Bindi (decoration)
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Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/122.105.146.134|122.105.146.134]] to last version by 74.202.126.10 (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]])
:"Red Dot" redirects here. For other uses see [[Red Dot (disambiguation)]]
[[Image:Bindi.pottu.battu.jpg|thumb|300px|A bindi on a forehead.]]
A '''bindi''' (from Sanskrit bindu, meaning "a drop, small particle, dot") is a forehead decoration worn in [[South Asia]]<ref>.[http://www.indianwomenclothing.com/wear-by-religion/hindu-wearing.html Hindu-Wearing]</ref> and [[Southeast Asia]]. Traditionally it is a dot of red color applied in the center of the forehead close to the eyebrows, but it can also consist of a sign or piece of jewelry worn at this location.
Traditionally, married [[Hindu]] women wear a bindi. The traditional bindi is made with red [[sindoor]] powder or perhaps a black ointment. The bindi is a form of ''[[tilak]]'', religious Hindu signs worn on the forehead. Nowadays, bindis are also worn by women who are not married, children, and by women who are not Hindu. Colours : The hindus belive that a red bindi should be worn by women who are married and a black bindi is worn by single girls. A black bindi is also believed to keep the evil spirits away.
Outside South Asia, bindis may be worn by women of Indian origin. Western women who have [[List of converts to Hinduism|converted to]] [[Hinduism]], such as in the [[Hare Krishnas]], may also wear bindis. Sometimes they are worn as a style statement. International celebrities such as [[Gwen Stefani]], [[Shakira]], [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]], [[Nina Hagen]], [[Nelly Furtado]], and [[Shania Twain]] have been seen wearing bindis.
==Alternative names of bindi==
[[Image:Hindu Bindi.jpg|thumb|Bindis come in different styles to cater to [[Cultural appropriation|different tastes]].]]
[[Image:Indian Woman with bindi.jpg|thumb|An Indian woman with a bindi on her forehead.]]
A bindi can be called:
* ''Tikli'' in [[Marathi]]
* ''Pottu'' in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]
* ''Tilak'' in [[Hindi]]
* ''Chandlo'' in [[Gujarati_language|Gujarati]]
* ''Bottu'' or ''Tilakam'' (in [[Telugu language|Telugu]])
* ''Bottu'' or ''Tilaka'' (in [[Kannada language|Kannada]])
* ''Teep'' (meaning "a pressing") (in [[Bengali language|Bengali]])
* ''Nande'' is a term erroneously used to describe the bindi in [[Malaysia]]. It may contain [[pejorative]] connotations although not in most cases.
Sometimes the terms sindoor, kumkum, or kasturi are used by reference to the material used to make the mark.
==Religious significance==
The area between the eyebrows (where the bindi is placed) is said to be the sixth [[chakra]], ''[[ajna]]'', the seat of "concealed wisdom". According to followers of [[Tantrism]], this chakra is the exit point for [[kundalini]] energy. The bindi is said to retain [[kundalini|energy]] and strengthen concentration. [http://hinduism.about.com/library/weekly/aa072002a.htm]. It is also said to protect against demons or bad luck.
== Related customs ==
In addition to the bindi, in India, a vermilion mark in the parting of the hair just above the forehead is worn by married women as a symbol of their married status. During North Indian marriage ceremonies, the groom applies [[sindoor]] on the parting in the bride's hair.
Ancient Chinese women wore similar marks (for purely decorative purposes) since the second century, which became popular during the Tang Dynasty.
[[Image:ModernBindi.JPG|thumb|150px|right|Collection of modern bindis]]
==In modern times==
In modern times, the bindi has become a decorative item and is worn by unmarried as well as non-Hindu women, in [[India]], [[Bangladesh]] and other countries of [[South Asia]]. It is no longer restricted in colour or shape. Self-adhesive bindis (also known as sticker bindis) are available. They are made of felt or thin metal, and come with an adhesive on one side. These are simple to apply, disposable substitutes for older tilak bindis. Sticker bindis come in many colors, designs, materials, and sizes. Fancy sticker bindis may be decorated with sequins, glass beads, or rhinestones for extra dazzle.
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{commonscat|Bindi}}
==External links==
*[http://www.chennaionline.com/style/Beautytrends/beautytips/bindi.asp Bindi and its significance]
==See also==
*[[Bindu]]
*[[Tilaka]]
{{cosmetics}}
[[Category:Indian culture]]
[[Category:Bangladeshi culture]]
[[Category:Cosmetics]]
[[Category:Jewellery]]
[[Category:Sanskrit words and phrases]]
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