…knees and toes.
India, this song might actually be forbidden in school. (i don’t know that but…)
We all know that in comparison to European countries, ours-The United States of America, is rather conservative. For all the scandals, micro-mini skirts and plunging neck lines, we are the reserved ones. In television shows, movies and life, our society looks poorly upon baring it all for attention and empty physical escapades. Such actions infer little respect for one’s dignity. Yet, despite our conservative society rules: bermuda shorts are totally in; sofie’s cheerleading shorts are the most popular clothing article for teen and college age women; sleeveless blouses are all over fashion magazines; and camis are worn everywhere except the office.
Not here. Knees are a no-no; and shoulders? Also a no-no. Our maxi dress trend would fare well here in India (with a cardigan sweater to cover your shoulders), but not much else. Showing your knees or shoulders can be considered too alluring. Go figure that in a society where women can not smile or shake hands with men, knees and shoulders start scandals!
Janelle and Jenna in their Punjabis: Colorful, pattern-ful and comfortable 🙂
Beyond the clothes you wear, what else do you do to be ready for say…church on Sundays? Do you fix your hair, apply makeup and make sure your shoes match? I do*. Well, here those things are almost unneccessary. India has a mix of Christians, Muslims and Hindus all of which have contrasting beliefs and rituals. However, they all have worship; and at worship, Indians, whether worshiping Our Lord and Creator, Allah or Shiva the Destroyer, cover their heads. Muslim women wear burkas 24/7, but the others cover their heads specifically during worship as a sign of reverence. So really, no need to do your hair here.
Women at Sunday Church Service
Then their is the issue of makeup. Never the biggest fan of foundation, I have made it a rule to at least apply mascara and chapstck every day. In the States, makeup is a common daily practice. I even remember seeing girls reapplying mid-day in high school and before going to the gym in college! Though here in India, its just too hot. Your makeup efforts would come streaming down your face in a matter of a few hours. The makeup routine just doesn’t seem worth it here.
And my favorite-shoes! I love shoe shopping, especially in Nordstroms. It just makes me smile to think about such a nice department store with a wide variety of shoes to puruse 🙂 Haven’t seen that in India. The women wear flip flops, always. They walk place to place and have to take OFF their footwear before entering a store or home.
Bare feet on church carpet
Not to mention, road conditions and weather volitility here would have me boxing up even the cutest new peep-toe pumps. Flip flops are just the practical choice in this culture: they are easy to put on and take off, they can get wet and you just rinse them if they’re dirty. If you need any more reasons for the flip flop phenomenon, here are two: one-it would be difficult to find shoes to match the variety of color and patterns in their dress and two-with being so covered the feet are prime realestate for henna.
henna on top of my foot
When was the last time you wore toe rings? Do you know people with toe rings??? I can’t honestly say I’ve ever regularly worn them. Its a good thing too. Since everyone wears sandals here, your toes are visible, always. Not only does this mean you need to keep up your polish, but you need to accessorize. As a culture, the people wear ankle bracelets and draw henna on the toes and feet as decoration. Toe rings are special for married women. I told you-the feet and toes are always visible, so its nearly as obvious as our tradition of left hand wedding rings. That is not practiced here because the left hand is unclean, so only the right hand is used for greetings, eating and business. Can you imagine wearing toe rings all the time? I can’t-they would surely be uncomfortable in those cute pumps I mentioned earlier.
There you have it. The Head-Shoulders-knees- and Toes of India. Keep your head covered for worship. Hide shoulders and knees at all times. Get a pedi and show off your toes!
Its a big, wide world with lots of diversity. I love every chance I get to explore and observe it! 
Gorgeous special occasion saree
Thank yall for your financial support as well as continued love and prayers as I venture along this journey doing what I love.
**i’m not soliciting comments from the peanut gallery on this topic…MOM! 😉
