Makar Sankranti is one fantastic festival celebrated all over the country, marking the occasion when the Sun changes into the zodiac sign of Makar. This festival falls generally on January 14th with much enthusiasm in terms of kite flying, bonfire, feasts, and special prayers for a good harvest. Traditionally, colorful clothes are worn on these days to celebrate the festival. However, in recent years, people have come to prefer black clothes at this time of celebration. But what are the advantages of having black clothes on Makar Sankranti? Let us find out.
The Symbolism of Black Clothes in Makar Sankranti Festivities
1. Symbolic Association with the Season
Makar Sankranti is the festival of seasons. It represents the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of days with more sunlight as the Sun begins to shift north. In many places, it is quite cold, so black clothing does have practical reasons for being worn. Black is known to absorb heat, which would help in keeping the person warm, especially in the early morning prayers or rituals. During the cool mornings and evenings of Makar Sankranti, black saree provides warmth by trapping the heat from the Sun.
2. Spiritual Significance
Each color has a specific spiritual significance in Hinduism. Black, perceived as the colour of mystery, protection, and power, is also viewed as the sign of positive and negative forces' balance. The meaning behind wearing black during Makar Sankranti may have deeper spiritual dimensions since it is representative of the Earth and Sky element's balance. It might symbolize the warding off of bad energies by a person and prosperity with success. On this day, which is dedicated to the Sun and the beginning of a new cycle, wearing black can be seen as aligning oneself with the cosmic forces. The color black, which absorbs all colors of light, may represent the absorption of all the positive energies of the Sun, helping people stay grounded and spiritually aligned.
3. Energy Alignment
Colors play a very important role in balancing energy. Black is that color which brings protection and stability in an individual's life and makes him balanced. They might be thinking that they are inviting a positive energy into their lives and are developing emotional stability on Makar Sankranti by wearing black clothes. The Sun, which happens to be worshipped on the festival, is said to offer energy and strength to human beings, and black will appear as a balancer and bring equilibrium in the energy circulation of a person, helping in the betterment of the aura.
4. Cultural Influence and Fashion
While traditional colors such as orange, yellow, and red continue to dominate at Makar Sankranti, black has slowly emerged to become fashionable and cool. Modern trends in fashion styles have now included black, which gives the color the sense of grandeur and opulence. Celebrating the festival with pomp and show in metropolitan cities, black clothes combine tradition and modernity as well. People wear sarees, kurtas, and even fusion outfits in black to celebrate the festival with style and while keeping in mind the holy aspects of the festival.
5. Acknowledging the Sun's Energy
Makar Sankranti is when the Sun changes into Capricorn, a new beginning and positive changes. Since black is a color that absorbs all the wavelengths of light, it might be considered to absorb the intense solar energy the day embodies. Some interpretations state that wearing black on this day will help one absorb the Sun's positive vibrations and get the strength to pursue new ventures and growth in the coming year.