Toe ring

Toe rings in India

• Wearing of toe rings in India dates back to ancient times.
• In the Ramayana, there is a mention of Sita throwing her toe ring down so that Lord Rama could find her.
• Toe rings worn by women signify that they are married.
• During the wedding ceremony, the husband puts the toe rings on the second toe of both feet.
• Toe rings in India are usually made of silver and worn in pairs on the second toe of both feet.

Toe rings outside India

• Toe rings were introduced to the United States by Marjorie Borell in 1973.
• Toe rings are worn by both men and women in the US as a fashion statement.
• Toe rings can be found at state fair booths and beach town shops.
• Small boutiques in popular tourist locations offer personalized fittings of fitted rings.
• Toe rings are also worn by males and females in Africa, believed to have arrived from India.

Benefits of toe rings in Ayurveda

• Toe rings are believed to regulate the menstrual cycle and increase chances of conception.
• The slight pressure on the second toe ensures a healthy uterus.
• Some cultures believe that the pressure on the second toe helps ease pain during intercourse.
• Unmarried Hindu girls may wear toe rings on the third toe to ease menstrual pain.

Historical and cultural significance

• Toe rings were traditionally made of silver and were quite ornate.
• Some bichiya sets may have pairs for four of the five toes, excluding the little pinky.
• Gold toe rings are also commonly seen, despite traditional restrictions on wearing gold below the waist.
• Tamil men wore toe rings in ancient times as a way for women to identify married men.
• Mirror rings were sometimes worn on the great toe for decorative purposes in the 19th century.

Toe ring Data Sources