Vata Savitri

Type of Holiday: Religious (Hindu)
Date of Observation: May-June; last three days (or last day) of the bright half of Jyestha
Where Celebrated: India
Symbols and Customs: Banyan Tree

ORIGINS

Vata Savitri is a tradition in Hinduism, which many scholars regard as the oldest living religion. The word Hindu is derived from the Sanskrit term Sindhu (or Indus), which meant river. It referred to people living in the Indus valley in the Indian subcontinent.

Hinduism has no founder, one universal reality (or god) known as Brahman, many gods and goddesses (sometimes referred to as devtas), and several scriptures. Hinduism also has no priesthood or hierarchical structure similar to that seen in some other religions, such as Christianity. Hindus acknowledge the authority of a wide variety of writings, but there is no single, uniform canon. The oldest of the Hindu writings are the Vedas. The word "veda" comes from the Sanskrit word for knowledge. The Vedas, which were compiled from ancient oral traditions, contain hymns, instructions, explanations, chants for sacrifices, magical formulas, and philosophy. Another set of sacred books includes the Great Epics, which illustrate Hindu faith in practice. The Epics include the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Bhagavad Gita.

The Hindu pantheon includes approximately thirty-three million gods. Some of these are held in higher esteem than others. Over all the gods, Hindus believe in one absolute high god or universal concept. This is Brahman. Although he is above all the gods, he is not worshipped in popular ceremonies because he is detached from the day-to-day affairs of the people. Brahman is impersonal. Lesser gods and goddesses (devtas) serve him. Because these are more intimately involved in the affairs of people, they are venerated as gods. The most honored god in Hinduism varies among the different Hindu sects. Although Hindu adherents practice their faith differently and venerate different deities, they share a similar view of reality and look back on a common history.

Vata Savitri is a fast observed by Hindu women who want to avoid widowhood. During the Middle Ages, being left a widow was the most dreaded misfortune that could befall a Hindu woman. Even now, orthodox Hindu women all hope to die before their husbands. On Vata Savitri, therefore, they perform special ceremonies designed to promote the health and longevity of their husbands.

Savitri was the daughter of King Ashvapati. When she was old enough to marry, her father told her she could choose the man she wanted as her husband. She chose Satyavan, a hermit who lived in the jungle. The seer Narad warned Savitri that Satyavan was destined to die within a year. But she refused to let this knowledge change her mind and married him anyway. She got rid of all her jewels and fancy dresses and wore the coarse garments of a hermit. During the last three days of his life, she vowed to fast. Then, on his final day, she followed him as he went out to cut wood. He was so tired he lay down with his head in her lap and fell asleep.

There are several versions of what happened next. One says that the branch of a tree fell on his head, while another claims he was bit by a snake. In any case, when Yama, the god of death, appeared to snatch his soul out of his body, Savitri chose to follow. Yama was so impressed by her devotion that he restored her husband to life and blessed them with a hundred sons.

Savitri is regarded as a symbol of marital fidelity. The festival held in her honor takes its name from the vata or BANYAN TREE , which she worshipped on the day of her husband's death. Hindu women get up early on this day and, after bathing, go out in groups to worship the banyan tree. They water the tree, sprinkle vermilion (red powder) on it, wrap raw cotton threads around its trunk, and then circle it seven times. They also observe a fast and make an offering of sugar and ghee (clarified butter). Women who are unable to get to a banyan tree worship a twig of it at home and distribute sweets to their family members and neighbors. They also pray for their husbands' prosperity and good health.

SYMBOLS AND CUSTOMS

Banyan Tree

The banyan tree, also known as the Indian fig tree, is a symbol of immortality because it never dies. Its aerial roots support new branches, and it can go on growing for hundreds of years. Savitri is usually shown holding a branch of the banyan in one hand and the tree's aerial root in the other. An offshoot of the banyan tree can be seen growing over her head.

Hindu women believe that worshipping the banyan tree on Vata Savitri will guarantee a long life for their husbands.

FURTHER READING

Bellenir, Karen. Religious Holidays and Calendars. 3rd ed. Detroit: Omnigraphics, 2004. Gupte, B.A. Hindu Holidays and Ceremonials. 2nd ed. Calcutta: Thacker, Spink & Co., 1919. Henderson, Helene, ed. Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations of the World Dictionary. 3rd ed. Detroit: Omnigraphics, 2005. MacDonald, Margaret R., ed. The Folklore of World Holidays. Detroit: Gale Research, 1992. Spicer, Dorothy Gladys. The Book of Festivals. 1937. Reprint. Detroit: Omnigraphics, 1990.

