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Sari
A richly embroidered red sari is still the most popular form of traditional
wedding costume, especially
for Hindu brides.
A sari is a length of cloth measuring from five to nine metres in length, and
about 120 centimetres wide. It is draped around the entire body. Most of the fabric
is pleated around the waist and tucked into a petticoat. It is then wrapped around
the body to make a skirt. The remaining part is then swept across the upper half
of the body, covering at least one shoulder, and sometimes veiling the head.
Differing fashion trends and regional differences may lead to variations on
how a sari is worn. According to Hindu custom, the bride’s maternal uncle
buys her wedding sari. In New Zealand, the bride will often choose her own sari,
and her uncle will provide the money.
Wedding saris are not usually specially made in New Zealand, but are bought
‘off the shelf’. However, the sari comes with a matching blouse piece,
which will be made to fit the bride.
Married women often wear their wedding outfits afterwards at special occasions.
New Zealand Indian Mrs Kasanji advised her daughter to ‘choose something
your uncle can afford, and that you’ll wear again’. (1)
Reference
(1) Mrs Kasanji. (2002). Interview with Te Papa curators. Wellington.
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