MARRIAGE PLANNING - Earrings
An earring can be described as a piece of jewelery that is worn on the ear. Earrings are often made out of metal but can also be made out of bone or similar hard material. Earrings are worn by both genders, although they are generally more commonly worn by women. In present times, earrings is one of the most important fashion accessory for women. In several communities, women see it as a necessary part of women's semblance.
Earrings are attached to the ear through a piercing in the earlobe or some other external part of the ear. Locations, used other than the earlobe for piercings include the Rook, Tragus or across the Helix. The term 'ear piercing' refers to an earlobe piercing. Piercings in the upper part of the external ear are referred to as 'cartilage piercings.' Cartilage piercings are more complex to perform than earlobe piercings, and take longer to heal.
An object of ornamentation, earring are made out of number of materials, including metal, glass, precious stones and beads. Designs of earring range from bali (small loops) or studs to large plates or danglers or jhumkas. The size of earrings a person wears is generally limited by the physical capacity of the earlobe to hold the earring without tearing. People who habitually wear heavy earrings may find that over time, the earlobe and piercing stretch. It is seen that in parties of formal occasions women go in for larger and more prominent earrings. Men who like sport earrings usually wear studs or small loops.
In several south Asian countries, including India, there is a tradition of piercing the ears of newborn babies. The earrings are worn long into old age. While fancy, jeweled earrings are often reserved for evening wear, every other shape and style can be worn with any fashion, either casual or formal, night or day.
An earring can be described as a piece of jewelery that is worn on the ear. Earrings are often made out of metal but can also be made out of bone or similar hard material. Earrings are worn by both genders, although they are generally more commonly worn by women. In present times, earrings is one of the most important fashion accessory for women. In several communities, women see it as a necessary part of women's semblance.
Earrings are attached to the ear through a piercing in the earlobe or some other external part of the ear. Locations, used other than the earlobe for piercings include the Rook, Tragus or across the Helix. The term 'ear piercing' refers to an earlobe piercing. Piercings in the upper part of the external ear are referred to as 'cartilage piercings.' Cartilage piercings are more complex to perform than earlobe piercings, and take longer to heal.
An object of ornamentation, earring are made out of number of materials, including metal, glass, precious stones and beads. Designs of earring range from bali (small loops) or studs to large plates or danglers or jhumkas. The size of earrings a person wears is generally limited by the physical capacity of the earlobe to hold the earring without tearing. People who habitually wear heavy earrings may find that over time, the earlobe and piercing stretch. It is seen that in parties of formal occasions women go in for larger and more prominent earrings. Men who like sport earrings usually wear studs or small loops.
In several south Asian countries, including India, there is a tradition of piercing the ears of newborn babies. The earrings are worn long into old age. While fancy, jeweled earrings are often reserved for evening wear, every other shape and style can be worn with any fashion, either casual or formal, night or day.
History of Earrings
Earrings are thought to have originated in Asia and the Middle East. Historians believe that both hoop and pendant earrings date back to about 2000 BC. Pierced earrings date back to ancient Egypt around 1500 BC.
Origin of Earrings in India:
Indians have been wearing earrings as a tradition since ancient times. It is said that the wearing of earrings is, along with the animistic origins of the Saiva and other Indo-Aryan religions, of great antiquity. The clearest example of the original intention as an animistic fetish is found in the practice of the Kanphata Yogis of India, a sub-sect of Saiva ascetics named from the practice of splitting their ears and placing a large earring made of agate, horn or glass, about two and a quarter ounces in weight, in the ear as a symbol of their initiation. Later, earrings gained popularity and were turned a fashion accessory. They eventually, grew into a tradition.
Evolution of Earrings in Europe:
At the time of the origin, earrings were considered a sign of wealth and prosperity, as only affluent women could afford the precious metals of which earrings were made. Throughout the Dark Ages and Middle Ages, women were usually too poor to own earrings and up until late in the Renaissance, earrings were looked upon as flashy and inappropriate for proper women.
Earrings became popular again in 17th century Europe as styles changed and new ideas were adopted. By the middle of the 20th century, earrings of all shapes and sizes were more popular than ever, though there was a clear distinction between more conservative earrings worn during the day, and the more ostentatious earrings worn in the evenings. In the 1970s, pierced earrings gained popularity and at the same time, styles merged and were no longer segregated to either day or night wear. While the popularity of earrings has risen and fallen over the years, they have always been a part of fashion.