WEB SITE

Hinduism Today www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/2005/1-3/56-57_women.shtml

VATER complex

complex

[kom´pleks] 1. the sum, combination, or collection of various things or related factors, like or unlike; e.g., a complex of symptoms (see syndrome).2. a group of interrelated ideas, mainly unconscious, that have a common emotional tone and strongly influence a person's attitudes and behavior.3. that portion of an electrocardiographic tracing which represents the systole of an atrium or ventricle.AIDS-related complex (ARC) a complex of signs and symptoms occurring in HIV infection including fever, weight loss, prolonged diarrhea, minor opportunistic infections, lymphadenopathy, and changes in cells of the immune system.antigen-antibody complex here the complex formed by the noncovalent binding of an antibody and antigen. Complexes of antibodies belonging to certain immunoglobulin classes may activate complement. Called also immune complex.anti-inhibitor coagulant complex (AICC) a concentrated fraction from pooled human plasma, which includes various coagulation factors. It is administered intravenously as an antihemorrhagic in hemophilic patients with inhibitors to coagulation factor VIII" >coagulation factor VIII.atrial complex the P wave of the electrocardiogram, representing electrical activity of the atria. See also complex" >ventricular complex.castration complex in psychoanalytic theory, unconscious thoughts and motives stemming from fear of loss of the genitals as punishment for forbidden sexual desires.Electra complex libidinous fixation of a daughter toward her father. This term is rarely used, since oedipus complex is generally applied to both sexes.factor IX complex a sterile, freeze-dried powder consisting of partially purified coagulation factor IX fraction, as well as concentrated factor II, VII, and X fractions, of venous plasma from healthy human donors. It is used in the prophylaxis and treatment of bleeding in patients with hemophilia B, replacement of factor VII in patients deficient in that factor, and treatment of anticoagulant-induced hemorrhage. Administered intravenously.Ghon complex primary complex (def. 1).Golgi complex golgi apparatus" >golgi apparatus.HLA complex the human major histocompatibility complex, which contains the hla antigens.immune complex antigen-antibody complex.inclusion complex one in which molecules of one type are enclosed within cavities in the crystalline lattice of another substance.inferiority complex unconscious feelings of inadequacy, producing shyness or timidity or, as a compensation, exaggerated agressiveness and expression of superiority; based on Alfred Adler's concept that everyone is born with a feeling of inferiority stemming from real or imagined physical or psychological deficiency, with the manner in which the inferiority is handled determining behavior.interpolated premature ventricular complex a premature ventricular complex that does not interfere with the conduction of the next sinus beat, i.e., it lacks the usual following compensatory pause.major histocompatibility complex (MHC) the chromosomal region containing genes that control the antigens" >histocompatibility antigens; in humans it controls the hla antigens.membrane attack complex (MAC) C5b,6,7,8,9, the five-molecule complex that is the cytolytic agent of the complement system.Oedipus complex see oedipus complex.primary complex 1. the combination of a parenchymal pulmonary lesion (Ghon focus) and a corresponding lymph node focus, occurring in primary tuberculosis, usually in children. Similar lesions may also be associated with other mycobacterial infections and with fungal infections.2. the primary cutaneous lesion at the site of infection in the skin, e.g., chancre in syphilis and tuberculous chancre.QRS complex a group of waves seen on an electrocardiogram, representing ventricular depolarization. Called also QRS wave. It actually consists of three distinct waves created by the passage of the cardiac electrical impulse through the ventricles and occurs at the beginning of each ventricular contraction. In a normal surface electrocardiogram the R wave is the upward deflection; the first downward deflection represents a Q wave and the final downward deflection is the S wave. The Q and S waves may be extremely weak and sometimes are absent.
One abnormality of the QRS complex is increased voltage resulting from enlargement of heart muscle, which produces increased quantities of electric current. A low-voltage QRS complex may result from toxic conditions of the heart, most commonly from fluid in the pericardium. Pleural effusion and emphysema also can cause a decrease in the voltage of the QRS complex.VATER complex an association of congenital anomalies consisting of vertebral defects, imperforate anus, tracheoesophageal fistula, and radial and renal dysplasia.ventricular complex the Q, R, S, and T waves of the electrocardiogram, representing ventricular electrical activity. See also complex" >atrial complex.

VATER com·plex

(vā'tĕr), a constellation of vertebral defects, anal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula with esophageal atresia, and renal and radial anomalies; associated with Fanconi anemia.

VATER complex

VACTERUL, see there.

VATER com·plex

(vā'tĕr kom'pleks) Constellation of vertebral defects, anal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula with esophageal atresia, and renal and radial anomalies; associated with Fanconi anemia.

