By P Mohan Chandran
Have you ever contemplated the scientific rationale behind our seemingly mundane traditions? Why do we sprinkle cow dung water in front of our houses, or apply turmeric to our bodies? Why are mango leaves tied at our doorsteps and why do we squat on the floor to eat? Is it possible that these are not merely vestiges of a bygone era, but age-old wisdom cloaked in the guise of tradition?
Picture this: Every morning, an Indian homemaker wakes up at dawn and sprinkles a concoction of cow dung and water around her home. We may cringe at this practice, considering it unhygienic or archaic. Yet, cow dung is a known natural disinfectant and an effective deterrent for insects and bacteria. Our ancestors, devoid of access to modern chemical sanitizers, used this readily available resource to safeguard their households from pathogens. In this light, isn't it an epitome of eco-friendly wisdom?
Moving on to the yellow hued spice – turmeric. Not just a kitchen staple, but an integral part of beauty rituals, especially for women. Science now reveals turmeric to be an antiseptic and an anti-inflammatory agent that helps heal wounds and reduce skin irritations. Its regular application inhibits hair growth, thereby explaining its traditional use in skincare, particularly for women.
Next, let us stroll under the mango-leaf-adorned doorways of Indian homes. Apart from heralding prosperity, these leaves are potent air purifiers. In a pre-industrial era, devoid of air filters, these natural purifiers helped cleanse the air, offering a healthier environment to the household.
Ever attended a traditional Indian feast, served on a broad banana leaf? Apart from its aesthetic appeal, this practice holds several health benefits. Banana leaves contain polyphenols, powerful antioxidants, that get absorbed into the food, enriching it. Additionally, in an era lacking dishwashers, these leaves were a practical, biodegradable alternative to utensils.
Now, imagine a family sitting on the floor, huddled around a meal. Our ancestors understood that the act of squatting and eating aids digestion. The position stimulates the 'vagus nerve,' enhancing the efficiency of the digestive system, a fact now supported by modern science.
Lastly, let's ponder upon the placement of darbha grass on food during eclipses. Modern research confirms that during an eclipse, the level of harmful ultraviolet radiation increases. Darbha grass, a unique photosensitive plant, absorbs these harmful radiations, thereby protecting the food beneath it.
These practices, erroneously dismissed as superstitions, have their roots firmly embedded in science. Our ancestors, in their wisdom, harnessed nature's bounty to address their needs, long before the advent of modern technology.
So, isn't it a bit ironical that we, the so-called scientifically advanced generation, often dismiss these practices as archaic? Should we not instead delve deeper to uncover the knowledge of our forebears? Have we become so entranced by modern science that we overlook the wisdom echoing from our past?
Let's re-evaluate these age-old traditions with the lens of science and acknowledge the wisdom of our ancestors. After all, isn't it time to ask ourselves: Are we rediscovering what was once known, only to be forgotten over time?
Do you agree that every ancient tradition we ridicule today had a deep science behind it?
Yes, absolutely. Our ancestors were much wiser than us.
No, it is considered as superstition even today.
© 2023. P Mohan Chandran. All Rights Reserved.
18062023
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