Traditions and beliefs associated with gold

India is a unique country with rich culture and heritage, and a strong belief system that has existed for many centuries. Everything Indians do in their lives is influenced by religion, tradition and culture. Of all the inculcated values, a form of metal and its ornaments that Indians consider pious is gold.

Long standing beliefs inform our attitudes to how jewellery is worn – which person wears what, where it should be on the body and what different pieces signify about the wearer. It is also believed that wearing certain pieces of jewellery can have positive effects on health and psychology.

In this article, we present some of these beliefs and traditions, which were widely followed in ancient India and some continue to influence lives even today.

• Gold and Human Body

  Gold is believed to have healing power, and when worn on the right body parts, it is believed to cure various health problems. Here are a few major beliefs:

  • Wearing gold on the last finger helps resolve cold, fever and breathing problems.
  • Wearing a locket of gold or gold around the neck resolves marital life issues.
  • A gold ring on the middle finger cures infertility issues.

• Gold and Religion

  Gold is considered to be the best metal in Dharmashastras (religious books) because it does not rust. The brightness and glitter of gold is permanent. Hence, it is used for making ornaments for gods.

  Similar to these beliefs, there are many other stories, religious anecdotes as well as personal experiences which back them. There are some people who may not agree to these, but irrespective, gold continues to remain the most precious and sought-after metal with or without these beliefs.