Superstitious Beliefs Regarding the Origin of Earrings:
· According to legend, evil spirits were thought to be able to enter the body through any of its openings and take control. The first earrings were probably worn to bar the way to these spirits.
· According to another folklore pierced earrings help to strengthen weak eyes. If set with emeralds, they are particularly effective. Gold earrings are often worn by those wishing to cure headaches, though some say to wear one gold earring and one silver for this purpose.
· Back in the days of sailing ships and pirates a man would wear an earring if he had survived a shipwreck, typically a gold hoop, and that is where we get the classic pirate image from.
· One historian attributes the piercing to the desire to punish the ears for overhearing what they should not hear. The earrings, in turn, were the consolation for the pain and suffering. It was believed that the more decorative and expensive the earrings, the greater the consolation.
Tradition of Earrings in India
Since ancient times, men and women in India have been adorning their ears with earrings for ornamental or spiritual reasons. Over the years, the tradition of earrings in India has strengthened and today it is customary for women in most communities to have their ears pierced at an early age.
Spiritual Significance of Ear Lobes:
From ancient times, long ear lobes have been regarded as a sign of spiritual development and superior status. Among the distinguishing marks of the Buddha, and a sign of his greatness, were his large ear lobes. Homer and Aristotle reputedly also had the same characteristic.
In ancient times severed ears were offered to the Mother Goddess as a substitute for the male organs. In Egypt devotees offered their ears to the goddess Isis, and till the early decades of the Christian era, sculpted ears were offered at the shrine of the Great Mother in other parts of the Middle East.
Karnavedha:
Karnavedha or the practice of wearing earrings is one of the Hindu Sanskars (sacraments) performed for a child. It is an ear piercing ceremony that occurs in the third or fifth year for some Hindu children. Karnavedham is done with a particular thorn. Butter is applied to the wound. In several communities Karnavedha is applicable to both male and female children.
Yogis (most commonly those of Natha tradition) follow the practice of stretching the piercings to stimulate the psychic nerves connected to the ears.
Earrings Considered Auspicious for Married Women:
Since earliest times, wearing ear ornaments by married Indian women has been considered auspicious. Besides, earrings were considered to be a symbol of woman's wealth and her status in society. Elongated ear lobes were considered a sign of beauty and wealth - the longer the lobe, the greater the woman's wealth. By appending ornaments to almost every part of the ear, the woman also ensured a continuous state of mental and physical well being.
Karn Phool - The Ear Flowers:
Ancient Prakrit and Sanskrit literature describe girls wearing fresh flowers in their ears. A range of floral earrings of gold, silver or precious stones that have been popular over the centuries in India suggest that the forms of flowers were translated into precious jewelry. A type of flower known as the karnphul, i.e., 'ear-flowers' is considered particularly auspicious. Karn Phools are an large, round metal flower-form earring, with a central stud at the back being the equivalent of a flower stem.
Scholars believe that the choice of the flower as the inspiring shape for earrings is not without significance. Flowers are considered natural erotic stimulants, by virtue of their association with Kama, the God of love, besides these are considered a concise symbol of nature, condensing into a brief span of time the cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth. In addition, flowers also reflects gentleness, youth, spiritual perfection and innocence, qualities which are but the fundamental attributes of feminine character.
Therapeutic Significance of Wearing Earrings:
Recent studies have identified the ear as a microcosm of the entire body. Some even say the point of vision in acupuncture is situated in the center of the lobe. Hence the practice of wearing earrings is thought to have some therapeutic value. Besides, in certain places, ear piercing was believed to be good for the eyes. It also sharpened the mind and drew off 'bad humors'.
Tradition of Earrings in Contemporary Times:
In present times, tradition of wearing earrings is extremely strong in India. These are considered to be an extremely important fashion accessory by the women. These days, girls go in for inexpensive colorful metal earrings, which they change daily according to their dress. These artificial earrings are easily available in huge variety on road side stalls. But on formal occasions like weddings, festivals and other important occasions, ladies like to adorn their ears with gold, silver, pearl or diamond earrings. These days men, wear earrings to carry a styles statement. Usually men go in for small studs or balis.
