The Story Behind the Extra Dollar / Rupee
A common practice in India is to add an extra rupee to any monetary gift. This tradition, known as "Shagun," is deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual beliefs.
Why do we add an extra rupee/dollar when gifting?
It comes from Sanskrit: shagun, meaning an auspicious good omen, or a blessing.
A gift of cash or check is a blessing.
Spiritual Significance:
- Indivisible Blessings: The number one is considered indivisible. By adding an extra rupee, the good wishes and blessings associated with the gift become inseparable, ensuring that the positive energy remains intact.
- A Debt of Gratitude: The extra rupee is seen as a symbolic debt. It signifies that the recipient owes the giver a return visit or a favor, fostering a sense of connection and gratitude.
- A Seed for Growth: The extra rupee is like a seed sown for future prosperity. It is believed to attract wealth, happiness, and good fortune to the recipient.
But why not zero?
There’s a finality with 0s, whereas by giving $51 or $101 we are starting the recipient off to accumulate their next $50 or $100. Zero signifies the end while one signifies the beginning.
The number one represents:
- A seed, meant to grow the next fortune and bring even more prosperity.
- The good wishes/blessings/luck remain indivisible (as one is an odd number). Consider it as a bonus to the blessings.
Although this practice originated for wedding ceremonies, anytime there is a monetary gift given, it is customary to give one additional note/coin.
Practical Considerations:
- Divisibility: By adding an extra rupee, the total amount becomes indivisible, ensuring that the gift cannot be easily split among multiple recipients.
- The act of receiving an extra rupee can have a positive psychological Impact: making the recipient feel more valued and appreciated.
Fun Fact: The number 0 was invented in India by a Hindu astronomer and mathematician named Brahma Gupta.
While the practice of adding an extra rupee may seem insignificant, it carries profound cultural and spiritual meaning. It is a way to express love, gratitude, and best wishes, and to ensure that the recipient's future is filled with prosperity and happiness.
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Modi Toys is a children's brand of toys and books inspired by ancient Hindu culture. We exist to spread joy and to spark curiosity in the next generation through our innovative soft plush toys, illustrated children's books and free learning resources. Our weekly Theology Thursday series covers a wide range of topics rooted in Hinduism to help us better understand the origins of traditions, the symbolic meaning of rituals, and the stories behind Hindu holidays and festivals. The more we can understand "the why" behind this 4,000 year ancient religion, and make sense of it in this modern age, the greater we can appreciate and preserve our rich Hindu culture. While we take great care in thoroughly researching the information presented, we may occasionally get some things wrong. We encourage a healthy and open dialogue so we can learn together. Please leave a comment below or email us directly at support@moditoys.com to address any concerns.
