[BRANDY LPN]

very interesting....keep em coming

[taoist]

Yea, it's an Indian Hindu thing. I'm not sure of the rational behind it though...

[taoist]

Originally Posted by taoist

Yea, it's an Indian Hindu thing. I'm not sure of the rational behind it though...

found this online, and it makes a little bit of sense. My Indian friend (who is of the Brahmin caste) had previously made mention of how he was supposed to wear a string around his waist, so it rang a bell for me. Anyhow this is what I found...

"The son's "thread" -- a strip of thin string worn for life, and slung diagonally across his chest and back, from shoulder to waist -- showed that he was also a Brahmin, Hinduism's highest caste. "

[missmercy]

Have a friend who worked in an ED in a CHildren's hospital -- she had an underprivledged kid ccome into the ED w/ his parents. He was pretty dirty, so while mom and dad were filling out paperwork with another nurse, she cleaned him up -- and OOPS! cut thestring off -- thinking it was just something the kid had done. Parents were furious ! Nurse was horrified and totally embarassed that she had failed to even think it could be significant. She says the experience has made her much more culturally conscious!!

[UK2USA]

Many children of Asian (India, Pakistan etc) descent have a thin string around there body. Whether it be aroung the wrist, ankle, neck or waist. Sometimes a metal or wooden icon is attached. This is of cultural significance and should never be removed. In adults I have seen patients who have kept the same string but as they have grown have transferred it from the waist to the wrist.

[teeituptom]

didnt know that, thanks

[Rep]

For supertitious people in Asia, the string is an amulet to protect the child from "evil spirits." Warning: Don't ever try to remove it without permission, you may get the ire of the parents.

[nursenpnk]

I will be starting in the PICU monday, i will keep my eyes open for these lil strings, very interesting, big fan of learning about cultural practices :-)

[Mrs. M.]

Originally Posted by Mimi2RN

Hmong babies often have a string bracelet. Something to do with keeping the baby's soul attached to him.

Anyone read "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down"?

I've read that book. I worked in peds in the 80's/90's in central California - lots of Hmong immigrants.

[Roy Fokker]

Originally Posted by taoist

"The son's "thread" -- a strip of thin string worn for life, and slung diagonally across his chest and back, from shoulder to waist -- showed that he was also a Brahmin, Hinduism's highest caste. "

The "Sacred thread" is typically white cotton. Bachelors have three strings tied/twirled together. Husbands have 6. Husbands who have lost their father have 9 (this differs from sect to sect).

It is changed every year - typically during the Hindu new year day (naturally, differs from the Gregorian and Julian calenders). It is used as part of every day prayer ritual - a very loose analogy can be drawn to rosary beads.

This thread is also called "Poonal" or "Jan-ae-yo".

The "sacred thread" however, is different from the one work around the waist. This waist thread is typically of a darker hue. While the sacred thread has religious hue - this waist thread has no religious specification... just cultural.

Like Rep pointed out, many asians use them to ward off the "evil eye" (same reasons babies are adorned with "beauty spots").


cheers,