Baby Jewellery – Gajjal

by Kavitha Balakrishnan on November 23, 2013

In TamilNadu, even a new born child is adorned with gold (to the extent it can bear)

A chain with a deity stamped pendant, a small baby ring, anklets and an ornament called Gajjal.

It is sort of a belt made in gold, but in a beautiful pattern. It is worn on the baby’s waist.

If it is a girl child then small bangles and bracelets are also given. I dont personally encourage it, because I feel it hurts the baby’s skin. Especially the Gajjal. But as I said all jewellery are worn for a reason.

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Mostly the affluent grandparents gift this to their grandson/granddaughter.

During the naming ceremony, all relatives and friends give gifts to the baby. (it is like a baby shower) It can be dresses, items in silver that the baby will use ( I will write about it in another blog) and jewellery.

In TamilNadu, the most valued gift is either in silver or gold. And people also like to gift in it, if it is in their means. Even people who have very less income like to gift either in silver or gold, because they feel its below their status to do lesser that. I have seen people borrowing money to gift others in gold or silver.

 

Kavitha Balakrishnan

Kavitha Balakrishnan

Kavitha Balakrishnan

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