In our village, there was once a widely practiced and deeply respected custom: drinking water from a copper vessel (tama ko bhada).
A Beautiful Tradition from Our Village
But what made it special wasn’t just the copper it was how people drank the water. They would pour it carefully without letting the mouth touch the vessel, just letting it flow into the throat. Sounds tricky? Maybe. But it was a skill taught from childhood and it had purpose.
Today, this practice may seem old-fashioned, or even unnecessary. But when we look deeper, it’s actually a brilliant combination of cultural values, hygiene, and science.
Let’s explore why this tradition mattered and why it still does.
The Cultural Meaning Behind It
- Purity and Respect
- In Hindu and many Eastern traditions, copper is considered a pure and sacred metal.
- Touching the mouth directly to a shared vessel was considered impure, especially if many people used the same one. This practice helped keep the water and the container spiritually clean.
- Discipline and Sharing
- Not letting your lips touch the vessel taught self-control and care for others.
- It was especially important in families or public places where many drank from the same copper pot — a lesson in respect and hygiene.
- Symbol of Unity
- Everyone, regardless of status, used the same vessel but without contaminating it.
- It promoted equality and cleanliness in community living.
The Science Behind It
- Copper’s Natural Antimicrobial Power
- Modern science confirms what tradition already knew: copper can kill harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Studies show that water stored in copper vessels for a few hours becomes safer to drink. It helps eliminate bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and others.
- Avoiding Cross-Contamination
- Drinking without touching prevents the spread of saliva and with it, diseases.
- It’s a simple yet effective way to protect others from infection, especially when multiple people share the same water source.
- Balances Your Health
- Copper-infused water is believed to support digestion, skin health, immune function, and even reduce inflammation.
- That’s why some people today still drink from copper bottles even in big cities!
Why It’s Fading Away
Sadly, this beautiful practice is slowly disappearing. Why?
- Plastic and steel have replaced copper in most homes.
- Everyone now has their own bottles or glasses, so the shared aspect has faded.
- Many don’t know the deeper meaning and benefits behind this custom.
But here’s the truth: it’s not about being “old-school.” It’s about being mindful, respectful, and clean values we need now more than ever.
A Personal Reflection
Even today, I try to follow this old practice. It reminds me of our roots, of our elders, and of the wisdom they lived by without needing formal science. It’s a simple habit but it holds a whole world of culture, health, and respect.
Maybe it’s time we looked back, not to stay in the past, but to bring some of that wisdom into our modern lives.
Final Thought
Traditions like drinking from a copper vessel without touching it aren’t just rituals they’re lessons in living thoughtfully. They combine science, spirituality, and social awareness in the most practical way.
So the next time you see a copper pot, don’t just admire its shine. Try pouring a sip of water without touching your lips and you might just taste a little bit of history, wisdom, and care