Indian Art:Saris

By: Assma Shabab, and Amal Al Kuwari

What is a SariA sari is a cultural dressing mainly worn in

India, 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? 

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 do Saris have in the Indian Culture?

A sari is traditional Indian dress that dates back to

the Indus Valley Civilization as far back as 2800-1800 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. Sometimes

even the design on the saris represent who you are. Paisley saris are a symbol of fertility.

Elephant saris represent water, fertility and royalty. Parrot saris are a symbol of courtship and passion. Conch saris symbolize warriors. Conchs are a symbol of God in sound. During wartime, each warrior had his own specific

conch.

Summary In the end Indian saris are a unique

and cultural fashion trend, with great meanings behind

each one.

Bibliography http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-georgette-

fabric.htm http://www.articlesbase.com/clothing-article

s/history-of-the-indian-sari-953435.html http://www.helium.com/items/559506-the-si

gnificance-of-saris http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clothing_in_India

Thank you!