Toe Rings - Mettelu

Toe Rings:

Toe Rings (Mettelu in Telugu) are usually made of silver and worn in pairs by Indian married women which are made of Silver. This is a ring with two or three line rounds, worn in their second finger from toe. Traditionally they are quite ornate, though more contemporary designs are now being developed to cater to the modern bride

Cultural Beliefs:

Traditionally a large ring was worn on the great toe of the left foot to indicate a married status. As Toe Rings were considered to be symbolic of married woman, Hindu religion prohibits unmarried girls from wearing Toe Rings. Even in present times, girls refrain from wearing toe-rings before marriage.

Toe rings also symbolize a woman’s dual status as sister and wife. She wears two sets of toe rings on each foot one for her brother and one for her husband. When either the husband or brother dies, one set is removed. The symbolism is that if her husband were to die then her brother would offer her protection.

Symbol of Marriage:

There is a special ceremony performed for wearing toe rings at the time of marriage. Along with other symbols of marriage toe rings are also a traditional symbol of marriage. They are worn on both feet. They are usually put on the bride's feet by the groom.

As toe rings are a symbol of married status, according to the Hindu culture and religious beliefs the unmarried girls are prohibited to wear toe rings. Though in the present age toe rings have become a fashion ornament, but the Indian girls still refrain from wearing toe rings before marriage.

Fashion Accessory:

In today's times, toe rings are no more used as traditional ornaments. They are found even in the western countries and have become a great fashion accessory of the modern era. In the western culture toe rings are mainly a fashion statement to decorate the feet.

Scientific reasons: 

• The scientific reason for toe ring is that they press certain nerves in the second toe which keeps the reproductive system healthy and in balance. 
• By wearing this in both feet, it is believed, that their menstrual cycle course is regularized with even intervals. This gives good scope for conceiving to married women. it is said just because that particular nerve in the second finger from toe also connects the uteruses and passes thru heart. Because of this, the constant friction caused while walking and doing all sorts of chores during a day, it revitalizes the productivity organs. 
• Silver being a good conductor, it also absorbs the energy from the polar energies from the earth and passes it to the body, thus refreshing whole body system. 
• Some men frequently wore a ring on the big toe for curative purposes or to augment their masculine vigor. Wearing toe ring to the second toe has sexual/erotic effect.

Ayurveda:

Our bodies have something called 'prana' which translates variously as soul, life force, vital energy, etc. This prana runs through our body via different channels, right to your toes. Hence a toe ring is used to keep this force healthy.

Interesting Facts:

The toe ring is especially worn on the toe next to the big toe because that is where the channel for sexual vigor runs through. It is believed that this is also one of the reasons why toe rings are not made of gold, gold being a better conductor of heat would dissipate the 'energy' of the body.

Toe Rings may not be made of gold, as gold holds a 'respected' status and may not be worn below the waist. Hindus believe that gold is the metal of the Gods; it symbolizes Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, and therefore considers it inappropriate to wear gold below the waist.