Typical Motifs Found in South Indian Jewelry

So, what is it one mean by the term jewelry? In the most generic sense, it is a decorative ornament crafted out of precious metals, covered with exquisite gems, and adorned by men and women. While that may be a way of seeing things, it certainly is not the end of the story. The journey of jewelry in Indian spans over 5000 years and numerous cultures and traditions. It is imbibed with literature, rituals, myths and legends, symbols and icons, chronicles, and so much more. While it is next to impossible to put into words the entire history of jewelry in India, today, we will attempt to give you a sneak peek into some of the typical motifs found in South Indian jewelry and the story behind it.

1. Parrots

Now, who does not like parrots? These beautiful birds have been a constant companion of Hindu mythology in India for centuries. They were often linked with Kama, the God of love, and his companion Rati. History says Kama used to ride a parrot carrying a bow and arrow crafted out of sugarcane and flowers, respectively. Moreover, the bird in itself is often granted the highest honor and is associated with fertility. Its green feathers symbolize the earth after rain, and the red feather is seen as a mark of unfulfilled desires. While all this may sound far-fetched in today's all-practical world, it did, however, give birth to the ever-popular parrot kasu motifs that are quite common in South Indian jewelry. Its color and symbolic connection to fertility make it a favorite choice among brides in the region.

2. Mango

There is hardly an Indian present who does not know about the fruit mango. Its tasty is unparalleled, so much so that it is considered the king of fruits in India. But did you know that in South Indian jewelry, there is a special connection with mangoes? For ages, the mango tree has been associated with myths and legends in Indian society. They are considered a sign of fertility and long life. Its leaves are believed to hold protective powers and are, therefore, still used in numerous Indian rituals. They can also be found at the entrance of a household. To top it all off, ripe mango is considered to be a favorite of Lord Ganesh and is connected with the signs of attainment, love, and perfection. Considering all of these factors, mango motifs or mango mala or manga malai have become a trend in South Indian jewelry, especially among brides-to-be.

3. Peacock

We all know about the leader of birds in India – the peacock. This gorgeous bird species is known for its iridescent blue neck and bright green tail feathers with eyespots. They are considered a symbol of beauty and elegance along with the blossom of new love. Moreover, it is also considered the mode of transport of Kartikeya or Murugan, the God of love, wisdom, war, and victory. However, this symbolism did not stay restricted and eventually made its way to the world of South Indian jewelry. Today, the peacock motif has become a perfect addition and go-to option for a diamond necklace set.

4. Flowers

The connection between flowers and jewelry is everlasting. Flowers were prevalent even before the use of precious metals. They signified a bonding between man and nature, its flora and fauna. To this day, there is hardly any ritual or practice that is prevalent in India that does not involve the use of flowers and plants. They are considered the purest form of offerings to the almighty. As a mark of this continued Indian faith system, intricate flower motifs have become extremely popular in the southern part of India. One of the common choices that fall under this is the jasmine bud necklace, locally referred to as Mullai arumby malaii, which depicts the tender buds of the flower.

5. Rudraksha

The motif inspiration to make the list is the rudraksha. Since the beginning of days, the rudraksha bead has been associated with Lord Shiva. It is believed to hold the lord's creative energy and grants the wearer the same. Not just that, the bead is often considered to be the third eye of the deity. Its auspiciousness and beauty make it a perfect motif choice for jewelry in more ways than one.

Conclusion

While countless other motif designs can be found in South Indian jewelry, these few certainly rule the market. So much so that they can be found in a diamond jewelry store in New Jersey. Therefore, all you got to do is rush to your nearest outlet and take your pick.