READER QUESTION Robson Arcanjo Martins, Dom Joaquim, MG
– (Steve Evans/Wikimedia Commons)
UNISEX SYMBOLISM
draw a paint between the eyes is a simple way for someone to demonstrate that they follow Hinduism. That is, the sign is not restricted to women or Indians. It can be observed in several countries in South and Southeast Asia where the religion is popular. By the way, the signal is called bindiin Hindi, one of the official languages of India
THE RECIPE
A paint represents a kind of «third eye», which sees things that the physical eyes cannot. O bindi can have different shapes and colors, but one of the most common is red, obtained thanks to a powder called sindurmade from sandalwood paste or a mixture of red turmeric and lemon juice
OUTER BEAUTY
O bindi it also has aesthetic function, like a makeup. So, it can include jewelry. In addition, depending on the region, it can indicate the woman’s marital status – the bindi red is a sign that she is married (a condition that guarantees a different social status). already the bindi black is a protection against the evil eye before marriage
SOURCES Book What Is Hinduism? Modern Adventures into a Profound Global Faith; sanskritimagazine It is yogajournal IMAGE Dissemination/reproduction