Types of Earrings
Earring are considered to one of the most essential type of jewelry. Earrings are of various types to suit the varying requirements of a wearer. However, earrings are available in two basic types
Earrings are thought to have originated in Asia and the Middle East. Historians believe that both hoop and pendant earrings date back to about 2000 BC. Pierced earrings date back to ancient Egypt around 1500 BC.
Origin of Earrings in India:
Indians have been wearing earrings as a tradition since ancient times. It is said that the wearing of earrings is, along with the animistic origins of the Saiva and other Indo-Aryan religions, of great antiquity. The clearest example of the original intention as an animistic fetish is found in the practice of the Kanphata Yogis of India, a sub-sect of Saiva ascetics named from the practice of splitting their ears and placing a large earring made of agate, horn or glass, about two and a quarter ounces in weight, in the ear as a symbol of their initiation. Later, earrings gained popularity and were turned a fashion accessory. They eventually, grew into a tradition.
Evolution of Earrings in Europe:
At the time of the origin, earrings were considered a sign of wealth and prosperity, as only affluent women could afford the precious metals of which earrings were made. Throughout the Dark Ages and Middle Ages, women were usually too poor to own earrings and up until late in the Renaissance, earrings were looked upon as flashy and inappropriate for proper women.
Earrings became popular again in 17th century Europe as styles changed and new ideas were adopted. By the middle of the 20th century, earrings of all shapes and sizes were more popular than ever, though there was a clear distinction between more conservative earrings worn during the day, and the more ostentatious earrings worn in the evenings. In the 1970s, pierced earrings gained popularity and at the same time, styles merged and were no longer segregated to either day or night wear. While the popularity of earrings has risen and fallen over the years, they have always been a part of fashion.
Superstitious Beliefs Regarding the Origin of Earrings:
· According to legend, evil spirits were thought to be able to enter the body through any of its openings and take control. The first earrings were probably worn to bar the way to these spirits.
· According to another folklore pierced earrings help to strengthen weak eyes. If set with emeralds, they are particularly effective. Gold earrings are often worn by those wishing to cure headaches, though some say to wear one gold earring and one silver for this purpose.
· Back in the days of sailing ships and pirates a man would wear an earring if he had survived a shipwreck, typically a gold hoop, and that is where we get the classic pirate image from.
· One historian attributes the piercing to the desire to punish the ears for overhearing what they should not hear. The earrings, in turn, were the consolation for the pain and suffering. It was believed that the more decorative and expensive the earrings, the greater the consolation.
Tradition of Earrings in India
Since ancient times, men and women in India have been adorning their ears with earrings for ornamental or spiritual reasons. Over the years, the tradition of earrings in India has strengthened and today it is customary for women in most communities to have their ears pierced at an early age.
Spiritual Significance of Ear Lobes:
From ancient times, long ear lobes have been regarded as a sign of spiritual development and superior status. Among the distinguishing marks of the Buddha, and a sign of his greatness, were his large ear lobes. Homer and Aristotle reputedly also had the same characteristic.
In ancient times severed ears were offered to the Mother Goddess as a substitute for the male organs. In Egypt devotees offered their ears to the goddess Isis, and till the early decades of the Christian era, sculpted ears were offered at the shrine of the Great Mother in other parts of the Middle East.
Karnavedha:
Karnavedha or the practice of wearing earrings is one of the Hindu Sanskars (sacraments) performed for a child. It is an ear piercing ceremony that occurs in the third or fifth year for some Hindu children. Karnavedham is done with a particular thorn. Butter is applied to the wound. In several communities Karnavedha is applicable to both male and female children.
Yogis (most commonly those of Natha tradition) follow the practice of stretching the piercings to stimulate the psychic nerves connected to the ears.
Earrings Considered Auspicious for Married Women:
Since earliest times, wearing ear ornaments by married Indian women has been considered auspicious. Besides, earrings were considered to be a symbol of woman's wealth and her status in society. Elongated ear lobes were considered a sign of beauty and wealth - the longer the lobe, the greater the woman's wealth. By appending ornaments to almost every part of the ear, the woman also ensured a continuous state of mental and physical well being.
