This article was originally published on Myhealthgazette.com

From a foreigner’s perspective, India is full of strange oddities and wonderful customs! There is no other place in the world where Asiatic Lions, a temple to worship rats, and a lake formed from a meteor, can all be found in one country. That place is India, the land full of surprises. Indian culture is one of the oldest in the world, thus, it is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating cultures as well. Join us as we explore the deep corners of India to discover what makes this place one-of-a-kind!

Wedding Ring Customs

In the southernmost part of the Indian peninsula lies a town called Tamil Nadu. In this region of India, they pass down an interesting custom from generation to generation. When a woman gets married, it’s considered good luck to wear a silver toe ring on the “index” toe. It is believed that this tradition helps produce a healthy pregnancy, while a gold ring doesn’t! 

In the alternative medicine system, Ayurveda, it’s believed that the nerve in the second toe runs directly to a woman’s uterus. Thus, applying pressure there helps ensure a healthy uterus. Like most other countries, gold is seen as a sacred symbol of abundance in India. Therefore, Hinduism forbids placing gold on the feet, the most humble part of the body.