Significance of Oil bath
Oil bath is a significant practice rooted in various traditions and beliefs. According to Purana, it serves multiple purposes, including cleansing, ensuring auspiciousness, adhering to societal conventions, and seeking protection from misfortunes. In the context of Indian history, it symbolizes a mother’s care and is part of a cleansing ritual before worship. Scientifically, an oil bath is recognized as a therapeutic practice that promotes relaxation, rejuvenation, and skin health through the massaging of oils, often complemented by herbal infusions.1
Synonyms: Oil immersion
In Dutch: Oliebad; In Finnish: Öljykylpy; In Spanish: Baño de aceite; In German: Ölbad; In Malay: Mandi minyak
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
The concept of Oil bath in local and regional sources
The term "Oil bath" pertains to a cleansing ritual before worship and a nurturing treatment by a mother upon recognizing her children, underscoring its cultural and emotional significance in traditional practices.
Significance in India history and geography:
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The treatment the mother gave her children when she recognized them.[1]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A traditional cleansing ritual involving the application of oil to the body prior to worship.[2]
Plural form: Oil baths.