Thoranam

Thoranam ( தோரணம்) are hanging decorations in Tamil traditions. Rooted in Tamil culture it got a history way back to the Sanggam period which was 2000 years ago. The main purpose it was used on those days, since no printed invitations, to differentiate whether it is a happy occasion or mourning for the people who visit that place. It is made up of tender coconut leaf blades and has two types.

• Mangala Thoranam - Auspicious are used during festival season and happy occasions in houses and temples.Thoranam has a bird like design and got four or five them which faces upward direction.

• Amangala Thoranam - Inauspicious are used at mourning places. It has three birds which faces downwards.
Another thoranam is Maavilai Thoranam made up of mango tree leaves which will be tied up on the main door of a temple or house for auspicious. Mango leaves are good disinfectant which helps when there is a gathering of people for festivals are good occasions

Veppilai thoranam is made up of Neem leaves where veepam (neem) + ilai(leaf) = veppilai. Neem is a very good disinfectant for various diseases like small pox and mysterious fever especially during the summer season. In the Amman(Paarvathi) festivals were celebrated during summer and neem leaves are very prominently hung in temples, houses and streets. It is believed that the green leaves hung on the entrance would filter the air and provide cleaner air for us to breathe.

- Aaron Prasad

Art of Draping Saree

Selai(சேலை) or Saree

Styles of Draping

There are over 80 recorded ways to wear a sari. The most common style is for the sari to be wrapped around the waist, with the loose end of the drape to be worn over the shoulder, baring the midriff. However, the sari can be draped in several different styles. Although some styles do require a sari of particular length or form. 

How it's Made

Sari are made of various kinds of threads which a weaver will weave them all together on a handloom. The body of a sari is woven in a plain weave and the cross border of the sari is woven into a rib weave. It is then soaked in water overnight to be woven in a wet condition, this will prevent the sari from coiling on itself or tangle. After a few inches of weaving, a solution of gum Arabic is applied to the sari in order to stiffen it.

- Yen Li