Cultural diktats of the Hindu tradition prescribe Toe Rings to be worn by married women. As part of the wedding rituals, the bridegroom puts a ring to the second or main toe of both feet of a bride. Unmarried women rarely wear toe rings, but in some Indian customs, they put them on their third toe.

Toe rings also helped with identity. A woman with a toe ring is married, and in communion with her husband.

There isn’t any scriptural background or reasoning for wearing toe rings. Traditional practices were the prime cause. The practices had their underpinning in Ayurveda (ayur – life and veda – knowledge). Being a natural system of medicine, this science focuses on food and natural elements. It recommends silver for the lower part of the body or closer to the ground. Gold for the upper part, closer to the body’s energy or breath.

According to this science, silver rings create pressure on nerve endings in the toe. This pressure helps a menstruating woman regulate their monthly cycle.

Human science is about balance and being one with nature. In that regard, silver toe rings and anklets help with that balance. And of course, we can view them as ornamental attire.