Scientific logic behind few Indian rituals

 

Indian civilisation has a long back history, and with it, there are many rituals and beliefs. These are being carried from the day it originated till now. Many of us like to follow the rituals and many of us are still in search of logic behind it. I won't say that these beliefs and traditions are baseless, infact they are the scientific reason behind them. Our ancestors had these beliefs as they had their own reason for following it, but this century is still holding it with strictness to it. When our generation asks our parents that 'why should we do it like this', the question remains unanswered or maybe we get scolded. It is not that we don't want to follow, but we would rather be happy if we find a logic behind it. So here are a few of the rituals/beliefs/myths and their scientific logic behind their origination for our and the next generation. I found it with the help of my Grand Pa and my cousin.

1. Namaste - So starting from the greeting, yes there is science after 'namaste' too. Basically, when we join both our hands to greet, it is ensured that the tips of the fingers join with each other. The points pressed are linked with our eyes, ears, and minds. This helps us to remember someone for a long time.

2. Don't cut nails at night - Our parents say that we should not cut our nails at night. Earlier people used to follow it because they didn't have access to light. And cutting nails in darkness might cut their skin too.

3. Girls should not enter the kitchen during periods - Girls in many houses are not allowed to enter the kitchen for 5 days of their menstrual cycle. Our ancestors used to follow this rule because already the female members of the house used to do lots of works daily. So in order to give rest to their body for these 5 days, they were said to have rest. But now this rule is being followed strictly and denoting periods as impure.

4. Cleaning the home before Diwali - Diwali comes in October or November when the rainy season uses to end. Earlier the rainy season was one of the seasons which broke the houses of people, so in order to renovate the whole house was cleaned to prepare the house before a festival

Hence, the point is not that we should stop following all the rituals and customs as they tell us what we are. But we should not follow blindly anything without knowing the meaning of it. Also, any individual should not be forced to practice a ritual that has lost its meaning in the 21st century. You tell me of any ritual like this and if you know the reason behind it. If my grandpa tells me more, I will put it up on the blog.