Women and Jewelry - The Spiritual Dimensions of Ornamentation

Article of the Month - Mar 2002

This article by Nitin Kumar Editor http://www.exoticindia.com It was revised in 6th September 2024 by Prakriti Anand, who is currently pursuing her PhD in Ancient Indian History from the University of Delhi. Prakriti has experience working with organizations in the realms of heritage, art, and history and is committed to advancing contributions to the field of culture.

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The people of India have expended limitless energy and creativity in the invention of ornaments that celebrate the human body. Adorning the visible, material body, they feel, satisfies a universal longing for the embellishment of its intangible counterpart, namely the human spirit. Indeed, rarely is a traditional Indian ornament simply decorative and devoid of inherent meaning or symbolic value.

Symbols found in Indian Jewelry act as a metaphorical language communicated from the wearer to the viewer. Such a jewelry is created from an infinite reserve of symbolically significant forms and images, some obvious, some subtle, and some whose meaning is forgotten.


Shringara of the Princess

Complementary to such thought is the conventional view where the graceful form of a woman is said to epitomize the ideal beauty and mystery inherent in nature. Thus befittingly each and every part of the feminine physique including the head, torso, limbs, and between the appended parts - have consistently been used to support ornaments, often in ingenious ways.

The Indian idea being that only things covered with ornaments are beautiful. Poetry must overflow with rhetorical ornaments (alamkara), metaphors, alliterations, and other musical effects. The verb alam-kara, "to adorn, to decorate," means literally "to make enough" : for the simple appearance without ornament is "not enough"; it is poor, disgraceful, shocking, except in the case of an ascetic.

Hence the stress on adornment of the women, who are but the poetry of nature. Ornamentation not only serves to please the eyes of the beholder but also fulfils an auspicious purpose. The impulse to adorn stems from a deep rooted sensibility to mark every occasion of life with auspicious symbols, designs and figures to obtain good fortune and protection from evil.

Thus a fully bedecked woman evokes in the viewer a deep and ingratiating feeling of tranquil contentment, springing from an intuitive realization that evolving before him is an image of perfect beauty, symbolically conveying the richness and completeness which is but natural to nature.

 The ancients who translated the abstract nuances of Indian philosophy into images of everyday reality went even further and canonized the adornment of the female form into sixteen different ornaments (solah shringar), covering her entire being from the head to toe.

The choice of the number sixteen too is not without significance. It is a significant number among the Hindus, and corresponds to the sixteen phases of the life of the moon, which in turn is connected with a woman's menstrual cycle. This is another pointer to the feminine physiognomy being a microcosm of the rhythms of natural processes.

Further a woman of sixteen is considered at the peak of physical perfection in her life. At this stage of her life the aspect of delight is most pronounced. Her nature is to play, seek new experiences, and to charm others to her. Her innocence attracts to her all that is true and good.

Indeed, it is common for deities to be described as eternally sixteen years old, which is considered the most beautiful and vigorous human age. In fact an important goddess is named after the Sanskrit name for sixteen (Shodashi), and is visualized as having all the above mentioned qualities.


Mahavidya Shodashi (Tripura Sundari) as Visualized in Her Dhyana Mantra


The sixteen ornaments said to make up the standard repertoire of feminine adornment are:

1. Bindi

The bindi is a small ornamental dot placed at the center of the forehead, between the eyes. The word itself is derived from the Sanskrit bindu, meaning dot. Metaphysically speaking, it is the dimensionless point of infinite potential from which has originated all manifested existence.

It is further said to signify the mystical third eye, an invisible organ of spiritual perception and second sight, traditionally said to be situated at a point little above the place where the eyebrows meet. It is regarded as the channel of supreme wisdom and sublime intuition, and is said to confer divine knowledge.


Here it is relevant to note that the two eyes are often likened to the sun and moon. The third symbolic eye is then said to represent fire. The two eyes are capable of seeing only the past and the present, but the third eye gives a potency to the perceptive powers making them see the future also. Interestingly at some places men too adorn their foreheads with this 'third eye', but predominantly it remains a feminine trait.


2. Sindoor (Vermilion)


A Young Lady Applying Vermilion (A Sculpture Inspired by Khajuraho)

Sindoor is a deep, rich blood-red powder applied in the parting between the hair. Exclusively used by married women it represents their marital status. Significantly this same powder is an essential ingredient in Hindu rituals (puja). In relation to women the notable characteristic is the color of this powder.

