Growing up, I vividly recall my grandmother’s stern warnings about cutting nails at night. “Don’t do it after dusk!” she’d exclaim, especially if the clock ticked past 6 PM. She insisted it was inauspicious, a magnet for bad luck. But her rules didn’t stop there—she also forbid me from trimming my nails on Saturdays, my birthday, or the day of the week I was born. And under no circumstances was I allowed to cut my nails inside the house! These prohibitions left me curious: Why should we not cut nails at night? Is there a scientific basis, or is it purely a cultural relic steeped in superstition? In this comprehensive exploration, we’ll dive into the practical, historical, and spiritual reasons behind these customs, spanning India, Hindu traditions, and cultures worldwide.
A guide to frugal beauty and health.