I chose an article called the Rites of Passage and Rituals in India by Jasleen Dhamijia. The article explores the deep connection of garments with many Indians lives. The ritual of weaving is considered as a form of yoga by some communities as it requires a disciplined rhythmic movement of the body. In some tribal communities, the act of weaving certain garments is rite of passage before occasions like weddings. Similarly, the article discusses the wearing of certain garments as a rite of passage, like before a child is born. Additionally, garments often have symbolic significance based on who has woven it, for whom and for specific occasions. For examples, priests from the Vagris community create paintings of the mother goddess with dye. Once complete, the garments become possessed by the goddess and act as her oracle.
I did not realize that garments and the act of weaving had this much significance in some Indian communities. Reading this article definitely let me appreciate the act of weaving much more. I have seen Indian weavers before but I had never really thought much about how difficult and specialized it is. I knew about some of these traditions but looking at the numerous different traditions from communities all around India. It’s interesting that these traditions with garments are a shared experience throughout different religions and cultures around India.
It was fascinating to read about how deeply intertwined weaving is in Indian culture. It says a lot about the culture that the words for weaving are the origins for such religious and spiritual words. I agree with Aditi that reading this definitely appreciates the act of weaving, but it also lets me appreciate the art of weaving more. The idea that a weaver goes into an enlightened meditative state makes me think of the state of “flow” that happens when I paint, and time seems to become irrelevant, which helps me understand the spiritual aspect a bit more. It’s interesting how in times of globalization, a lot of countries keep their heritage alive through the traditional clothing they wear. However in India, this seems to be an especially symbiotic relationship where the textiles and rites of passage are so involved with each other. The textiles tie back to the rituals, and the rituals in turn keep the textiles alive.
Aditi and Jasmine, this is such a rich article. I am really moved by how cloth and the making of cloth (through weaving) is considered a sacred act in India historically and today. The symbolism within the act of weaving, dyeing, and wearing the cloth has meaning as does the designs or texts that might be printed on the cloth itself – I did not realize how deeply ingrained this is in Indian textile making.