‘Saree’ or ‘sari’ is a traditional outfit in India and is commonly worn in different parts of Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The popularity of sarees has also spread its arms globally, with famous celebrities wearing them at events that are being noticed worldwide. Saree is definitely a much-loved attire but is also often misunderstood.
Let’s unveil the top 15 facts about sarees you never knew, wished you could, or would love to explore!
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Fact 1 Saree has its history
Did you know that the saree dates back to its origin almost 5000 years ago? It has been around for centuries and claims its existence way back to the Indus Valley civilization. According to Hindu beliefs, tradition, and Indian culture, sarees have been the most suitable outfits for any religious or memorable event in India.
Fact 2 Saree can be draped in over 100 styles!
The manner in which sarees are worn in Indian culture varies from one area to another. Sarees have been around for ages and even centuries, which leaves plenty of scope for exploring their draping styles. Yes, it can be draped in multiple ways and in over 100 styles. Bengali draping style, Gujarati draping style, and the Nivi drape from Andhra Pradesh are just a few of the wide array of draping styles.
Fact 3 Sarees need NOT be pinned
Interesting? Can you wear sarees without pining them up, especially over the shoulders, preventing them from falling off from there? The experts do believe that if the sarees are worn in their proper way, there is really no need to pin them up.
Fact 4 Sarees evoke art and draw Global recognition
These stunning attires are also an expression of art, often with a caliber of drawing national or international acclaim – a dream of most designers. These garments are associated with Global recognition.
Fact 5 A strong contributor to the Indian Economy
Sarees in the textile industry have been the flag-bearers of a flourishing Indian economy. Available in stunning and preferable styles, the sale of sarees is in millions. Similarly, the saree market also provides employment to a wide range of employees and artisans associated with its sales, import, and export.
Fact 6 Hidden values and meanings in saree designs/colors
The designs and colors of sarees hold special meaning and are a reference to Indian culture. White sarees signify mourning in Indian culture, and red is marked as a sign of married life and is commonly worn by Indian brides.
The motifs or the designs that are printed on these sarees also have certain meanings. The elephant printed on the saree borders is the mark of royalty. Fish is representative of resourcefulness and fertility.
Fact 7 Old name “sadi”
Saree was earlier identified as ‘sadi’, a well-known Prakrit word. It originated from the word ‘sati,’ which is actually a word in Sanskrit. Sati refers to the ‘strip of cloth’. It is also assumed that in prehistoric India, it was commonly known as “chadar” or “sari.”
Fact 8 "4.5 meters" is the minimum length
Sarees are lengthy garments that may be anything between 4.5 and 9 meters. It is believed that sarees of longer lengths can give way to stunning draping styles. Fashionistas can explore more diverse possibilities of its draping (we did say earlier that sarees can be draped in over 100 styles) with increased length. It is a great way to pull off a fashion statement at a wedding, event, or memorable gathering.
Fact 9 Epitome of fashion and sentimental values
In Indian culture, the saree holds a special sentimental value and can also be passed on to generations. Sarees have been the mark of love, respect, dignity, modesty, values, etc. Some of the popular and trending sarees that are increasingly becoming a favorite of the upcoming generations are Banarasi, Kanjivaram, Georgette, Chiffon, Korial silk, sequin, and Organza sarees.
Most of these sarees reflect a beautiful fusion of modern aesthetics and traditional motifs paired with intricate and colorful designs to go by. Stunning embroidery and eye-catching pallus are the additional magnificence of these sarees.
Fact 10 “Pallus” speaks a lot about the wearer
“Pallu,” also known as the open or the loose end of any saree, can hold a different type of significance in Indian culture. The way a woman chooses to wear the pallu speaks a lot about the region or culture she belongs to! Interesting? It may also give you an idea about her marital status. Pallu of the sarees is also a favorite of fashion designers as they get to experiment a lot with these “loose ends” of such beautiful attires.
Fact 11 Sarees were worn without a petticoat and blouse
The age-old tradition speaks volumes about how sarees were initially worn without a blouse and petticoat such that the modesty of the woman is also covered. Before the British Raj in India, sarees were worn without any additional pieces of garments. It was during the Victorian era that open portions of the chest were considered an improper way of dressing.
It was during this phase that the practice of wearing blouses and petticoats appeared. Even today, experts believe that most traditional sarees don’t require women to wear petticoats and blouses, and they can still be made to look respectful.
Fact 12 A backbone of the embroidery and handloom sectors in India
There are more than just 10 million handloom weavers in India, and the number increases with more demand for stunning sarees. It supports and employs embroidery and handloom industries in India. Plenty of artisans and dyers also rely heavily on the production of sarees for their livelihood.
Fact 13 Sarees are NOT difficult attires!
Sarees often share the image of being one of the most complex and difficult attires to be worn. Women who believe managing a saree after it is being worn is an extremely daunting task should reassess their opinion. It is a free-flowing, easy-to-wear, and no-fussy garment that readily accepts any woman’s body and shape and beautifully molds with it.
Its easy acceptance into various parts of Indian culture, region, and tradition is another cherry on the cake. All you must anticipate is the type of saree you should go for!
Fact 14 A favorite of E-commerce sellers and buyers
Choose any online portal and look for sarees; you will find a huge variety of them in different colors and styles. You get over lakhs of options. The categories for saree shopping are prominent sections of most shopping portals online. In addition, the sale of sarees boosts when it is close to festivity or celebration in India or even overseas.
Fact 15 Sarees vs. Salwar Kameez
Sarees have been facing tough competition from Salwar Kameez. The great thing is that fashionistas are gradually coming up with designs that amalgamate the two. Yes, very soon, you will find most parts of the textile industry covered with the fusion of the two – the sarees and the salwar kameez! If you think sarees can’t be the dresses – wait and watch!
To conclude!
Cotton, chiffon, silk, designer, bridal and wedding collection – saree are everywhere. In a time when new draping styles are being explored in an attempt to make sarees look more fashionable and more comfortable, sarees are surely here to cater to diverse occasional needs and preferences of everyday wear.
The perfect pick can define your essence, refine your personality, and prove to be a souvenir of love worthy of being passed over to future generations.
