1,214
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 77:
Line 77: + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
no edit summary
Number of marma- 1
Number of marma- 1
== Hair in Hinduism and samskara significance ==
In all cultures, human hair and hairdo have been a never-ending subject of declamation for moralists, and a popular object of fashion and style. The underlying fact is that our hair is not without a purpose. The hair represents a part of our body, and at the same time reflects how we feel, both mentally and physically, and communicates this to our peers.
Hair is a powerful metaphor in Hindu mythology. By definition, the myths represent traditional sacred stories, typically revolving around the activities of gods and heroes, that purport to explain natural phenomena or cultural practices.
Hindus practice a variety of rituals from birth to death, that are collectively known as Samskaras, meaning “rites of purification.” These are believed to make the body pure and fit for worship. In Hindu tradition, the hair from birth is associated with undesirable traits from past lives. Thus, on the occasion of the Mundan ceremony, the child is shaven to signify freedom from the past and moving into the future. It is also believed that the shaving of the hair stimulates the proper growth of the brain and nerves, whereas a tuft at the crown of the head, protects the memory.
A boy's first haircut, usually in his 1st or 3rd year, is known as Choula, and represents yet another such Samskara. It is considered an event of great auspiciousness. Conventionally, a Hindu girl never has her hair cut after the first haircut, which generally happens at the age of 11 months. Therefore, the first haircut for the girl is very important because that is the only time they do. However, some Hindus practice a tonsure ceremony for girls as well. While complete tonsure is common, some Hindus prefer to leave some hair on the head, distinguishing this rite from the inauspicious tonsure that occurs on the death of a parent. Those who practice complete tonsure generally ritually offer the hair to their family deity. Many travel to temples such as the famed Tirumala Venkateswara Temple to perform this ritual.<ref>Trüeb RM. From Hair in India to Hair India. ''Int J Trichology''. 2017;9(1):1-6. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_10_17</ref>
== Scientific basis for timing of Chaulam samskara ==
At birth, the newborn's skull consists of five major bones (two frontal, two parietal, and one occipital) that are separated by connective tissue junctions known as cranial sutures.[1] The sutures function as seams, and they are highly necessary to facilitate the movement and molding of the cranium through the birth canal during labor. They also allow for rapid postnatal growth and development of the brain. However, the bones that shape the cranium begin unfused, leaving several gaps between the individual bones of the infant's skull. These gaps are composed of membranous connective tissue and are known as fontanelles. Fontanelles, often referred to as "soft spots," are one of the most prominent anatomical features of the newborn's skull. Six fontanelles are present during infancy, with the most notable being the anterior and posterior fontanelles. Fontanelle morphology may vary between infants, but characteristically they are flat and firm. Certain conditions such as dehydration or infection can alter the appearance of the fontanelles, causing them to sink or bulge, respectively. The average closure time of the anterior fontanelle ranges from 13 to 24 months.[3] <ref>Lipsett BJ, Reddy V, Steanson K. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Fontanelles. [Updated 2021 Jul 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: <nowiki>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542197/</nowiki></ref>
In humans, the sequence of fontanelle closure is as follows: 1) posterior fontanelle generally closes 2-3 months after birth, 2) sphenoidal fontanelle is the next to close around 6 months after birth, 3) mastoid fontanelle closes next from 6-18 months after birth, and 4) the anterior fontanelle is generally the last to close between 1-3 years of age (in one recent human sample, the anterior fontanelle was closed in most individuals by 31 months postnatally, in another sample most individuals older than 17 months exhibited closure of this fontanelle). If the sagittal fontanelle is present, it is usually located near the parietal notch and is present at birth in 50-80% of perinatal skulls. It is defined by the sixth prenatal month and is usually obliterated at birth or within a few months after birth. The sagittal fontanelle has been clinically associated with Down’s syndrome and other abnormalities. If the metopic fontanelle is present, it will obliterate between 2 to 4 years of age. In humans, all fontanelles are generally fused by the fifth year of life with 38% of fontanelles closed by the end of the first year and 96% of the fontanelles closed by the second year. <ref>Melanie Beasley. AGE OF FONTANELLES / CRANIAL SUTURES CLOSURE. https://carta.anthropogeny.org/moca/topics/age-fontanelles-cranial-sutures-closure</ref>
== References ==
== References ==
[[Category:Samskaras]]
[[Category:Samskaras]]