The reasoning behind traditions which are seldom mentioned by our parents

Nowadays, in the name of superstition,people forget and disregard their origins despite making  a little effort to learn why this practice or custom  has been practiced for, why it spreads from generation to generation, how it started and why we should follow it.

We lack the understanding of the logical reason behind several rituals and customs and brand them as superstitious and meaningless. We have shelved away many of these anecdotes passed by our forefathers with years of increasing westernization,a lot of it because of sheer ignorance.
Have we ever wondered why certain things are devised in the way they are?Why do we have specifications to every ritual followed?
If you get to know the answer of any of the above question, you will certainly be amazed and feel proud to follow it at the same  time.

I might say "OUR CUSTOMS BACKENED BY A LOGIC " in a short sentence.
     If you are educated enough  not to believe in superstitions, then you must be educated enough to believe in science. Before naming the custom  that has been preserved for centuries as myth, you must know the truth and make your belief backed by science of customs written below:

1.THE SALUTATION "NAMASTE"

In Hindu culture, people greet each other by joining their palms - termed as “Namaskar.” The general reason behind this tradition is that greeting by joining both the palms means respect. However, scientifically speaking, joining both hands ensures joining the tips of all the fingers together; which are denoted to the pressure points of eyes, ears, and mind. Pressing them together is said to activate the pressure points which helps us remember that person for a long time. And, no germs since we don’t make any physical contact!

2.WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF CONDUCTING THE ABHISHEKAM?

Discussions have been conducted about performing abhishekams in temples for stone idols. These age-old granite idols tend to develop aged cracks. Regular contact with agents such as milk, honey and oil help to keep the idol intact so that these ancient sculptures are preserved.

3. WHY PEOPLE FEED CROWS BEFORE A MEAL(MAINLY IN SOUTHERN PARTS)?
                           

After the meal for the day is prepared, a portion of every dish is kept outside for crows to feast on, so that members of the family have the satisfaction of having fed their ancestors. There is an interesting reason behind this age-old tradition. Earlier on, when there was no electricity and hence no proper light in the early hours of the morning, people were doubtful of the food they cooked. The crow, as we all know, is a creature that can eat almost everything, and that which never refuses food.
5.WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF BELL IN THE TEMPLES?

                                 It began a long time ago to draw people's attention around the temple and to indicate and invite people to pray. The Bell ringing effect in temples is much more than an old practice of habit or age. Ancient wisdom has cleverly designed certain activities that we benefit from pursuing it rotatively and failing to recognize the benefits. On closer examination, an intricate composition of several metals that make up the temple bell would be found. Different metals including cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, nickel, chromium and manganese are merged in the correct proportion to create the bell.

In turn the sound and the ripple echo the bell generates reverberates on the human aura.

The sharp, tingling yet lasting sound that resonates for about seven seconds works on our seven healing energy centers. The seven healing centres or chakras in our body from Crown to Root are immediately cleansed. And the sound creates a shock that works as antidote to our otherwise cluttered mind.

5.WHY WORSHIP TULSI?

                 

Hindu religion has bestowed ‘Tulsi’, with the status of mother. Also known as ‘Sacred or Holy Basil’, Tulsi, has been recognized as a religious and spiritual devout in many parts of the world. The vedic sages knew the benefits of Tulsi and that is why they personified it as a Goddess and gave a clear message to the entire community that it needs to be taken care of by the people, literate or illiterate. We try to protect it because it is like Sanjeevani for the mankind.

Tulsi has great medicinal properties. It is a remarkable antibiotic. Taking Tulsi everyday in tea or otherwise increases immunity and help the drinker prevent diseases, stabilize his or her health condition, balance his or her body system and most important of all, prolong his or her life. Keeping Tulsi plant at home prevents insects and mosquitoes from entering the house. It is said that snakes do not dare to go near a Tulsi plant. Maybe that is why ancient people would grow lots of Tulsi near their houses.

6.TILAK ON FOREHEAD

On the forehead, between the two eyebrows, is a spot that is considered as a major nerve point in human body since ancient times. The Tilak is believed to prevent the loss of "energy", the red 'kumkum' between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. While applying kumkum the points on the mid-brow region and Adnya-chakra are automatically pressed. This also facilitates the blood supply to the face muscles.

7.THROWING COINS INTO RIVER

The general reasoning given for this act is that it brings Good Luck. However, scientifically speaking, in the ancient times, most of the currency used was made of copper unlike the stainless steel coins of today. Copper is a vital metal very useful to the human body. Throwing coins in the river was one way our fore-fathers ensured we intake sufficient copper as part of the water as rivers were the only source of drinking water. Making it a custom ensured that all of us follow the practice.

8.NO NON-VEG ON PARTICULAR DAYS

        

On specific days, Hindus are not eating non-veg-not limited, but including: Tuesdays and Thursdays. The reason is that we only need a small amount of meat as a human being to meet our body's requirements such as iron, vitamin B12 and other vital nutrients. But we often become addicted to eating meat that is not healthy. It can cause diseases such as batteries, kidney stones, cancer of the colon, etc. Hence, by assigning days to specific deities, Hinduism has placed some restrictions.

       Now we can see there are some right logic behind most Indian traditions while some are deeply spiritual and beyond the understanding of common man, because of which they are linked to the concept of blind belief.

So, let's start looking deeper, let's start appreciating the riches we have been provided with. Let us look at our custom with positive curiosity.

After all, it isn't our duty as the future generation to carry them forward?