Indian Art: Saris By: Assma Shabab, and Amal Al Kuwari

The culture for the Saris is mainly from the Indian culture, from all different parts of India.

Why is it unique The dressing that they wear, which is the sari, is very unique because none of the other cultures do this type of fashion trend and also the type of fabric they use is very different from the other types of fabrics. Which is Georgette (which is basically like silk).

How does the Indian environment influence the creation of Saris? How does the Indian environment influence the creation of Saris? The weather has a big influence on the type of fabric that is used, because the weather over there is hot and humid. Also the weather affects how the design of the sari is like for example in cold countries the sari wouldn’t be open but closed. So the weather has a great affect on the saris of India. Also they used to make saris out of a special fabric called Georgette, which is light and cool like a a’baya and has a draping effect. Georgette was traditionally made out of silk in the past, and now a days some fiber such as polyester are sometimes used in the textile as well.

What significance does Saris have in the Indian Culture? A sari is traditional Indian dress that dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization as far back as BC. Hindu culture believes that any cloth pierced by a needle was impure, so saris were woven of pure cotton. Over time, silk and other threads were woven together on handlooms to make intricate designs and patterns.

Saris varied in length and were traditionally worn wrapped about the waist and draped over the shoulder leaving the midriff bare. Ancient culture believed that the source of life and creativity was the navel, so it was custom to keep this area bare. Since small waists, large hips and breasts were admired, Saris emphasized a women's body.

Saris are a reflection of cultural diversity. Different patterns and colors have specific meaning. White is considered pure and is worn during rituals and for mourning. Red saris represent valor. Many brides don red saris because of the emotional, sexual and fertility related implications of this color. Originally, merchant classes wore green saris. Today green is popular amongst many Muslim groups. Muslim brides will sometimes wear this color.

Blue saris are associated with working class. Since the fermentation process for creating this color was considered impure, high caste Hindus would avoid this color. Farmers, weavers, and artisans commonly wear this color. Black saris were a reflection of sorrow and bad omens. This color is usually avoided.

Yellow saris are regarded as the color of religion. New mothers will wear a yellow sari for seven days after the birth of their child. Brides and grooms are usually covered in a yellow paste on the first day of their wedding. Paisley saris are a symbol of fertility. Elephant saris represent water, fertility and royalty. Parrot saris are a symbol of courtship and passion. Fish saris represent fertility and an abundance of food and wealth. Not surprisingly, many people don these saris in coastal regions. Conch saris symbolize warriors. Conchs are a symbol of God in sound. During wartime, each warrior had his own specific conch.

In the end Indian saris are a unique and cultural fashion trend, with great meanings behind each one.

Thank you!