Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

#ThrowbackThursday #tbt: My First “Sari”

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In 2014, I will be participating in #tbt courtesy of the Epson Expression Premium XP-810 Small–in–One printer, the ultimate choice for scanning and printing. Ultra powerful and ultra slim, it produces stunning borderless photos and documents quickly and affordably. Featuring the ultimate in wireless printing, the XP-810 makes it easier than ever to print from your iPad, iPhone, tablet or smartphone, whether in your home or out and about.

It was a holiday gathering at home, and the ladies decided a fashion parade was necessary. All of the women chose their most intricate, most treasured saris. A sea of turquoise, bronze and fuchsia laid out before me. It was beautiful.

But then! Oh, the surprise! A family friend had dressed her two daughters in “ghagras” as well, and it was immediately clear to me that I was the only girl wearing a “western” or “modern” dress. Curse you all!

My mother, sensing my building hysteria at the sight of my play friends donning traditional dress, took the stairs two at a time, trying to find an adequate solution. Throwing a petticoat over her arm, she unravelled a roll of pink remnant lining material lying on her closet floor.

I walked up the stairs, wailing with indignation. “Stop crying!” she snapped, instantly drying my tears. And in a matter of moments, I was transformed into a little Indian princess. My very first sari.

And… my only sari. Sadly, being raised Roman Catholic by very westernized parents, we held on to few traditions, adapting the predicatble t-shirt and jeans wardrobe rather quickly. Still, there was that one night in December, 1982….

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  1. very cute photo and story. There is nothing stopping you from sometimes wearing the traditional dress from your background even now. When I was younger I had a kilt that I bought in Scotland when I was 12 and I wore it occasionally.

  5. Love it :D Your mom is certainly a smart gal!

    You REALLY see how much Reid looks like you from your ‘baby’ pictures! Wow!

  8. my gosh your eyes are magnificent. Your mother sounds like a very caring woman.

  9. I couldn’t tell that it was an “impromptu” sari – your mom is definitely a quick thinker ! I really need to get my buns in gear and find my old photos too and have my own “throwback” with my family.

  15. That picture of you is so adorable Lena! Reid looks so much like his mommy with those gorgeous eyes and cute smile.

  19. Saris are so colorful and pretty. I’m often tempted to wear one but since my family is Swedish, I control the urge. I don’t want to offend anyone!

  20. beautiful picture. My neighbour has a vast collection of saris, so many pretty colours and the fabric is so nice!

  21. I googled ‘Ghagra’ having only heard the term ‘Sari’ before. Thanks for the ethnic fashion lesson. I learned a few more things about choli and dupattas too! And you were ( still :D ) a cutie!!

      • Well…. according to Wikipedia a choli is the crop top and the dupatta is the scarf portion, ghagra being the skirt – together they make up a sari.
        And a gharara is the pants/tunic combo. Wiki is wonderful!