A vital red it is symbolic of fertility and the regenerative power inherent in women. At a practical level (especially in India where marriages are said to be made in heaven), it proclaims in loud terms the status of a woman committed irrevocably, and as passionately as the color of her sindoor, to a single individual, and thus being out of bounds for any other.


3. Tika


The tika is a composite ornament composed of a chain with a hook at one end and a pendant at the other. It too like the sindoor is worn in the parting of the hair. The hook holds the tika at the hair end, while the pendant falls on the exact center of the forehead. This place is believed to house the 'ajna' chakra. This chakra stands for preservation.

Thus by adorning herself with this mark, a woman reiterates her status as the preservator of the order of the human race. Significantly this chakra is visualized as having two petals, and its presiding deity is Ardhanarishvara, the half-male, half-female androgyne. This represents the ultimate union where no dualities exist.

In Tantric terms this signifies the union of the male and female elements in nature, at all levels, including the physical. Hence this ornament is specifically associated with women about to undertake the vows of matrimony, uniting with her mate, and holding within herself the potential to perpetuate the genealogy of the new clan she is thus becoming a part of.

4. Anjana (Kohl)

"The eye could never have beheld the beautiful had it not been made beautiful first" --- Plotinus

Ordinarily the eye is a comparatively neutral and receptive organ, but when intent is added to the look it can charge the glance with irresistible power. Every feeling of the heart is transmitted through the eye. The eye can communicate feelings of reverence and sympathy, or love and lust.

The Indian poet usually longed to sink "in the depths below depths of the eyes of his beloved." Most poetic similes about eyes in Indian poetry are drawn from nature. Eyes are like the narcissus, the almond, the lily, or "like fishes with their long, flashing glide."


A morning bath is a popular habit in India, and sprinkling the eyes with cold water is a necessity on account of the tropical climate. But there exists a popular powder kohl (technically the sulfide of antimony), also known as kajal, which has been used from time immemorial both to brighten and strengthen the eyes, and to darken the eyelashes.

A silver or ivory pencil, or a fine camel's hair brush is dipped in the kohl and passed along the borders of the lids with a light and gentle hand, taking care to carry the line of shading a trifle beyond the angle of the eyes. This will cleanse the eyes and give them a large, almond shape, delightful to look at.

"A fair maiden's transformation into lovely womanhood, when she comes of age, is indicated by the transfer of restlessness of her feet to her eyes, the orbs whereof keep always on the move," says an Indian sage. "When the slow music of time begins to sing a sad song into a woman's ears towards her prime, the flashing of the eyes is then a very good exercise, winking an excellent one."

Thus the highlighting of the eye is an acknowledgement of the maturing of a young girl in all her aspects, though the symbolism remains primary physical. Often a poet would address a heroine's eyes 'as deep as the sea'. Outlining with kajal establishes two discernable banks to these fathomless oceanic streams.


Royal Couple

The erotic sentiment dominates the adorning of the eye. Large eyelashes, it is believed, make large eyes. Therefore the Indian artist drew long spears of hair for the eyelashes he painted. Also kohl, freely applied, will make each lash not only dark and bright but also so long that it is seen in full even when the face is turned aside.

The eyes' size is increased by drawing a short, fine pencil mark outwards from the corner of the lids where they join. Thus is created that sharpness in the glance that can let an Indian poetess say with pride to her lover:

'My eyes are not eyes, beloved, but arrows of light;

My eyebrows are not eyebrows, but swords for your Destruction.'

The easiest way of preparing kohl at home is by burning a cotton wick soaked in mustard oil and then collecting the smoke that arises in a silver spoon. A silver pencil is then dipped into it and passed along the eyelids. This is said to blacken the eyes and preserve them against the sun and air. The eyes change to moonstones, brilliant, glinting and flashing fire, as, in the words of Kalidasa, "they are weighted over by the eyelids and half closed under the deeps of their palaces."


5. Nathe (Nose Ring)


The nose was once believed to be exclusively concerned with smell, but is now established to be connected with emotional responsivity also. In fact occultists go further, believing it to be the 'seat' of the sixth sense. Thus the Indian aesthetic befittingly adorns the female nose with an inspired ornament, which highlights its amorous connotations.

