Hello Everybody!!! Velugu Thalli here back from our summer break. We are back with a bang, or I should say, sparkle with this week’s fashion piece: Edu Vaaraala Jewelry

Edu Vaarala Nagalu, or as I like to call them, Jewelry 7 days a week (in an ideal world, it would 365 days a year 😉 ), is a tradition in Andhra. Women are gifted with a set of necklaces (pattakam), earrings (kammalu), bangles (gaajulu), rings (vungaram), nose rings (mukku pudaka), hair part dangles (papita billa), girdles (vaddaanam), anklets (gajjelu) and arm bracelets (vankeelu)that are harmonious with the astrological significance of each day.

Ladies, take a deep breath. I don’t just mean a ruby bangle for sunday and a pearl bracelet on monday, I mean and entire (head to toe) set of ruby jewelry for sunday, and entire set of pearl jewelry for monday, and so on!!!

…this is basically why this is considered the most upscale and high status class of jewelry. It is a representation of not just wealth and sophistication—but also taste. Because looking good is not just about quantity or price tags, but also about refinement. And nothing says refined like the thoughtfully designed and presented Edu Vaaraala class of jewelry. While Navaratna jewelry is practiced in other parts of India, it is the gifting of entire jewelry sets of the same class of gem to the bride for each day that sets it apart.

Like Kasulaperu, the queen of jewelry, Edu Vaaraala is for all ages of Andhra Ladies. Historically, however, they were considered a marker of the aristocracy, especially the royalty. In popular folklore, it is associated with Satyabhama, one of Krishna’s wives.

For some reason Satyabhama is considered the queen of fashion, and is very popular in Andhra (even Deepavali is associated with her adventures with Krishna). She is considered to be very proud, classy, and demanding.

Here is the schedule for it. Enjoy the showcase!

Sunday is Ruby/Kempu (because it’s Lord Surya’s gem). It is related to giving health and long life.

Monday is Pearl/Muthyam (because of Moon, and is pleasant to eyes). This is because Moon influences the mind and makes it steady  to face the tides of life.

Tuesday is Red coral/Pagadam (because it represents Subramanya Swamy who is God of War). This is connected to health and relations. Most notably, it is held in importance because it is deemed to pay off debts and to maintain good relations among siblings.

or

Tuesday is Catseye gem/Vaiduryam (because it represents Ketu, which is mustard color). This day has a dual association, so two stones can be considered alternatively. Ketu helps with the overcoming of obstacles in general.

Wednesday is Emerald/Marakatham(because the planet Budha represents business/profession and knowledge). This is very important due to the associations and connections between financial success and intelligence/shrewdness.

Thursday is Yellow Zircon/Pushyaraagam (because pasupu (turmeric) represents the Guru, who stands for wisdom). Brihaspati is the ruler of wisdom, as he is preceptor of Devas. Wisdom is naturally connected to marital success, especially for pelli samandhaalu (i.e. matrimonial match).

Friday is Diamond/Vajram (because it represents Sukra who gives Wealth and Romance) This day is most associated with wealth and romance due to Goddess Lakshmi. That is probably why Vajram is the choice for Friday, because, diamond’s are a girl’s best friend 😉 .

Saturday is Sapphire/Neelam (because blue is the color that represents Saturn, or Seni Bhagavaan). Seni bhagavan rules the fates of mankind. If he is favorable, he can make a pauper a prince, or vice versa. His purpose is to make sure people learn their ethical lessons. So they will keep repeating difficult situations until they learn justice. Before he leaves his associated astrological period, he grants favors. Therefore, we all need his anugraham (grace).

or

Saturday is Hessonite/Gomedhikam (because of the dual association of this day with Rahu, this stone is also considered). Rahu is the master of chaos and unrestrained impulse. Thus, he is also propitiated to ensure our impulses are secure. He is said to favor those who honor Goddess Durga.

So there it is, the famous Edu Vaaraala Nagalu: Andhra Jewelry 7 days a Week!

Hope you enjoyed reading about them, and if you’re a designer, were inspired by them. Til next time!