Karn Phool - The Ear Flowers:
Ancient Prakrit and Sanskrit literature describe girls wearing fresh flowers in their ears. A range of floral earrings of gold, silver or precious stones that have been popular over the centuries in India suggest that the forms of flowers were translated into precious jewelry. A type of flower known as the karnphul, i.e., 'ear-flowers' is considered particularly auspicious. Karn Phools are an large, round metal flower-form earring, with a central stud at the back being the equivalent of a flower stem.
Scholars believe that the choice of the flower as the inspiring shape for earrings is not without significance. Flowers are considered natural erotic stimulants, by virtue of their association with Kama, the God of love, besides these are considered a concise symbol of nature, condensing into a brief span of time the cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth. In addition, flowers also reflects gentleness, youth, spiritual perfection and innocence, qualities which are but the fundamental attributes of feminine character.
Therapeutic Significance of Wearing Earrings:
Recent studies have identified the ear as a microcosm of the entire body. Some even say the point of vision in acupuncture is situated in the center of the lobe. Hence the practice of wearing earrings is thought to have some therapeutic value. Besides, in certain places, ear piercing was believed to be good for the eyes. It also sharpened the mind and drew off 'bad humors'.
Tradition of Earrings in Contemporary Times:
In present times, tradition of wearing earrings is extremely strong in India. These are considered to be an extremely important fashion accessory by the women. These days, girls go in for inexpensive colorful metal earrings, which they change daily according to their dress. These artificial earrings are easily available in huge variety on road side stalls. But on formal occasions like weddings, festivals and other important occasions, ladies like to adorn their ears with gold, silver, pearl or diamond earrings. These days men, wear earrings to carry a styles statement. Usually men go in for small studs or balis.
Types of Earrings
Earring are considered to one of the most essential type of jewelry. Earrings are of various types to suit the varying requirements of a wearer. However, earrings are available in two basic types
- pierced and clip-on, and from there they branch out into a wide variety of shapes and styles. Regardless of the type, modern standard pierced earrings have two primary means of attachment - posts and wires.
Different Types of Earrings:
Given here is a description of various types of earrings commonly available in present times.
Stud Earrings:
Stud earrings are worn as everyday wear by both women and men. Chief characteristic of stud earrings is the appearance of floating on the ear or earlobe without a visible (from the front) point of connection. Studs are invariably constructed on the end of a post, which penetrates straight through the ear. The post is held in place by a removable friction back or clutch. Occasionally, the stud earring is constructed so that the post is threaded, allowing a screw back to securely hold the earring in place. This is useful in preventing the loss of expensive earrings containing precious stones or made of precious metals.
Hoop Earrings:
Hoop earrings, popularly known as 'baali' or 'baliyan' in Hindi are circular or semi-circular in design, and look very similar to a ring. They are often constructed of metal tubing, with a thin wire attachment that penetrates the ear. The hollow tubing is permanently attached to the wire at the front of the ear, and slips into the tube at the back. The entire device is held together by tension between the wire and the tube.
Hoop Earrings are also quite popular. Hoop earring can be of following types:
· Some hoop designs do not complete the circle, but penetrate through the ear in a post, using the same attachment techniques that apply to stud earrings.
· A variation is the continuous hoop earring. In this design, the earring is constructed of a continuous piece of solid metal, which penetrates through the ear and can be rotated almost 360°. One of the ends is permanently attached to a small piece of metallic tubing or a hollow metallic bead. The other end is inserted into the tubing or bead, and is held in place by tension.
· One special type of hoop earring is the 'sleeper earring'. This is a very small continuous piece of (typically) gold wire which essentially hugs the base of the earlobe with the ends connecting in the back. Because their small size makes them comfortable, sleepers are sometimes worn at night to keep an ear piercing from closing.
· Yet another type is spring hoop earrings. These are almost indistinguishable from standard hoop earrings and stay in place by means of spring force.
· The Kashmiri Brahmin women wear jewels on long strings, hanging from the inner soft cartilage of the ears that is locally called, the atteroo.
Dangle Earrings or Jhumkas:
Dangle earrings called 'jhumka' in Hindi are designed to flow from the bottoms of the earlobes. These are available in various lengths from a centimeter or two, to jhumkas reaching the shoulders. They are generally attached to the ear by the use of thin wires, which go through the earlobe and connect to themselves in a small hook at the back. A variation is the French hook design, which merely hangs from the earlobe without closure, although small plastic retainers are sometimes used on ends of French hooks. Rarely, dangle earrings use the post attachment design. Long ornate danglers are usually worn on formal occasions.
