We, Indians, have a great fascination for lucky charms and objects that bring wealth and prosperity. Buying gold and silver articles on auspicious days has always been the traditional way to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into our houses. Festivals like Dhanteras are celebrated mostly by purchasing precious metals and other objects that are associated with luck and riches. When it comes to valuable assets bought as lucky charms, gold and silver are the favourite choices of a number of buyers. The lustre of these shining metals is believed to be associated with the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi on whoever possesses them. While gold takes the pride of place as the most sought after article bought on auspicious days, not everyone can afford to buy it due to the skyrocketing prices. For those who want to usher in wealth without splurging and yet go for something valuable and alluring, silver is the ultimate choice.
Cultural influences have been one of the reasons why buying silver is considered auspicious in India. There is a close relation between silver and our religious festivals. Using silver articles for worshipping deities and performing ceremonies is an age old tradition all across the country. Puja thalis, silver statues of gods and goddesses, lamps, and many other objects used in rites and rituals during festivals are mostly in silver. There is a belief that silver represents moon who is worshipped in Indian culture as an important deity. The medicinal properties of silver are often compared to the cooling effect of the moonlight. With all these associations with a heavenly entity, it is then no wonder that people worship and possess silver as a powerful symbol of luck and prosperity.
Silver coins with the image of Goddess Lakshmi or Ganesha embossed on them are widely used on days like Dhanteras, Diwali, and Bhaidooj as a gift to our dear ones. Being a symbol of wealth and luxury, buying and gifting silver coins and other silver articles on auspicious days has become an integral part of our celebrations to wish bounty on those who receive it. Purchasing silverware and keeping them in the East direction of your home as you welcome Goddess Lakshmi on Dhanteras is our way of ensuring year-round fortune and abundance.
Silver, when worn as jewelry, has several therapeutic effects on the body of the wearer. More than gold, it is silver that finds a mention in the ancient medicinal texts as a potential cure for many diseases, especially those of women. Silver is believed to cool down the nerves and ease the tension of a short tempered person. Married women wear silver anklets, toe rings, and mangalsutra to ward off evil, as a protection against gynecological problems like infertility and miscarriage, and to ensure good health. Silver worn in the lower part of the body is supposed to react positively with the Earth’s energy and refresh the whole body. Though people buy silver ornaments for the most auspicious reasons, the health benefits are probably the original motive behind wearing them. The lunar association of silver also provides great medicinal value to this radiant metal.
In our country, silver is also considered a valuable asset that adds luxury to one’s home. Using exquisite silver filigree work in the interiors to decorate and serving dishes in silver plates and bowls is a centuries old tradition and shows the wealth and refinement of the families. Silverware, silver statues, antique silver ornaments, silver utensils, coins and fixtures definitely are a symbol of opulence, sophistication, heritage, and good taste. Buying silver thus becomes all the more auspicious as it stands for the owner’s prestige and social status in a subtle yet classy way.
