Why the Asians around you are wearing red string on their wrists!

If you live in a multicultural area chances are you will have noticed Indian guys with red string tied around their wrists. They often have multiple strings in an array of bright hues. However, if you do spot one with a feather attached, well done, you’ve spotted a rarity.

Anyways, in case you were wondering there is a reason. Every year there is a festival called Raksha Bandhan (pronounced ruk-sha bun-dunn), it was originally a religious festival but is now more of a cultural thing celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus. The festival centers on siblings, more specifically the bond between sister and brother. The idea is that the sister ties a rakhi, which is an embroidered thread, around the wrist of her brother to invoke God to always protect him. Then the brother promises to always love and protect her with the accompaniment of a small gift (usually money).

It takes place around August time each year. As with most things it has evolved and diluted slightly over time with many girls looking forward to the opportunity to cash in! However, it does also result in some quality time with family. The other good news is that you do not miss out if you are an only child or do not have a sister/brother in your immediate family. As with all things Asian, it is all about the extended family, with the ceremony being done between cousins, second cousins, uncles, aunts and even close family friends.

This year it falls on the 18th of August. If you wish to buy the above card or see more of our range, don’t worry they aren’t all this niche, click here.