Toe Rings: Fashion or Tradition

The weather is steadily warming up outside and the last shreds of winter disappearing, spring is in the air. Soon will be gone the boots and closed toe shoes of winter. Emerging with the spring flowers are the opened-toe shoes and sandals that have been hibernating in our closets for months. Painted toes are seen all over and attached to the pretty feet is our old friend, the toe ring. The toe ring, now a staple in many women's spring and summer wardrobe, is more of a fashion statement these days. However, these dainty pieces of jewelry have a more significant history than many of us are aware of.

Toe rings trace their beginnings back to India and have been a part of that culture since ancient history. Most significantly, toe rings are an important part of the Indian wedding ceremony, in which the feet are given as much importance as the rest of the body. It is worn as a symbol of married state by Hindu women and is called bichiya in Hindi. They are usually made of silver and worn in pairs (unlike the trend in Western countries, where they are worn singly or in unmatched pairs) on the second toe of both feet. Toe rings worn on the big toe are called anvat and are often furnished with little bells. Traditionally they are quite ornate, though more contemporary designs are now being developed to cater to the modern bride. Some 'bichiya sets' may have pairs for four of the five toes, excluding the little pinky. 'Bichiyas' may not be made of gold, as gold holds a 'respected' status and may not be worn below the waist by Hindus. But this is not followed very strictly and toe rings made of gold and diamonds are commonly seen. In some areas these rings are attached along each side of the foot, and attached to the paizeb at the ankle. There are also double toe rings which cover the entire toe. In south India, during the wedding ceremony, the bride places her foot on a grindstone (represents strength) and looks toward a specific star, designated to a chaste goddess, (represents chastity) and the groom puts the toe ring on the bride's toes, in hopes that their marriage will be strong and chaste. In North India toe rings are as important as a 'thali' (symbol of marriage). But nowadays it has become a fashion and is worn even by women of other communities. Some brides may adorn one or more of her toes with a metti (simple multi-colored silver ring) which is presented by her maternal uncle symbolizing eternity.

So the next time you adorn your pretty toes with your favorite toe ring this spring, keep in mind the beautiful tradition from which they originated and the greater significance they hold in some cultures.