Poverty everywhere, but the saris of India are unfailingly beautiful. Interestingly, the men and children of India tend to wear western clothing, while many women wear the traditional sari. I wonder why that is. Saris are invariably constructed from brilliant hued fabrics and, in a way, they form a beautiful counterpoint to the garish logos of modern products pasted on storefronts and vehicles.
I wonder what the difference might be in culture or status which allows the woman [L] to smile for a stranger (me), while the woman [R] covers her face. Would it be shyness, or is some other cultural imperative in place? I’m curious, too, as to how occidental countries developed the idea that the face was a thing you view, but (until recent fads emerged) the belly was to be covered. Obviously the opposite is true for the lady in the pink sari.
- Beautiful sari and grubby child
- Shy about her face but not her belly
Every Woman Looks Beautiful in a Sari
[L] Greeting guests at a restaurant in a sari. [R] Growing old gracefully in an apricot sari.
- Greeting guests for lunch
- At the step well
[R] An affluent young family. Why do the men and children tend to wear western styles and women wear the sari?
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Gold Jewelry
Some of the women who wore gold jewelry appeared to be quite poor. I understand that it’s a bridal custom to receive gold jewelry and to wear it as a daily pleasure throughout one’s life.
The practice makes me want to re-think western culture’s need for the jewelry box. It would be lovely to see gold on graceful arms every day and everywhere.
We should borrow the fashion: If you’ve got it, wear it. Maybe the corollary to that should be, if you can’t wear it, don’t get it.
I wish status weren’t part of apparel choices. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the whole point of clothing for men and women alike was to incorporate beauty into daily life?