Better Red than Dead!Written by Fadwa
Red, perhaps first color our eyes perceive. It is said that people suffering from temporary color-blindness for whatever reason start to perceive red before they can discern any other color. Red simply screams at us, demanding our attention. It may be force of our collective human history, culture or genetics; we are dangerously attracted to this paradoxical, double-edged color which evokes an avalanche of emotions; Infra-red radiation produces a warm and pleasant healing effect; while color red triggers aggression and violence. Red is color of emotional outbursts, shyness, shame and anger all color our faces deep crimson. Red is blood, bravery, valor and courage. Ancient warriors painted their axes and spear-catapults red to endow their weapons with magic powers, a custom still followed by some Australian aborigines of today. Neolithic hunters and Germanic warriors even painted their bodies in blood of slain animals, while Roman gladiators drank blood of their dying adversaries to take over their strength. Red painted amulets or red gems, such as rubies or garnets, were used as charms against evil eye and to bring about invincibility. Red bed-clothes were customary in Germany up to Middle Ages as protection against "red illnesses", such as fever, rashes or even miscarriages
| | Anklets Ahoy!Written by Fadwa Qasem
Anklets ahoy! "Hail to that foot of lusty beloved which hits head of lover, that foot which is adorned with red paste and jingling anklets is banner of love and which is worthy of adoration by inclining one's head." From 5th century drama, Padataditakam (Hit by Foot) The human race can be so immensely creative, so immensely passionate, and this is what makes our lives so immensely rich and at times so immensely difficult, painful. The anklet, a romantic foot fetish of great aesthetic value, is a very important part of women's adornment in Indian culture where ornamentation of a woman's whole body is an essential aspect of daily life, and has great spiritual and social significance. Old Indian paintings, drama and poetry often depict men treasuring touch of their lover's foot. Women lavish great care and attention on their feet, almost with as much as their face. The tender, delicate and well pampered foot becomes a symbol of affection, sensual desire and plays an important role in love-play.
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