Indeed, amongst the many jewels with which the Indian woman adorns herself, the nose ornament (nath) is the perhaps the most seductive. Ornaments for the nose take on a variety of shapes ranging from tiny jeweled studs resting on the curve of the nostril, to large gold hoops that encircle the cheek with graceful pendant pearls dangling provocatively just above the upper lip.

One can imagine the ornament making a very soft, sighing sound, like breeze moving over pipal leaves, as the head moves. The length and position of nose ornaments often came in the way of comfortable eating, prompting the Abbe Dubois, a Christian missionary who lived in south India in the 19th century, to observe in amazement: "The right nostril and the division between the two nostrils are sometimes weighted with an ornament that hangs down as far as the under lip.

When the wearers are at meals, they are obliged to hold up this pendant with one hand, while feeding themselves with the other. At first this strange ornament, which varies with different castes, has a hideous effect in the eyes of Europeans, but after a time, when one becomes accustomed to it, gradually seem less unbecoming, and at last one ends by thinking it quite an ornament to the face."

An integral part of traditional bridal jewelry, many aristocratic families have a special nath brought out at weddings to be worn by the bride. This is now perhaps the only occasion on which today's urban woman wears the nath, evoking its powerful seductive charm.


6. Necklace (Haar)

The neck is an important occult center. Because necklaces are often worn near the heart, they can be used to work on emotions, or to attract or strengthen love. By wearing a necklace of stones for example, it is believed that we are binding ourselves with their powers. From earliest times protective pendants, necklaces and strings of beads, as well as elaborate ornamental collars, were worn around the neck to bring good luck and avert the evil eye.

Indeed, among all the kinds of jewelry, necklaces have had the maximum number of magical properties assigned to them. In some cases, they were designed as amulets or charms to insure good health or wealth to the wearer. Such necklaces could be very simple, with a gem or carving carrying the burden of the charm, or they could be very elaborate, glittering with gold and gems.


In all probability the form of the necklace was visualized with the explicit purpose of distracting the eyes of the viewer from the wearer's face and eyes - and thus protecting the wearer from the dangers of the mysterious Wicked Eye.

The necklace hence also served as a protection against any attempt at hypnotizing, since such an effort would have had to start with a concentrated gaze at the wearer's face, an attempt which the necklace effectively undermined. A necklace in this manner acted as a powerful restraint against undesirable gentlemen trying out their charms on virtuous maidens.


In Two Minds About The Pearl Necklace

Most likely, the predecessor of the necklace in India was a fresh flower garland, to which there are a number of references in literature. One of the more important designs of the necklace is known as champakali, i.e. 'buds of the champa (Michelia champaca) flower'.

Many others derive inspiration from the jasmine flower, the fragrance of which has strong erotic connotations. Even today, despite the emergence of paper and plastic flower garlands, the custom of offering fresh flower garlands has retained its charm.


7. Karn Phool (The Ear Flower)

From earliest times long ear lobes have been regarded as a sign of spiritual development and superior status. Among the distinguishing marks of the Buddha, and a sign of his greatness, were his large ear lobes. Homer (d.c. 800 BC) and Aristotle (d. 322 BC) reputedly also had the same characteristic.

There is believed to be a close connection between the ears and the sexual reflexes. The fleshy ear lobes, absent in all other primates, are not, as they appear to be, useless appendages, but erogenous zones which in sexual excitement become swollen and hypersensitive.

In ancient times severed ears were offered to the Mother Goddess as a substitute for the male organs. In Egypt devotees offered their ears to the goddess Isis, and till the early decades of the Christian era, sculpted ears were offered at the shrine of the Great Mother in other parts of the Middle East.

The boring of ear lobes has been widely practiced in all parts of the world from early times. The purpose of this operation is not only to facilitate the wearing of earrings for beauty, but to protect the wearer from evil influences, the adornments serving as talismans. The practice was also thought to have some therapeutic value. In certain places, ear piercing was believed to be good for the eyes; it also sharpened the mind and drew off 'bad humors'.


One historian attributes the piercing to the desire to punish the ears for overhearing what they should not hear. The earrings, in turn, were the consolation for the pain and suffering. It was believed that the more decorative and expensive the earrings, the greater the consolation.

