Sun-Shiny

A little while ago my little brother spilled nail polish remover on our table. The table is wood. As could be expected the nail polish remover started eating the wood. Luckily we found out right away (thanks to the odor) and we rushed to clean the spill and put wood polish on the area and the table was saved. We asked ourselves why something so acidic and poisonous was sitting in the open without a lid. The answer was not long in coming: my sister had been doing her nails and left for just a moment. Why do women wear nail polish, take it off, and than put it on again over and over?

I have a wonderful neighbor, and when we see her we always look at her hands and ask about her nail polish. There is always a deal of creativity in this artistry. On national holidays like Independence Day she paints her nails red and white and puts stars on them. Why does she go through so much trouble and time? Decorating the hands is a very old custom. For example, in India and in many other countries women henna their hands for their weddings.

I believe it is because so much of importance is done with the hands--eating, caring, holding, writing, speaking, touching. Nail polish accents the movement of the hands. It also provides an interesting conversation starter.

In the United States I believe painted nails is another accessory such as purses, jewelry, and shoes. Accessories, including nail polish, are used because they make a person feel prepared or completely ready. When a person has attended to even small details they feel prepared and thus confident. It may also be that it feels similar to pulling something out of the dress-up box--glamorous and like you are on stage.