Why do people in India wear those strings around their waists?

Question

I have often wondered the significance or meaning of this. I assume its a religious symbol?

oh yea by the way, losers..no stupid comments

Anyone from India?

Heaven Sent: Thats a great answer but you describe the string around the shoulder and over arm. THe string I have seen so many times on young boys is just around the waist, in the same location as a belt would be, but worn with or withouth clothes.

Answer 1

not all people in india wear the sacred thread or "janeu" (pronounced "juh-nay-oo"). this sacred thread is worn by hindu males. an "upanayanam" ceremony, or the thread-ceremony is a hindu ritual, traditionally performed on hindu boys to mark the point when they began their formal education.

The thread is circular, being tied end-to-end; it is supported on the left shoulder and wrapped around the body, falling underneath the right arm. The length of the thread is 96 times the breadth of four fingers of a man, which is believed to be equal to his height. Each of the four fingers represents one of the four states that the soul of a man experiences: waking, dreaming, dreamless sleep and knowledge of the absolute.

"janeu" is made up of 3 threads, each consisting of three strands. These threads represent

* Goddess Gayatri (Goddess of mind),
* Goddess Saraswati (Goddess of word) and
* Goddess Savitri (Goddess of deed).

It denotes that one who wear the sacred thread should be pure in his thought, word and deed. The sacred thread reminds a man to lead a regulated life with purity in his thought, word and deed.

The knot in the middle represent the formless man, the pure form of energy which pervades all. The sacred thread illustrates the fact that everything in the universe emerge from and then merge with "brahman" (cosmos)

The ancient text refer to wearing of "janeu" in three forms.

* One is Upavītam, where the "janeu" is worn over the left shoulder and under the right arm. This is for Gods.

* The Second is Nivītam, where the "janeu" is worn around the neck and over the chest. Nivīta form is to be used during sexual intercourses, answering the calls of nature etc.

* The third, Prachīnavītam is where the "janeu" is worn above the right shoulder and under the left arm. This is for Spirits.

In some communities, later, at the occasion of wedding, a further three threads are added to make for a 6-thread bunch. In some communities, the custom exists of one thread more being added at the birth of every child. In some interpretations, these threads are intended to constantly remind the man of his worldly responsibilities.

The sacred thread is supposed to be worn for the rest of one's life after the ceremony has been performed. A new thread is worn and the old thread discarded every year; the change-over ceremony is held on a specific date calculated as per the Hindu lunar calendar.

Both the "janeu" and the "Upanayanam" ceremony are known by different names in different languages.

Answer 2

Indians wear dhotis at home these days, in some areas like Tamil Nadu they wear dhotis even when they go out. A dhoti is just a piece of cloth. They need these strings around their waists to hold that cloth. Nowadays, not many Indians are keeping the strings around their waists as they have cease to wear traditional dhotis.

Answer 3

I think is a belive of good luck or bad luck. Its most of the time given by by priest. I dont think its a religios symbol. My wife is hindu and she is not wearing one.

Answer 4

I don't know but from one loser to another....most people only give stupid answers.

Answer 5

To strangle them skinny arms, just kidding!

Answer 6

Unless you are planning to begin to wear such a thing yourself what's the point of even knowing.

Answer 7

You mean the men?Oh that's to hold up there well endowed penises.