni, the fire deity. The meaning of red changed over time, yet brides continued to choose it frequently.

Red is the colour of Shakti, the holy feminine energy in Hindu mythology. It stands for a woman’s bravery and courage as she begins her life as a wife and, eventually, a mother. The bride’s crimson saree or lehenga is more than just a piece of apparel; it’s a representation of her inner power and the love she brings. According to mythology red also represents the Hindu goddess Durga who is the epitome of new beginnings and feminine powers.

Cultural Significance:

Red Jewelry:

These days, brides like to wear red jewellery in addition to their outfits. Red is no longer just for clothing. Everything has a hint of red, from handbags to shoes to bangles. Additionally, crimson jewellery provides the bride a sophisticated appearance.

Solah Shringhaar:

In Hinduism, solah shringar, are regarded as being very significant. It includes lipsticks, bindis, anklets, bangles, henna, kajal, and many more items. If you examine the kit closely, you will see that everything in it is red, from the lipstick to the bindi.

In addition, the hue red is associated with Goddess Durga, who vanquishes evil and bestows wealth. Thus, ladies perform “solah shringar” to bring prosperity and pleasure into the home.

Red Wedding Dress:

Indian brides usually wear red colour lehenga or saree on their wedding day. Brides look extremely beautiful in this colour. Red is the first choice for every bride on her wedding day because it looks good on most women and it also has a special significance. In recent times, it is a trend to wear lehenga on the wedding day but let me tell you red saree is a symbol of tradition and the bride looks extremely beautiful in it.

The Relevance Of Red in a Wedding Context

Red is seen as a sign of marriage and love in many cultures. Indian ladies frequently wear red on their wedding day since it is regarded as auspicious. Since red is thought to symbolise happiness and joy, it is also a traditional colour for Indian weddings. Red is also associated with good fortune in China, where it’s frequently utilised in wedding décor.

On their wedding day, red envelopes are frequently given as gifts to the bride and groom. Red is commonly connected to passion and love in Western cultures. Giving each other red roses on Valentine’s Day or their anniversary is a custom among couples.

Every religion has marriage-related traditions and beliefs. Weddings are often about colour, and the colours that are most symbolic for various religions vary. In England, a bride wears a white dress because red is associated with evil and white with purity. However, as per Hindu customs, Indian brides typically don crimson clothing.

Agrita Chhibber is a research Scholar and from Jammu

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