| Bindi: The Hindu Makeup Accessory |
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If there is ever a staple thing which makes Indian women stand out, it is probably the red dot which is often found on every women’s forehead. This particular red dot is usually placed on the forehead and is shaped like a circle. Not only does it draw attention to every Indian women’s face but it also has a relatively historical background and is not just made for aesthetic purposes. Ever since the ancient times, wearing this particular type of body decoration was already being practiced.
So what specifically is this red dot? It is called Bindi. This makeup is what actually sets the Hindu apart from other religions as well as other cultural societies. The red mark is especially placed in between the eyebrows of the woman because this facial part has always been considered as a very sensitive and a major nervous point all over the body’s system. Aside from this, ancient belief has always regarded the forehead as a gateway or entrance towards the divine and mystic soul of every human being.
Typically, a bindi is a part of India’s culture and it should be noted that it is not just fixed on the fact that it represents religious beliefs. In some parts of India, this red dot is being worn as a sign of something else. Women who wear such makes it known to the public that they are already married. In some way, you can think of this particular body art as ways for males to know who still the single maidens within their society are. Apart from this, the red body art is also worn by females as a way of attracting prosperity into their married life.
The Bindi is made out of vermillion powder. This is then mixed with water and is not that easy to mix if you think it is. Actually, it does take an expert to be able to mix in the vermillion powder and make out a very good mixture of this body decoration. Traditionally, the colors which are being used by Indian women are red and maroon. Ancient times believed that the color red can symbolize strength and is also known to be a symbolism for prosperity. Apart from this, red has always been considered as a symbol of affection or love. In mixing the powder, professional and the person who should apply it has to use circular disks or a coin-like structure to serve as the aid. Eventually, the mixture has to be covered by a relatively round material so that it can achieve a perfect circular shape.
Nowadays, the bindi has even captivated the makeup market across differing nationalities, countries, and even social structures. Although the body art remains to be of Indian staple and background it can now be said that this particular type of bodily art can be likened to modern day tattoos. It used to be that tattoos are being used only to identify different social constructions within certain specific societies. But nowadays almost anybody is free and welcome to wear any particular type of tattoo which they wish to have embedded onto their skin. This is the similar feature being used for the bindi makeup.
Women no longer have to stick with the traditional colors. They now have the option to choose from different tones and apply it not just on their forehead but just about anywhere they deem fit or they wish to. It has now become a popular makeup accessory which helps enhance whatever traditional look the woman wishes to have.
Moreover, the body art has even evolved on to become have its stick on options. Those who are interested with this makeup but are not that skilled when it comes to making the manual mixture, these stick on are really a great alternative because all you have to do is get them out and stick them on whichever body part you wish to wear them. |
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