Why Green Is The Colour Of Sawan 💚
The monsoon season, known as Sawan (or Shravan), transforms the Indian subcontinent into a lush, vibrant landscape. And as anyone who has experienced it knows, the dominant colour of Sawan is undeniably green. But why is this particular hue so deeply intertwined with the season’s essence, extending beyond mere visual observation to cultural and spiritual significance? Let’s explore.
The Obvious: Nature’s Rejuvenation 🌿
The most apparent reason for green’s prominence in Sawan is the profound change it brings to the natural world. After the scorching heat of summer, the monsoon rains breathe new life into the parched earth.
- Flora Flourishes: Everywhere you look, trees, plants, and grasses burst forth with renewed vigour. Dormant seeds sprout, and the landscape, previously shades of brown and yellow, becomes a verdant carpet. This rapid and widespread growth is the most immediate and striking visual characteristic of Sawan.
- A Symbol of Life and Growth: Green is universally recognized as the colour of life, growth, fertility, and renewal. Its abundance during Sawan perfectly mirrors the revitalized ecosystem, making it a natural fit.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance 🙏
Beyond the natural spectacle, green holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning that further solidifies its association with Sawan.
- Harmony with Nature: In Indian culture, there’s a strong emphasis on living in harmony with nature. The green of Sawan represents this symbiotic relationship, celebrating the earth’s bounty and the life-giving power of rain.
- Auspiciousness and Prosperity: Green is considered an auspicious colour in many traditions, symbolizing prosperity, good fortune, and well-being. The arrival of Sawan, with its promise of good harvests and replenished water sources, is inherently linked to prosperity, making green a fitting symbol.
- Association with Deities:
- Lord Shiva: Sawan is particularly sacred to Lord Shiva. While blue is often associated with Shiva (due to consuming poison, “Neelkanth”), green is also a significant colour in the worship of nature, which Shiva represents in many aspects. Devotees often wear green during Sawan to honor him and seek his blessings.
- Goddess Parvati: Green is also strongly linked to Goddess Parvati, Shiva’s consort, who is seen as the embodiment of nature and fertility. Worshipping her during Sawan, often adorned in green, signifies a prayer for abundance and growth.
- Lord Krishna: In some traditions, particularly in Vrindavan, green is associated with Lord Krishna, especially during the monsoon festivals like Hariyali Teej, which celebrate the onset of the green season.
- Festivals and Traditions: Many festivals during Sawan, such as Hariyali Teej (Hariyali meaning “greenery”), involve women dressing in green attire, wearing green bangles, and decorating their homes with green elements. This tradition reinforces the cultural significance of the colour during this period. The act of wearing green is seen as an offering to the deities and a way to embrace the spirit of the season.
- Emotional Connection: The lush green landscape also evokes feelings of calm, peace, and serenity. After the harsh summer, the soothing sight of green provides a sense of relief and joy, contributing to the emotional and psychological well-being associated with the season.
The Symbolism of Growth and Fertility 💧
The life-giving rains of Sawan are crucial for agriculture, which has historically been the backbone of Indian society. The verdant fields symbolize fertility and the promise of a bountiful harvest. Green, therefore, embodies:
- Agricultural Abundance: The green fields represent the potential for food and sustenance, directly linking the colour to survival and prosperity.
- Rebirth and Regeneration: Just as nature undergoes a rebirth in Sawan, the colour green signifies regeneration and new beginnings, a period of refreshing change after a dormant phase.
Conclusion
The colour green is far more than just a visual characteristic of Sawan; it’s a multilayered symbol deeply embedded in the natural, cultural, and spiritual fabric of India. It represents the rejuvenating power of the monsoon, the promise of life and prosperity, and a deep reverence for nature. So, as the skies open up and the world turns emerald, remember that the “green of Sawan” is a powerful testament to the season’s profound significance.
