Indian
brides have always been adorned as lavishly as a family’s means could
arrange. Colorful saris with golden threads, thick with embroidery,
jewelery, lavish hair styles, and cosmetics announce to the community
the means and status of the bride. Prior to the 19th century, Hindu
brides were adorned with turmeric, lac, and kumkum. Muslim brides had
henna, and a night of the henna. These traditions gradually merged and
fused, and energized each other through the late 20th century.
