I don't think our kids know what a 'pallu' is as mothers now rarely wear saree. The principle use of Ma's pallu was to provide the elegance to her drape. But along with that, it also served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the stove.
It was wonderful for drying children's tears and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears and as a hand towel.
For sleeping kids her lap was the mattress and her pallu, the warm cover.
When company came, those pallus were ideal hiding places for shy kids. And when going out as little kids, the pallu became an anchor, a guide to follow the Mom in the big bad world.
And when the weather was cold, Ma wrapped it around her arms.
Those glorious saree pallus wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.
Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that pallu. It doubled as her apron too.
From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.
In the fall, the pallu was used to bring in berries and sweet scented flowers that had fallen from the trees.
When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old saree pallu could dust in a matter of seconds.
It carried so many toys, a proper basket.
It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time saree pallu' that served so many purposes.
The pallu is nothing but magic woven.
And know what this pallu carried.....I don't think I ever caught anything from my mom's pally - but love.
Note. From 'Nostalgia bites'....author unknown!
Tailpiece.
Got up around a half past 6, went through the chores and was ready well in time. Maman and I went to the Foundation by about a half past 9. The entire day was spent there formulating letters and exchanging ideas. In the evening, there was the 458th edition of the 'Aazhchakootam' that had the district BJP President, Advocate Suresh speaking about the CAA and the NRC. Gave my inputs, too.
We returned home early.
It was wonderful for drying children's tears and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears and as a hand towel.
For sleeping kids her lap was the mattress and her pallu, the warm cover.
When company came, those pallus were ideal hiding places for shy kids. And when going out as little kids, the pallu became an anchor, a guide to follow the Mom in the big bad world.
And when the weather was cold, Ma wrapped it around her arms.
Those glorious saree pallus wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.
Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that pallu. It doubled as her apron too.
From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.
In the fall, the pallu was used to bring in berries and sweet scented flowers that had fallen from the trees.
When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old saree pallu could dust in a matter of seconds.
It carried so many toys, a proper basket.
It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time saree pallu' that served so many purposes.
The pallu is nothing but magic woven.
And know what this pallu carried.....I don't think I ever caught anything from my mom's pally - but love.
Note. From 'Nostalgia bites'....author unknown!
Tailpiece.
Got up around a half past 6, went through the chores and was ready well in time. Maman and I went to the Foundation by about a half past 9. The entire day was spent there formulating letters and exchanging ideas. In the evening, there was the 458th edition of the 'Aazhchakootam' that had the district BJP President, Advocate Suresh speaking about the CAA and the NRC. Gave my inputs, too.
We returned home early.
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