How precious metals are valued in our traditions
Indian culture is one of the oldest living cultures and our fondness for precious metals such as gold, silver and copper is well known. While much of this hobby stems from the investment and jewelry aspect, there are other scientific and mythological reasons why these metals are so revered in Indian culture. At Krishna Pearls, we have a very close understanding of precious metals and their connection to Indian culture and traditions.
Gold is yellow, the color of the sun and everything positive. The metal is not only revered in its jeweled form, but is also woven into thread for clothing, especially in the bridal trousseau for the energy it provides along with the shimmering look it gives under the lights. This soft and malleable metal is mainly found in the form of gold coins and jewelery and is an integral part of all festive celebrations in North and South India. Gold coins are placed in front of the gods as an offering during poojas and both men and women adorn themselves with their finest gold jewelry on auspicious occasions and festivals.
Due to the value of gold, owning gold jewelry and coins has always been an important form of investment, especially in India. In the old days, the richer the house a woman came from, the more gold jewelry she wore. This custom remains popular throughout India, with many married women wearing gold bracelets, earrings, and necklaces as a sign of prosperity. Even men wear gold rings with a gemstone embedded as a sign of prosperity and good fortune to improve their business.
Gold jewelry not only provides financial stability and investment to the owner, but also promotes good health. It is pure metal and brings warm and relaxing vibrations to the body. It also increases blood circulation around the body and keeps the heart working properly. It is not surprising that the Indians use gold to protect themselves from the disadvantages of the tropical nature of our country.
Silver, on the other hand, is popular in many sacred and auspicious forms. The lustrous metal is used to make idols of various divine forms, and certain temple items, such as pooja thaali, spoons, and diyas, are made of silver. Silver symbolizes luck, fortune and good health, which is why it is most popular in the home and for gift giving.
Silver is always given at the beginning of something new, such as before a marriage between the families of the bride and groom, or when a new baby is born. Silver spoons, bracelets or anklets are presented to the baby for good luck and fortune in life. Silver thaalis are also said to be extremely healthy to eat, although this is not really followed these days due to the maintenance that silver requires. In the old days, royal people ate and drank only from cutlery as it promoted good health and kept toxins at bay. Even today, some Indians prefer to drink water from silver cups for its health benefits.
Both men and women wear silver jewelry for astrological purposes, usually to increase a person’s fortune and good health. Married women wear silver rings to increase their fertility and keep their immune systems strong, as they were the emotional caretakers of a family and had to provide everyone with love and care.
India has had a close relationship with gold and silver for centuries, and not without good reason. We all own heirloom jewelry and household items made with gold and silver, which is extremely valuable to us.