Your wedding will be one of the most special days of your life. More than the beautiful experience of the wedding itself, marriage is also a highly symbolic event that represents the union between man and woman. Different countries have different meanings of the concept of marriage, and in the Hindu culture, it is not an exception.
Wearing a diamond thali is a symbol and an important element in every Indian wedding. You will find several thalis that come in different variations and designs. Diamond and gold pendants are becoming more popular, and similar to other pieces of jewelry, custom designs are also more prominent.
History of the Thali
The thali first appeared in the 11th-century book, Kanthapuranam, written by the poet Katchiyappa Sivachariar.
Later, it appeared in 12th-century texts and has since then become a key symbol in the Hindu culture. The thali or holy thread is named differently in various regions in India but traditionally comes with a gold and black beaded necklace.
Cultural Symbolism of Thali
Wearing a Mangalsutra has been a key part of Hindu customs and culture. The Mangalsutra is an ornament or pendant typically worn as a necklace to signify marital status. This tradition is said to have originated in South India, where the Mangalsultra is called a thali. It used to be a yellow thread tied in three knots and worn around the bride’s neck, but then, later, it began to be more commonly seen as a golden and black necklace with a diamond at the center.
The gold represents the Goddess Parvati, while the black represents Lord Shiva. Wearing a thali is said to bring prosperity, fortune, and happiness as the gold is representative of such elements. Overall, the thali is believed to be a talisman that wards off evil. This characteristic is represented by the black beads, which are said to absorb the negative energies.
The thali or diamond thali holds much cultural significance. Aside from acting as a symbol of marital status, the thali is also used to symbolize the union of two souls and as an emblem of protection.
You can liken the thali to wedding bands that serve as a symbol of the union and commitment between the husband and wife. In Hindu culture, there is the Mangalya Dharanam, a ceremony where the groom places the thali around the bride’s neck.
Styles of Thali
The thali traditionally has significant imprints like cultural deities and gods. In other cases, the thali designs may also vary based on the gods, followed by a family. For instance, the followers of Shiva have three horizontal lines in their thali design, while the followers of Vishnu have three vertical lines. You will also find a few thalis encrusted with diamonds to give a touch of shine.
Traditionally, thalis came in a common yellow thread with three knots. However, thalis are now growing to become fashion symbols. Similar to other pieces of jewelry, you can become more creative and find thalis in geometric, floral, or different patterns to express yourself. If you prefer something more minimal but still unique, you can opt for the classic diamond thali.
The thali holds much meaning and cultural importance in the Hindu culture. It serves as a symbol of marriage and promise between man and woman. Regardless of the area in India, you will find different versions of the thali, all of which hold the same theme. Each of them has evolved dramatically through the years, with more modern styles and designs coming up, but has retained its cultural significance.
