힌두교에 나타난 미용문화의 상징성

A Study on the Symbolism of Beauty Culture Expressed on Hinduism

This study is aimed to review Hinduism and its religious code and social discipline, analyze beauty culture and its symbolism in the religion and conduct a comparative analysis on similar beauty art in other cultures and its significance. In this study, the results have been obtained. Hinduism is a polytheism and personal religion. In a broad sense, it is a lifestyle which represents Indian traits. The symbolism of beauty culture discovered in Hindu rituals and practices is as follows. First, bathing symbolizes purification. While it is matched with bathing culture in Buddhism, the purpose of bathing was for entertainment during the Roman period. Second, a shaved head and dreadlocks mean repentance and asceticism, respectively. Specifically, a shaved head symbolizes agony and segregation from the mundane world in Buddhism. In African primitive culture, on the contrary, it is a ritual action and means to acquire a higher position in a community and family. Third, the eyeliner and mark on the forehead symbolize reception and communication, respectively. Specifically, eyeliner stands for protection from desert dust, bugs and strong sunlight in the ancient Egyptian culture, while the dot on the forehead represents wisdom and benevolence from Buddha in Buddhism. Fourth, Kolam symbolizes warding off an evil spirit. In ancient Egyptian culture, on the other hand, it represents an immortal soul, women's fertility and sexuality. In other words, the symbolic meaning of beauty culture can be similar or different by culture.