Definition of nose ring

The term "nose ring" refers to a piece of jewelry worn on the nose, primarily as an ornamental accessory in traditional cultures. The origin of this word can be traced back to the Sanskrit language, where it is known as "nāsakarnā," a compound made up of "nāsa," which means "nose," and "karnā," which means "ear piercing" or "ear ring." This term, despite being derived from the Sanskrit word for "ear ring," is more accurately used to describe a jewelry piece worn on the nose instead of the ear. Its usage can be traced back to ancient Indian civilization, where the nose ring was a popular traditional ornament, typically worn by women as a sign of marriage or female identity. The ancient Indian civilization, namely the Indus Valley Civilization (3300 BCE – 1300 BCE) or the Harappan Civilization, is known to have used nose rings as early as 2600 BCE. These nose rings were intricate and made of gold, silver, or other precious materials. The purpose of the nose ring held significant meaning in ancient Indian culture; it symbolized a woman's feminine identity and marriage status. Nose rings were also worn by men, as an indication of social status, wealth, and youthfulness. The nose ring's popularity as an ornament extends beyond ancient India, as it is still prevalent in many traditional cultures worldwide. The Indian subcontinent, in particular, continues to cherish this ornament, representing marriage and cultural identity, and is still widely worn today.