why do hindus wear red twine on the wrist?

[evedawn]

Okay so these mundane questions come to me pretty randomly (see my prev post in religion regarding buddha)

Another random question threatening to have me awake tonight is...

why do hindus sometimes wear red twine around the wrist?

[Ice.Maiden]

I've always believed that they're worn as a symbolic blessing from the gods - for good luck, health and so on. Sorry if this's wrong!

[evedawn]

i think I might ask (respectfully of course) next time i see a hindu gent what it is for? (never seen it on a lady - but maybe i've not noticed)
thanks ice

[snagged]

'' tying turmeric-stained twine around the wrists is a protective amulet and a mark of faith''

I think...

[Ice.Maiden]

I was told by a Hindu believer that he got his from his temple, and he mentioned the above things - as well as being for protection, as snagged says.

[Sir Alec]

A red band of twine signifies devotion to Shakti, the Mother Goddess, but I don't know why it's only men. Hindu women get married in red, it's obviously a very important colour, as it is in China.

[Ice.Maiden]

Doesn't the wearing of red signify wealth as well?

[Sir Alec]

Yes Icey, Shakti is for strength, so maybe thats why it's more of a male thing too.

[evedawn]

hmmm - thanks for your answers. Much appreciated.

theres always "someone" on AB who knows at least part of an answer

[Ice.Maiden]

And sometimes i know nothing at all - but I DO try to help! : )

[keyplus90]

I think they wear it for safety and strength. Other thing what only men wear is known as �Rakhi� and usually men get it from their sisters as a prayer for their safety. But that is during a specific time of the year. As you said of course AB is a good site to find answers to your questions on the other hand it is always a good idea to ask someone who is actually doing that �what is the purpose�. Many people would love to explain.

[Clanad]

Be sure not to mistake the adherent identified by the red string with a Kabbalah believer. The red string (or thread) (worn correctly, it's always on the left wrist) must be tied by someone you love on your left wrist with one knot. That person must then knot the string six more times making a total of seven knots. Usually followed by an act of contrition and repetition of the Ben Porat (Son of Porat) prayer... all very mystical to avoid the Evil Eye...

[Octavius]

The thread signifies attachment to the Mother Goddess Shakti, who symbolises strength. Tony Blair wore one in the Commons once (2006) after visiting a Mandit temple in North London.

It is called a nada chadi .

The nada chadi symbolises the bond of friendship and love between host and guest. It is good manners not to break it off but to allow it to disintegrate naturally.

However, some Hindus regard it as a symbol of protection that lasts until the thread is broken. There are even those who believe that, if worn for long enough, it will turn to gold.

Although for non-Hindus it is little more than a token of friendship, for the faithful it is often associated with God and used to signify prayer.

Some Hindus will tie thread round the image of a deity whose spiritual favours they are seeking.