sacred thread

American  

noun

Hinduism.

1. a cord worn by Hindus of the three upper castes as a sign of being twice-born or initiated into the Vedas.

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Example Sentences

When the avalanche passed, Rijal fell to his knees clutching his upanayana, the sacred thread devout Hindus wear around their neck, and wept.

From Reuters • May 7, 2015

He had taken his shirt off to bathe, and I could see draped over his left shoulder the sacred thread given to Brahman boys when they come of age.

From "Homeless Bird" by Gloria Whelan

My shaven head after the sacred thread ceremony caused me one great anxiety.

From My Reminiscences by Hesh, Sasi Kumar

There are both Vaishnavites and Jains among them, and the Vaishnavite Khandelwāls wear the sacred thread.

From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume II by Russell, R. V. (Robert Vane)

The higher clans invest boys with the sacred thread either when they are initiated by a Guru or spiritual preceptor, or when they are married.

From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India - Volume IV of IV Kumhar-Yemkala by Russell, R. V. (Robert Vane)