Early sculptures demonstrate that ear ornaments were an important constituent of Indian female attire. To the married woman, the ear ornament was (and is) auspicious. Additionally a woman's wealth was conspicuously visible and the ear ornament became a statement of her status and power; elongated ear lobes were considered a sign of beauty and wealth - the longer the lobe, the greater the woman's wealth.

By appending ornaments to almost every part of the ear, the woman also ensured a continuous state of mental and physical well being. Indeed, recent studies have identified the ear as a microcosm of the entire body - "the point of vision in acupuncture is situated in the center of the lobe."

The Indian woman's bejeweled ear offers a sight that prompted the exclamation: "European ladies are content with one appendage to each ear, while the females of Hindustan think it impossible to have too many."

Ancient Prakrit and Sanskrit literature describe girls wearing fresh flowers in their ears. A range of floral earrings of gold, silver or precious stones that have been popular over the centuries in India suggest that the forms of flowers were, almost literally, translated into precious jewelry.


Most ear ornaments are virtually bunches (jhumka) of fruits and flowers. A particular type, known as the karnphul, i.e. 'ear-flowers' is considered particularly auspicious. These are an important, universal, large, round metal flower-form earring, with a central stud at the back being the equivalent of a flower stem.

The choice of the flower as the inspiring shape behind this conception is not without significance. Flowers in addition to being natural erotic stimulants, by virtue of their association with Kama, the god of love, are also essentially a concise symbol of nature, condensing into a brief span of time the cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth.

In addition it also reflects gentleness, youth, spiritual perfection and artless innocence, qualities which are but the fundamental attributes of feminine character. Often they are so heavy that the ear lobe dilates to the extent that the long-hanging earrings worn in the widened orifices touch the shoulder.

Foreign travelers were fascinated by the sight of elongated ear lobes and have recorded their astonishment. Travelling in Kerala, Edward Terry commented on this practice among 'gentile' women: "The flaps or nether part of their ears are bored, when they are young, which hole daily stretched and made wider by things kept in it for that purpose, at last becomes so large, that it will hold a Ring (I dare boldly say, as a large as a little saucer) made hollow on the sides for the flesh to rest in." Amusing stories of ear holes the size of large eggs and plates, through which many a bold individual attempted to pass his arms abound.


8. Henna (Mehndi)

'When she puts henna on her hands
and dives in the river
One would think one saw fire twisting
and Running in the water.
'
-- Dilsoz, 18th century AD

Unlike real tattoo, which is permanent, some decorative patterns created on the skin with stain or dye are not immediately removable but, depending on the dye strength, can last for three or four weeks. Mehndi, the Hindi term for "henna," is one such temporary tattoo.

Men agree that mehndi patterns on a woman evoke thrilling, erotic sensations, perhaps because they associate mehndi with a maiden's initiation into mature womanhood. The custom of applying elaborate mehndi patterns to the hands and feet is a symbol of satisfaction and happiness in marriage among the Hindus.

This belief derives partly from the dye's red color, universally considered to be auspicious; and which is also the color of a bride's dress. Mehndi is commonly applied to propitiate Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, son of Shiva, who overcomes obstacles and is always invoked to attend a Hindu marriage ceremony. It is also considered very dear to Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and fortune.

Indeed, if ever there was a plant associated with luck and prosperity, it is the henna bush. Mehndi has a great significance in all Eastern wedding traditions, and no wedding is complete without the decoration of the bride's hands and feet - in many cultures on both the front and back of the hands right up to the elbow, and on the bottom half of the legs.

Mehndi is carried out on a bride's hands and feet the night before the marriage celebrations begin, often known as the 'mehndi ki raat' or night of henna, raat meaning night. A party of the bride's women relatives spend several hours at this joyful task, during which they sing appropriate songs, teasing her about her future:

"Oh, how sleep is hard to come by, once her hands have been adorned with the mehndi of her beloved."
"Oh, friends, come and decorate my hands with mehndi, write my beloved's name. Just see how auspicious this occasion is."
"Everyone's fate is held within the lines on our palms, it is on these palms that mehndi paints such beautiful pictures."