单词	vater complex
释义	DictionarySeecomplex Vata Savitri Vata Savitri Type of Holiday: Religious (Hindu) Date of Observation: May-June; last three days (or last day) of the bright half of Jyestha Where Celebrated: India Symbols and Customs: Banyan Tree ORIGINS Vata Savitri is a tradition in Hinduism, which many scholars regard as the oldest living religion. The word Hindu is derived from the Sanskrit term Sindhu (or Indus), which meant river. It referred to people living in the Indus valley in the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism has no founder, one universal reality (or god) known as Brahman, many gods and goddesses (sometimes referred to as devtas), and several scriptures. Hinduism also has no priesthood or hierarchical structure similar to that seen in some other religions, such as Christianity. Hindus acknowledge the authority of a wide variety of writings, but there is no single, uniform canon. The oldest of the Hindu writings are the Vedas. The word "veda" comes from the Sanskrit word for knowledge. The Vedas, which were compiled from ancient oral traditions, contain hymns, instructions, explanations, chants for sacrifices, magical formulas, and philosophy. Another set of sacred books includes the Great Epics, which illustrate Hindu faith in practice. The Epics include the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Bhagavad Gita. The Hindu pantheon includes approximately thirty-three million gods. Some of these are held in higher esteem than others. Over all the gods, Hindus believe in one absolute high god or universal concept. This is Brahman. Although he is above all the gods, he is not worshipped in popular ceremonies because he is detached from the day-to-day affairs of the people. Brahman is impersonal. Lesser gods and goddesses (devtas) serve him. Because these are more intimately involved in the affairs of people, they are venerated as gods. The most honored god in Hinduism varies among the different Hindu sects. Although Hindu adherents practice their faith differently and venerate different deities, they share a similar view of reality and look back on a common history. Vata Savitri is a fast observed by Hindu women who want to avoid widowhood. During the Middle Ages, being left a widow was the most dreaded misfortune that could befall a Hindu woman. Even now, orthodox Hindu women all hope to die before their husbands. On Vata Savitri, therefore, they perform special ceremonies designed to promote the health and longevity of their husbands. Savitri was the daughter of King Ashvapati. When she was old enough to marry, her father told her she could choose the man she wanted as her husband. She chose Satyavan, a hermit who lived in the jungle. The seer Narad warned Savitri that Satyavan was destined to die within a year. But she refused to let this knowledge change her mind and married him anyway. She got rid of all her jewels and fancy dresses and wore the coarse garments of a hermit. During the last three days of his life, she vowed to fast. Then, on his final day, she followed him as he went out to cut wood. He was so tired he lay down with his head in her lap and fell asleep. There are several versions of what happened next. One says that the branch of a tree fell on his head, while another claims he was bit by a snake. In any case, when Yama, the god of death, appeared to snatch his soul out of his body, Savitri chose to follow. Yama was so impressed by her devotion that he restored her husband to life and blessed them with a hundred sons. Savitri is regarded as a symbol of marital fidelity. The festival held in her honor takes its name from the vata or BANYAN TREE , which she worshipped on the day of her husband's death. Hindu women get up early on this day and, after bathing, go out in groups to worship the banyan tree. They water the tree, sprinkle vermilion (red powder) on it, wrap raw cotton threads around its trunk, and then circle it seven times. They also observe a fast and make an offering of sugar and ghee (clarified butter). Women who are unable to get to a banyan tree worship a twig of it at home and distribute sweets to their family members and neighbors. They also pray for their husbands' prosperity and good health. SYMBOLS AND CUSTOMS Banyan Tree The banyan tree, also known as the Indian fig tree, is a symbol of immortality because it never dies. Its aerial roots support new branches, and it can go on growing for hundreds of years. Savitri is usually shown holding a branch of the banyan in one hand and the tree's aerial root in the other. An offshoot of the banyan tree can be seen growing over her head. Hindu women believe that worshipping the banyan tree on Vata Savitri will guarantee a long life for their husbands. FURTHER READING Bellenir, Karen. Religious Holidays and Calendars. 3rd ed. Detroit: Omnigraphics, 2004. Gupte, B.A. Hindu Holidays and Ceremonials. 2nd ed. Calcutta: Thacker, Spink & Co., 1919. Henderson, Helene, ed. Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations of the World Dictionary. 3rd ed. Detroit: Omnigraphics, 2005. MacDonald, Margaret R., ed. The Folklore of World Holidays. Detroit: Gale Research, 1992. Spicer, Dorothy Gladys. The Book of Festivals. 