Nose chain

Indian bride wearing a nose chain

A nose chain is a type of facial jewellery that originated centuries ago as a part of women's fashion in India.

Physical aspects

Simply put, the nose chain is a link between a nose piercing and an ear piercing. Typically, these "chains" are just that: chain links, usually (though not always) made of some kind of metal. Yet, besides actual chains, the term "nose chain" can denote other types of connecting materials between nose and ear piercings, such as the common alternative of rosary beads. Other connectors can be used as well.

History

The nose chain has been commonly worn by women in South Asia for centuries. Women in India have been wearing them since the 16th century when Mughal emperors brought them from Central Asia.[1] It is especially significant during wedding ceremonies. Hindu tradition dictates that on the wedding night, the bride wears a nose chain, which is hooked by a chain to either the earring or hair. The bridegroom removes the nose chain, symbolizing the end of the bride's virginity.

Subculture

Today the nose chain has risen to prevalence as a recent introduction of Gothic fashion and is now known for its use in several different subcultures around the world.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Nose and Ear Piercing. Archived 2009-09-21 at the Wayback Machine. IndiaCurry.com.
  2. ↑ Ladouceur, Liisa; Pullin, Gary (1999). Encyclopedia Gothica. ECW Press. pp. 198–199. ISBN 978-1-77041-024-4.
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