Chinmayi Instagram – A mangalsutra is a social construct. It IS a piece of jewellery as are mettelu/metti. This entire storyline of Vermilion on forehead, metti for toes helps uterus etc is very interesting. If there is a diiiiiireeeeecccct connection to wearing a metti/toe ring and it helps the uterus (not denying the benefits of acupressure and etc.) then girls should be wearing them from the time they are young. Why wait for marriage to wear a piece of jewellery that benefits the uterus? Men still have no outward signs or markers that is demanded by organized religion OR customs to display they are married. The thing is I wear a toe ring because *I* want to. My husband doesn’t believe in it. Also I have worn toe rings of different designs wayyy before I got married. I wear a chain because *I* want to – Rahul definitely does NOT believe in it. He told me as soon as we married that there is no reason for me to wear it if I didn’t feel like it. And the kunkum I keep on my forehead – I LOVED doing it from the time I was a teenager. I wasnt into the Bindi but I liked that but wasnt allowed to or it was frowned upon. Also 15 years ago society was far more oppressive for me as a divorcee’s daughter. So I bought peace. Things are different now. If your husband demands the Mangalsutra of you – purchase the Mettelu and ask him to wear it everyday. Our customs basically show married men wear Toe Rings. All male Gods also wear a toe ring. Ask them to follow Lord Tirupati Balaji and wear toe rings on all toes :) When you see that or ANY male God’s depiction – you’ll notice toe rings and you’ll realize this toe ring-uterus story is just that. A story. P.S.: Also please dont tell me about ‘mentioned in the Vedas.’ Imma gonna ask you which Veda and where exactly the Mangalsutra is mentioned. Shrutis dont mention about everyday social customs and Smritis need to change according to the Yuga. Don’t @ me :)