The mehndi night is something like a hen night in the West, with all the bride's female friends and relatives getting together to celebrate. For the bride, the process is therapeutic in calming and preparing her for the event. Mehndi signifies the strength of love in a marriage. The darker the mehndi, the stronger the love. The color of henna specifically has symbolic significance because red is the color of power and fertility.

Many brides believe that the deeper the color of the mehndi, the more passionate the marriage. The design itself is important, too. Sometimes the groom's name is incorporated into the bride's complex mehndi tattoos, and it is a delightful task to try finding it - often taking up hours to accomplish. After marriage, mehndi may be applied to a woman on any auspicious occasion, such as the birth or naming of a child.


Mehndi designs are an aspect of folk art requiring a well-developed decorative sense. Though the community perpetuates old patterns, innovative designs may also be introduced, which gradually enter the communal design repertoire. But an interesting aspect is that whatever be the innovation or tradition, only vegetative motifs are used.

Thus henna is an attempt to symbolically link women with the vegetative and organic nature of Nature, along with its associated concepts of birth, nourishment, growth, regeneration etc. Additionally, the purpose of tattooing is mainly apotropaic: to it is credited an evil-averting, magical function.

Especially in animist societies, the tattoo acts to repel the forces of evil believed to be constantly active and attempting to gain advantage over the unwary, unprotected individual, causing misfortune, illness, or even death. In India, it is believed that an auspicious occasion like a marriage requires an extra protection against evil forces.

This is because such occasions are celebrated with much pomp and show, amidst a high profile, making the probability of their being noticed by negative forces very high. The application of henna is thus an attempted safeguard against any such dark influences.

As well as being a lavishly colorful cosmetic, Mehndi is also supposed to have many healing qualities, many herbal doctors still recommend the use of Mehndi for some ailments, such as dry skin and to hasten the healing of cuts and scratches. It also acts a hair conditioner when applied on the head and is also said to stop hair loss by strengthening the roots of the hair.

According to Loretta Roome, a henna expert, in societies where mehndi is traditionally practiced, marriages are often scheduled to coincide with ovulation. "That's part of the intention," she said. "It's a fertility rite. The henna is the color of blood, representing the breaking of the hymen. In fact, Muslims call mehndi 'love juice.'"


9. Bangles (Wrist Ornament)

 "Bangle-sellers are we who bear

Our shining loads to the temple fair.
Who will buy these delicate,
bright Rainbow-tinted circles of light?
Lustrous tokens of radiant lives
For happy daughters and happy wives.
"
-- Sarojini Naidu


Trying on New Bangles....

One of the oldest art objects in India, the bronze statuette of a dancing girl excavated at Mohenjo Daro epitomizes the antiquity and the universality of wrist ornaments in India. She stands in the nude with one arm at her hip, the other arm completely weighed down with a collection of bangles. From then on the variety and shape of wrist ornaments spanned the gamut of nature' s materials and human creativity.

Indeed, more than any other single jewelry form in India, the bangle has been crafted from the widest variety of materials. Ancient fragments testify that bangles were made from terracotta, stone, shell, copper, bronze, gold, silver and almost any material that lent itself to craftsmanship.


10. Mangalasutra (The Marriage Thread)


Usually, a simple neck ornament worn during marriage rituals, a Mangalasutra is a sign of a married woman, who is considered “Sumangali” or auspicious by the people. Made from black beads and gold, the Managalasutra is more than just a jewellery, it is a symbol of the prosperity and bliss of a woman’s married life.

Wearing the Mangalasutra is seen as the woman’s expression of love and devotion to the husband and is believed to bring longevity and good luck to the husband. Though not as elaborate as the other jewels, the profound meaning behind the Mangalasutra makes it an unparalleled ornament and a mark of femininity.


11. Head Ornaments


In the ancient sculptures of women found in Hindu temples, one can observe the elaborate hairdressers and ornaments used to adorn their braids, buns, and updos. Veni, a jeweled chain worn in the braids, Chudamani, an ornament worn as a tiara or headband and Gajra, or floral bands around hair buns are some of the most popular head ornaments popular among women since ancient times.

Hair itself has been an element used in romantic poetry, where the lushness, darkness, and feel of the beloved’s hair are often mentioned in emotive language. Even in spiritual beliefs, hair and head are seen as a storehouse of one’s inner wisdom and power and proper caretaking of one’s hair is important for one’s beauty as well as for mental and spiritual well-being.


