ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Dvija

Dvija is a word that comes from an ancient Indian language called Sanskrit. It is used to describe a person who has gone through a special ceremony called Upanayana or "sacred thread ceremony". This ceremony is usually performed when a boy is around 8-12 years old.

Now, let's imagine that you are a boy who belongs to a special community in India. When you turn 8-12 years old, your parents will take you to a special place where a person will do a special ceremony for you. This ceremony is called Upanayana.

During the Upanayana ceremony, the person who is performing the ceremony will tie a thread made of cotton or silk around your chest. This thread is called "sacred thread" because it symbolizes your new status as a dvija, which means "twice-born". This is because you are now reborn as a spiritual being who is expected to follow certain rules of behavior and conduct.

After the Upanayana ceremony, you become a dvija, and you are now considered to be a member of the higher castes in Hindu society. Dvijas are expected to study the Vedas, which are sacred texts that contain the teachings of ancient Hinduism. By studying the Vedas, dvijas are supposed to gain knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment.

In summary, dvija is a Sanskrit word that describes a person who has gone through a special ceremony called Upanayana. This ceremony involves tying a sacred thread around the chest of a boy, symbolizing his rebirth as a spiritual being. After the ceremony, the boy becomes a dvija and is expected to follow certain rules of behavior and conduct, including the study of the Vedas.
Related topics others have asked about: