Festoon (Thoranam)

India is said to be the cradle of civilization as the earliest of civilization had flourished in this part of the world. Indians were highly civilized and advanced for their period and lived in harmony with each other.

They perfectly understood the nature and followed certain simple habits, which over a period of time became traditions, customs and rituals which are being followed blindly and its original meaning being lost. These practices when analyzed had a scientific reason behind as to why it is being practiced. Like one general practice- is to adorn the entrance and doorways with festoons of mango leaves. Decorating the main door of the houses, temples or any other place, where some ritual is performed, with a festoon (Toranam or a string of mango leaves) is part of the Indian culture.

Normally, this kind of decoration is done during festivals or celebrations. Though there is a scientific reason behind this festoon decoration, this has become a part of the tradition and majority does not even bother to know the actual reason behind doing so.

Indians use a festoon made of fresh and green mango leaves. However, leaves of other species like Neem are also used for this purpose. Most of us know that the green leaves absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This helps in keeping the surrounding atmosphere clean and hygienic. Keeping, the aesthetics in view, mango leaves are preferred, since their shape adds to the ambience.

However, all other advantages of having a festoon revolve around this basic reason. The air filled with carbon-dioxide, which is lighter than the pure air, gets purified immediately while passing through the festoons. In addition, insects get attracted to the green leaves. This stops the insects from entering the room.

This practice of decorating the main door with the festoon is supported by a strong scientific reasoning and is certainly not a blind belief. Anybody, who has minimum knowledge of science, understands the value of green leaves and same is the case with anybody who has minimum aesthetic sense.

However, it is said, in the Indian villages, dry mango leaves are used for treating certain ailments. The ash of dry mango leaves is used in the first aid for cuts and fresh wounds. This ash is applied directly on the wound or after mixing it with coconut oil. Dry mango leaves ash has the capacity to check the bleeding. The dry leaves in the festoon come handy for providing first aid in such cases.

It is also a scientifically established fact that the green colour keeps a person mentally fresh and even the modern day medicine advises the modern day man, who comes under severe stress during his normal working hours, to spend some time amidst greenery to freshen his mind and soul. A festoon provides this facility at your doorsteps.
Thus, we can say that the rituals make an integral part of the Indian history and will be followed with the same zeal and enthusiasm for centuries to come.