Does the piercing of a young hindu girls nose have any religious or cultural significance? If so what?
by 
ironhand
ANSWERS: 4
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As far as know ( being a Hindu) nose piercing has no religious significance. In south India nose ornaments were worn only after marriage and nose piercing was done during the marriage ceremonies. Now nose ornaments are only a fashion accessory and it is up to the girl to decide. Ear Piercing used to be a religious ceremony for small children of of both sexes as every one used to wear ear studs. But it has also lost its religious significance and men do not wear it any more.
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Yes, it is cultural throughout India. Many younger women opt not to pierce their nose, and instead wear clip on versions to auspicious events. (I'm American and my partner's aunts were most insistent that I wear a nose clip to his sister's wedding and reception.) It is traditional and mostly ornamental. Wearing a nose ring does not originate with the Hindu religion or culture, and appears to have come from the Middle East with the Muslim invasions. In fact, nose piercings are not limited to Hindus. http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/25/stories/2006012500040500.htm
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I don't know about the Hindus, but the ancient tradition of wearing various circular pieces of jewelry such as earrings and nose rings, was to protect open orifices from evil spirits and vibes.
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Yes and No, This varies a lot in all different parts of India and Nepal. In Northern India girls normally get their nose pierced when they come of age, around 12-15 years old. They have their nose pierced on the left side. In ancient times it was a sign of ownership, such as they pierced the nose of farm animals. It also has a saying that having your nose pierced on the left side eases childbirth (think acupuncture). Above all it is also a sign of beauty. Womanly beauty is behold when the nose features jewellery. True now many Indians choose not to get their nose pierced, also is the trend not to wear sindoor (red powder on hair part to show when married), or even to have the husband's name tattooed on the forearm. These to me show signs that people are losing their past and culture. Or they just might be trying too much to be Westernized, who knows.
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