Slave Earrings:
Yet another type of earring is the slave earring. In this a stud is connected by a delicate chain to an ear cuff or a cartilage pierce worn higher on the ear. This looks extremely ornate and is worn by Indian women on traditional occasions such as wedding. This also helps to divide weight in case of heavy danglers.
Clip-on Earrings:
Clip-on earrings have existed longer than any other variety of non-pierced earrings. They are designed with a tension clip that attaches them to the body by pinching the earlobe. Once extremely popular with American women, they began to fade with the rising popularity of pierced earrings in the 1960s and 1970s, and are now relatively rare.
Ear Cuff:
An ear cuff is a curved band of metal that is pressed onto the helix of the ear. It stays on by pinching the ear.
Magnetic Earrings:
Magnetic earrings simulate the look of a (pierced) stud earring by attaching to the earlobe with a magnetic back that hold the earring in place on by magnetic force.
Stick-on Earrings:
Stick-on earrings are adhesive-backed items which stick to the skin of the earlobe and simulate the look of a (pierced) stud earring. They are considered a novelty item.
Different Types of Earrings:
Given here is a description of various types of earrings commonly available in present times.
Stud Earrings:
Stud earrings are worn as everyday wear by both women and men. Chief characteristic of stud earrings is the appearance of floating on the ear or earlobe without a visible (from the front) point of connection. Studs are invariably constructed on the end of a post, which penetrates straight through the ear. The post is held in place by a removable friction back or clutch. Occasionally, the stud earring is constructed so that the post is threaded, allowing a screw back to securely hold the earring in place. This is useful in preventing the loss of expensive earrings containing precious stones or made of precious metals.
Hoop Earrings:
Hoop earrings, popularly known as 'baali' or 'baliyan' in Hindi are circular or semi-circular in design, and look very similar to a ring. They are often constructed of metal tubing, with a thin wire attachment that penetrates the ear. The hollow tubing is permanently attached to the wire at the front of the ear, and slips into the tube at the back. The entire device is held together by tension between the wire and the tube.
Hoop Earrings are also quite popular. Hoop earring can be of following types:
· Some hoop designs do not complete the circle, but penetrate through the ear in a post, using the same attachment techniques that apply to stud earrings.
· A variation is the continuous hoop earring. In this design, the earring is constructed of a continuous piece of solid metal, which penetrates through the ear and can be rotated almost 360°. One of the ends is permanently attached to a small piece of metallic tubing or a hollow metallic bead. The other end is inserted into the tubing or bead, and is held in place by tension.
· One special type of hoop earring is the 'sleeper earring'. This is a very small continuous piece of (typically) gold wire which essentially hugs the base of the earlobe with the ends connecting in the back. Because their small size makes them comfortable, sleepers are sometimes worn at night to keep an ear piercing from closing.
· Yet another type is spring hoop earrings. These are almost indistinguishable from standard hoop earrings and stay in place by means of spring force.
· The Kashmiri Brahmin women wear jewels on long strings, hanging from the inner soft cartilage of the ears that is locally called, the atteroo.
Dangle Earrings or Jhumkas:
Dangle earrings called 'jhumka' in Hindi are designed to flow from the bottoms of the earlobes. These are available in various lengths from a centimeter or two, to jhumkas reaching the shoulders. They are generally attached to the ear by the use of thin wires, which go through the earlobe and connect to themselves in a small hook at the back. A variation is the French hook design, which merely hangs from the earlobe without closure, although small plastic retainers are sometimes used on ends of French hooks. Rarely, dangle earrings use the post attachment design. Long ornate danglers are usually worn on formal occasions.
Slave Earrings:
Yet another type of earring is the slave earring. In this a stud is connected by a delicate chain to an ear cuff or a cartilage pierce worn higher on the ear. This looks extremely ornate and is worn by Indian women on traditional occasions such as wedding. This also helps to divide weight in case of heavy danglers.
