

Happily, we non-Indian ladies were not left on our own to try to figure out how to wrap one. In case you aren't familiar with the sari (or "saree"), it's a traditional Indian garment that is made of a cropped blouse and a coordinating piece of fabric several meters long that is worn over a skirt and wrapped and pleated around the body in various ways. It's often richly embellished and made in vibrant colors and patterns. I agree with Indian aesthetics; more is more! For my sari, the blouse included was far too big for me. I made it smaller and removed the sleeves. Sleeveless blouses were a popular 1930s sari trend, so I thought I'd stick with my favorite era here, too!
![]() |
Me, Anisha, and Saehee (photo credit to Elizabeth) |


![]() |
After a recent haircut, my hair is MUCH shorter than I expected. It's still not long enough to pin curl yet, hence the straight, weird 'do. |


![]() |
Our church pastoral team (photo credit to Elizabeth) |
Have you ever gotten a chance to wear a sari or another piece of Indian clothing? What was your experience like, and how did others respond?
Have there been times when you put aside your personal preferences or views in order to show respect and value to another person? How would you gauge when it's appropriate to stand up for your personal rights and when to lay them down for someone else's good?
Oh what an amazing colour! I love saris and the whole traditional Indian look, it's just so beautiful and bright. It always seems like a celebration of everyone's beauty rather than dressing to hide ourselves like so many people do in the western world.
ReplyDeleteI have an olive green sari that I bought in London several years ago but still haven't worn. One day I'll find someone to show me how to put it on!
All of your saris are beautiful! My best friend is of an Indian background, and I love attending different events with her partly because I get to experience her culture through clothing! I also love how you modified your saris to respect the wishes of everyone in your Church.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! I've never worn a sari but I went to the birthday party of an Indian friend before Christmas and loved all the beautiful saris her family were wearing.
ReplyDeleteThey're SO pretty. Indian clothing is some of my favorite in the world. So elegant and flattering for everyone!
DeleteThat's a really pretty sari! I have one that I wore to my cousin's wedding a few years ago, but have sadly not had an occasion to wear it since.
ReplyDeleteThis was really fasinating, a great insight.
ReplyDeleteSo gorgeous! I adore saris, but I don't think I could ever get away with wearing one. ...maybe as a scarf, but not the full thing. I would be afraid of offending someone. I'm interested in hijab and head wrapping, too, but....same reason...
ReplyDeleteI'm sure randomly wearing it about would be kind of strange, but no Indian I've ever met has been offended by a non-Indian respectfully wearing a sari. I'm sure if you found someone to help you wrap one, she wouldn't mind it at all!
DeleteHijab is a little different, since it's related to a religion, not a nationality. I wore hijab while living in a Muslim country, but it was necessary for that context. However, Muslims don't have a corner on the entire head wrap market! There are plenty of head wraps you can wear that will not immediately identify you as Muslim that you can try out!
Really beautiful sari. You look fantastic! Saris one of my favourite garments in the world. Between the vibrant hues and the elegant lengths of material, they have a grace and loveliness unto themselves.
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
I love the point you made about personal freedom vs respecting and valuing others. If more people would have your attitude and be willing to lay aside some of their rights (even something as inconsequential as the right to show off your midriff) in order to value and respect others, what a nicer world we would live in! As for me, I work at a church too (not on pastoral staff though!) and I choose not to wear shorts or sleeveless tops to work even though it's Florida and most people are way more chill about that sort of stuff because it's so hot all of the time. It's definitely a personal decision that shouldn't be forced on other people but it's really cool to see you sharing your thoughts about it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I adore the saris! So pretty! I adore all of the bright colors and bling! :)
This is so neat! I actually have a sari I've been considering showing on my blog, as it was given to me as a wedding gift by my Gujarati Auntie, although I don't have any appropriate cultural settings or events in which to wear it. Yours is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteAnd, coincidence of coincidences, I drove by your church on my drive to Texas today! I saw the sign and thought "That rings a bell..." since you had shared about it before!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI love how you were able to pull off wearing a Sari, while still being considerate of other's modesty standards. I must confess there have been a few times where I have changed what I am wearing because I know that it might cause others to question me, even though I, and my family, approve of what I am wearing. But I think it is fantastic that you were able to wear a Sari, and make it more "modest". :D
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Brigid
the Middle Sister and Singer