12. Bajuband (Worn on Arms)


Worn on arms, Bajuband is made from gold, silver, and other metals and adorned with precious gems, pearls, and other shimmering details. Different regions of India have their own designs and materials when it comes to Bajuband, for example, Tamil brides wear Vanki, an aureole-shaped armlet that has become popular today due to its unique design among lovers of jewelry, while Rajasthani brides are seen wearing Jadau or embedded Baajuband, forming a statement element in their trousseau.


13. Kamarband (Kati-Waist)


Katisutra or Katibandha (kati- waist) is an ancient ornament worn by men as well as women. From medieval times, this ancient jewelry became the Kamarband, an elaborate or simple ornament worn around the waist. Traditional Kamarband worn in tribal or local families have Kamarband as a part of their heirloom jewelry sets.

According to some, the more intricately made Kamadband with several chains, heavy tassels, and jewels attached to the metal, is meant to protect the womb of the woman who wears it. The beautifully made Kamarband is also meant to draw attention to the waist and hips, which are body parts associated with femininity and fertility, virtues considered sacred in Indian culture.


14. Toe Rings (Bichiya)


Bichiya or toe rings are an important part of the jewel chest of married women. Usually made from silver, Bichiya were traditionally made with gold and worn by women of higher caste families. A simple ring or jewel studded Bichiya is worn on the second finger of the feet, for the first time as a part of the marriage rituals.

The toe ring is also associated with health benefits, as it puts slight pressure on the second finger which is a spot linked with the reproductive system- resulting in the regulation of menstrual cycles and prime reproductive health for married women.


15. Payal (Anklets)


Anklets are a part of the wardrobe of many modern women, but this delicate ornament has its roots in the ancient culture of India. From the very first civilizations, we found traces of foot ornaments, beaded and metal anklets, also seen in the female sculptures of Hindu temples.

Ornate anklets with large beads and jewels were worn traditionally, transforming into chic silver anklets in the contemporary time. Payal or Nupur not only forms an important part of the romantic Solah Sringaar, it is also a part of the ornamentation of Gods such as Krishna, sounds of whose anklets are immortalized in the Bhakti-poetry, describing the tinkle as a sweet melody for the devotees.


16. Angoothi


When Hanuman was going to Lanka with the message of Sri Rama, he had Rama's ring or angoothi as an identification mark for Devi Sita. When she was in the ring, she immediately identified Hanuman as the messenger of her beloved Rama. In another epic story, when Dushyanta was leaving Shakuntala to go to his kingdom, he gave her his ring as a symbol of love and as an identifying mark.

Exchanged during the ceremony of ring or Sagai in modern times, rings are a recurring piece of jewelry in ancient Indian literature. Embellished with stones, jewels, and gems, rings are beyond simple piece of ornament. The type of stone or metal used in the ring holds different values in Indian culture. Gemstones studded in rings provide protection to the wearer, enhance wealth, bestow luck and bring good energies of planets (the Navagraha) to the life of the person.


In Conclusion

When we look at a piece of jewel, what catches the eye first is the shining gemstone or metal that makes that jewelry. However, for ancient cultures, such as India, jewelry, much like any other element of life, holds deeper spiritual meanings. Thus, the simple dot on the forehead becomes a sign of the third eye, and the designs on the palm made with henna become a sign of auspiciousness and fertility.

A walk through the symbolism behind the tradition of Solah Sringaar (16 ornamentation) bring out a romantic, delicate, and profound part of Indian culture, where the art of adornment reflects not only one’s material wealth but also inner richness.

Key Takeaways

  • Indian jewelry is an integral part of Indian culture and is used for various purposes, including religious ceremonies, weddings, and other festive occasions.

  • Traditional Indian jewelry is made using a variety of materials, including gold, silver, and precious stones like diamonds, emeralds, and rubies.

  • Different regions in India have their unique styles of jewelry-making, which are influenced by the local culture, customs, and traditions.

  • Indian jewelry designs often incorporate symbolic elements, such as auspicious motifs like the lotus flower, peacock feathers, and the sun and moon.

  • Indian jewelry is not only a fashion accessory but is also believed to have therapeutic and healing properties. For example, certain gemstones are believed to have healing properties that can benefit the wearer.

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    Maggie January 15, 2009