Q&A: 10. Mango Leaf Decorations

Question: What is the significance of tying mango leaves in front of the house?

Answer:

In our tradition, we have a practice of making a garland (‘thoranam‘) of fresh mango leaves and hang them on top of our entrance whenever there is a festival or an auspicious event. Unfortunately, this is slowly dying out as we start buying permanent plastic garlands or totally forgetting about this practice. Is this something we should accept as a consequence of change and move on or should we continue this tradition? Let’s find out.

Spiritual Reasons

Historically, mango leaves are hung at weddings and auspicious functions to ensure fertility, good fortune and for warding off evil. It is said that Goddess Lakshmi resides in mango leaves. Several scriptures like the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas mention mango as a symbol of fertility. The significance of hanging leaves is also mentioned in various literary works (‘poorana porkudam vaithu puramengum thoranam naatta kana kanden thozhi’ – Andal, Nachiyar Thirumozhi). It is believed that tying these leaves will ward of negative energies while welcoming Gods to our place.

Mango leaves are also used during auspicious rituals to complete a “Purnakumbha”. Before beginning any puja, an earthen/silver pot is filled with water and adorned with fresh mango leaves and a whole coconut on top. The pot represents Mother Earth, water the life giver, coconut the divine conscious and the mango leaves symbolize life. The whole “Purnakumbha” symbolizes Goddess Lakshmi and good fortune. Thus, the Purnakumbha is a symbol of life in bloom. The leaves may also signify the limbs of the Gods while the coconut represents the head. After aavahana (invoking the God) within the Purnakumbha and completing necessary prayers, the holy water is sprayed over the entire household with the same mango leaves for purification and blessing.

Science

From a scientific viewpoint, the leaves are found to have antibacterial/antiseptic properties to fight various illnesses. They also have powerful antioxidant properties as they have a high content of flavonoids and phenols. These leaves are rich in vitamins and other nutrients. Mango leaf is also a good disinfectant as it purifies the air which is useful especially when there is a large gathering of people (festivals and events). Also, pestering insects get attracted to the leaves leaving the house free of them. And we all know that regular pruning of leaves will help the plants to grow well. As the demand for leaves increases, even trees with low yield of mangoes will survive cutting and thus help in nature conservation. Do note that dry leaves should be removed at the earliest as they will start giving off carbon dioxide as they start decomposing. 

In earlier days, Mango leaves decoration was used to denote an auspicious day in a house so that people around could keep note of the same (remember, there were no serial lights or neon signs in those days). Owing to their easy availability and literally no cost, they served as an equalizer of various strands of societies. It was another case of living in harmony with nature.

However, according to me, the most important reason to continue to this practice is this: It is a great activity for our children who can help with tying these thoranams. Not only will they enjoy getting involved in festivities but this will also give them a sense of importance (and a break from using the mobile phone as well). What more reason can we ask for?

Wishing all the readers of Thedal, a Very Happy New Year 2020! 

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