Worldly Word of the Week - Week 1 - Lehenga

Since most of my friends are having trouble keeping up with some of the words my hubby and I throw around, I've decided to implement "Worldly Word of the Week" as a public service to those I know and love... and you can come along for the ride. Come on, it'll be fun! Today we'll start with an easy one.

"Lehenga: A kind of skirt that is the traditional women's attire worn commonly in India and Pakistan. The lehenga resembles the gypsy skirt and usually features a voluminous flare. The lehenga is usually accompanied with a choli or bodice which is designed to be usually mid-riff baring. The choli is cut to fit tightly to the body and commonly features short sleeves with a low neck. Possibly derived from Sanskrit lanka, standing for the waist, and anga or limbs."

Lehengas are what I like to call sari-light. There isn't any pleating or tucking of yards and yards of cloth like the sari, yet they still evoke the same beauty and grace. And there isn't any danger of some stranger stepping on your skirt at the Taj Mahal Palace buffet and having the entire 6 yards of embroidered silk puddle to your knees in front of the chicken tikka masala, never mind the children. If you'd like to see more beautiful examples of lehengas check out HomeIndia.com, I visit whenever I want to add a little glamor to my day dreams! If you'd like to see a picture of my wedding lehenga, it is enclosed with my first post.