Clip-on Earrings:
Clip-on earrings have existed longer than any other variety of non-pierced earrings. They are designed with a tension clip that attaches them to the body by pinching the earlobe. Once extremely popular with American women, they began to fade with the rising popularity of pierced earrings in the 1960s and 1970s, and are now relatively rare.
Ear Cuff:
An ear cuff is a curved band of metal that is pressed onto the helix of the ear. It stays on by pinching the ear.
Magnetic Earrings:
Magnetic earrings simulate the look of a (pierced) stud earring by attaching to the earlobe with a magnetic back that hold the earring in place on by magnetic force.
Stick-on Earrings:
Stick-on earrings are adhesive-backed items which stick to the skin of the earlobe and simulate the look of a (pierced) stud earring. They are considered a novelty item.
Experts Advice on Earrings
Jewelery is a very personal affair and you have to feel comfortable wearing your choice. However, here are a few guidelines from beauty experts that will help you to decide on that perfect earring that will add to your beauty and overall semblance.
Jewelery is a very personal affair and you have to feel comfortable wearing your choice. However, here are a few guidelines from beauty experts that will help you to decide on that perfect earring that will add to your beauty and overall semblance.
Tips on Wearing Earrings According to Dress:
· The easiest way to go about choosing earrings is to first decide what color blends well with your dress.
· The style of your dress takes the next step in eliminating what you don't want. For example, if you have chosen a shade of red or brown, the best jewelry to go with this would be gold, while if you have chosen pastels, or the fabric used for your dress is Chiffon, Georgette, etc, you can opt for pearls, diamonds or precious stones set in silver as they add a delicate and fragile flavor to your dress.
· The style of your dress also determines the design of your jewelry. A very trendy outfit requires trendy accessories to justify it. If you are planning to go ethnic then you can pick tribal or very antique, like the 'jadao', designs for your earrings.
· And if you belong to the category that believes in the minimalist look, then you can pick up small to large studs ranging from ethnic to totally nouveau.
Tips on Wearing Earrings According to Face Shape:
Fashion experts suggest that one should also take into consideration one's face shape and hair style before deciding on the earring.
· A pair of large earrings on an elfin face will overpower the face's fine features.
· Similarly, over-large earrings with a short hair cut can look unbalanced.
· Long hair can hide a discreet earring so something more dramatic may be called for.
· A long neck can carry off a long chandelier or drop earring but this style will emphasize a short neck. If you're not a swan, choose a short drop earring instead.
· Hair worn piled up on the head adds height and lengthens the neck. This is an ideal opportunity to wear a drop or danglers!
· Consider the neck wear you have chosen and balance the earring. A dramatic statement necklace requires a discreet, minimal earring. If no necklace is being worn then the earrings can take centre stage.
· Stud earrings suit most face shapes and are practical for everyday.
· The easiest way to go about choosing earrings is to first decide what color blends well with your dress.
· The style of your dress takes the next step in eliminating what you don't want. For example, if you have chosen a shade of red or brown, the best jewelry to go with this would be gold, while if you have chosen pastels, or the fabric used for your dress is Chiffon, Georgette, etc, you can opt for pearls, diamonds or precious stones set in silver as they add a delicate and fragile flavor to your dress.
· The style of your dress also determines the design of your jewelry. A very trendy outfit requires trendy accessories to justify it. If you are planning to go ethnic then you can pick tribal or very antique, like the 'jadao', designs for your earrings.
· And if you belong to the category that believes in the minimalist look, then you can pick up small to large studs ranging from ethnic to totally nouveau.
Tips on Wearing Earrings According to Face Shape:
Fashion experts suggest that one should also take into consideration one's face shape and hair style before deciding on the earring.
· A pair of large earrings on an elfin face will overpower the face's fine features.
· Similarly, over-large earrings with a short hair cut can look unbalanced.
· Long hair can hide a discreet earring so something more dramatic may be called for.
· A long neck can carry off a long chandelier or drop earring but this style will emphasize a short neck. If you're not a swan, choose a short drop earring instead.
· Hair worn piled up on the head adds height and lengthens the neck. This is an ideal opportunity to wear a drop or danglers!
· Consider the neck wear you have chosen and balance the earring. A dramatic statement necklace requires a discreet, minimal earring. If no necklace is being worn then the earrings can take centre stage.
· Stud earrings suit most face shapes and are practical for everyday.
