A Hindu Bridal Party (1922)
While this image of a Hindu bridal party is in black and white, it’s a fair assumption that the bride’s gown and lehenga are red. Red is a traditional bridal color for Hindu ceremonies. Red has different meanings to each person. It is consistently associated with positive things. In an interview with Brides Magazine, designer Ritika Shamdasani of Sani said, “In our culture, it means new beginnings, passion, and prosperity. Red also represents the Hindu goddess Durga, who symbolizes new beginnings and feminine power.” The tradition of wearing red dates back to the Mughal Empire in the early 16th century, and continues to modern times. In addition to the colorful gown, she would wear gold jewelry and decorate her hands with temporary henna tattoo art to bring joy and luck to the couple.