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

The sacred thread is changed once a year on the day of Rakshabandhan; the Brāhman and all his family change it together.

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

For such important occasions as births, marriages, tonsure, investiture with the sacred thread, and beginning the A, B, C, the Kanisan is, of course, indispensable.

From Omens and Superstitions of Southern India by Thurston, Edgar

Nevertheless some of them wear the sacred thread and place sect-marks on their foreheads.

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