1937. Reprint. Detroit: Omnigraphics, 1990. WEB SITE Hinduism Today www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/2005/1-3/56-57_women.shtml VATER complex complex [kom´pleks] 1. the sum, combination, or collection of various things or related factors, like or unlike; e.g., a complex of symptoms (see syndrome).2. a group of interrelated ideas, mainly unconscious, that have a common emotional tone and strongly influence a person's attitudes and behavior.3. that portion of an electrocardiographic tracing which represents the systole of an atrium or ventricle.AIDS-related complex (ARC) a complex of signs and symptoms occurring in HIV infection including fever, weight loss, prolonged diarrhea, minor opportunistic infections, lymphadenopathy, and changes in cells of the immune system.antigen-antibody complex here the complex formed by the noncovalent binding of an antibody and antigen. Complexes of antibodies belonging to certain immunoglobulin classes may activate complement. Called also immune complex.anti-inhibitor coagulant complex (AICC) a concentrated fraction from pooled human plasma, which includes various coagulation factors. It is administered intravenously as an antihemorrhagic in hemophilic patients with inhibitors to coagulation factor VIII" >coagulation factor VIII.atrial complex the P wave of the electrocardiogram, representing electrical activity of the atria. See also complex" >ventricular complex.castration complex in psychoanalytic theory, unconscious thoughts and motives stemming from fear of loss of the genitals as punishment for forbidden sexual desires.Electra complex libidinous fixation of a daughter toward her father. This term is rarely used, since oedipus complex is generally applied to both sexes.factor IX complex a sterile, freeze-dried powder consisting of partially purified coagulation factor IX fraction, as well as concentrated factor II, VII, and X fractions, of venous plasma from healthy human donors. It is used in the prophylaxis and treatment of bleeding in patients with hemophilia B, replacement of factor VII in patients deficient in that factor, and treatment of anticoagulant-induced hemorrhage. Administered intravenously.Ghon complex primary complex (def. 1).Golgi complex golgi apparatus" >golgi apparatus.HLA complex the human major histocompatibility complex, which contains the hla antigens.immune complex antigen-antibody complex.inclusion complex one in which molecules of one type are enclosed within cavities in the crystalline lattice of another substance.inferiority complex unconscious feelings of inadequacy, producing shyness or timidity or, as a compensation, exaggerated agressiveness and expression of superiority; based on Alfred Adler's concept that everyone is born with a feeling of inferiority stemming from real or imagined physical or psychological deficiency, with the manner in which the inferiority is handled determining behavior.interpolated premature ventricular complex a premature ventricular complex that does not interfere with the conduction of the next sinus beat, i.e., it lacks the usual following compensatory pause.major histocompatibility complex (MHC) the chromosomal region containing genes that control the antigens" >histocompatibility antigens; in humans it controls the hla antigens.membrane attack complex (MAC) C5b,6,7,8,9, the five-molecule complex that is the cytolytic agent of the complement system.Oedipus complex see oedipus complex.primary complex 1. the combination of a parenchymal pulmonary lesion (Ghon focus) and a corresponding lymph node focus, occurring in primary tuberculosis, usually in children. Similar lesions may also be associated with other mycobacterial infections and with fungal infections.2. the primary cutaneous lesion at the site of infection in the skin, e.g., chancre in syphilis and tuberculous chancre.QRS complex a group of waves seen on an electrocardiogram, representing ventricular depolarization. Called also QRS wave. It actually consists of three distinct waves created by the passage of the cardiac electrical impulse through the ventricles and occurs at the beginning of each ventricular contraction. In a normal surface electrocardiogram the R wave is the upward deflection; the first downward deflection represents a Q wave and the final downward deflection is the S wave. The Q and S waves may be extremely weak and sometimes are absent. One abnormality of the QRS complex is increased voltage resulting from enlargement of heart muscle, which produces increased quantities of electric current. A low-voltage QRS complex may result from toxic conditions of the heart, most commonly from fluid in the pericardium. Pleural effusion and emphysema also can cause a decrease in the voltage of the QRS complex.VATER complex an association of congenital anomalies consisting of vertebral defects, imperforate anus, tracheoesophageal fistula, and radial and renal dysplasia.ventricular complex the Q, R, S, and T waves of the electrocardiogram, representing ventricular electrical activity. See also complex" >atrial complex. VATER com·plex (vā'tĕr), a constellation of vertebral defects, anal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula with esophageal atresia, and renal and radial anomalies; associated with Fanconi anemia. VATER complex VACTERUL, see there. VATER com·plex (vā'tĕr kom'pleks) Constellation of vertebral defects, anal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula with esophageal atresia, and renal and radial anomalies; associated with Fanconi anemia.
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