Seven necklaces | When it comes to Kandyan bridal jewellery, nothing is as iconic—or as meaningful—as the Maala Hatha, the set of seven necklaces that adorn the bride’s chest in carefully layered splendour. While the Kandyan bridal ensemble includes up to 26 pieces of jewellery, the Maala Hatha is the element most instantly recognised and most deeply tied to symbolism, spirituality, and tradition.
What is the Maala Hatha?
Literally translated as “seven necklaces,” the Maala Hatha is a collection of necklaces of varying lengths, worn together as one set. Each necklace is distinctive in design, yet together they form a cascading arrangement that reflects both artistry and cultural identity. Beyond aesthetics, each chain carries symbolic value—representing protection, blessings, fertility, and marital harmony.
Components of the Maala Hatha
Though styles vary between regions and families, a traditional Maala Hatha typically consists of:
- Kara Patiya (Choker):
The smallest and closest-fitting necklace, worn tightly around the neck. Often set with a central pendant, it creates the foundation for the layering of the rest. - Padakkam Maala (Four Necklaces):
The centrepiece of the ensemble. These are four necklaces of ascending length, each with a large Padakkam pendant. The most common design is the Hansa Pottuwa—two intertwined swans—symbolising marital unity and eternal love. - Palakkan (or Paalakka) Necklace:
A longer chain with distinctive beaded intervals. Its rhythmic structure is said to echo temple artistry, bringing a spiritual dimension to the set. - Pethi Maalaya:
The longest necklace, traditionally made with bead patterns resembling bitter gourd seeds or flowers. This chain is closely tied to fertility and prosperity, believed to invoke the blessings of Goddess Pattini. - Agasti Maalaya (sometimes included):
Made of agate or similar semi-precious stones, this necklace is thought to carry healing and protective powers.
Together, these necklaces frame the Kandyan bride in a regal cascade of gold, pearls, and gems.
Symbolism Behind the Seven
The Maala Hatha is more than adornment—it is a spiritual safeguard.
- Protection from the Evil Eye: The sheer layering of seven necklaces was believed to shield the bride from envy and misfortune.
- Ancestral Blessings: The seven necklaces are said to symbolise blessings from seven generations of kin.
- Fertility and Prosperity: The Pethi Maalaya, in particular, is associated with abundance and the continuation of family lineage.
- Marital Unity: The swan pendant (Hansa Pottuwa) embodies harmony and togetherness in marriage.
This layered meaning is why the Maala Hatha remains central to the Kandyan bridal look, even when other ornaments are modernised or omitted.
Craftsmanship and Variations
The traditional Maala Hatha was crafted in copper, plated with silver and gold, and inlaid with rubies, pearls, and emeralds. Today, artisans in Kandy still preserve these techniques, though modern brides often opt for lighter versions using semi-precious stones like tourmaline, zircon, or garnet.
The exact count of seven can also vary, depending on how families or bridal dressers account for items such as the Nalal Patiya (forehead ornament). In some traditions, it is counted among the seven because of its pendant-like structure.
The Maala Hatha in Modern Bridal Fashion
While many contemporary Kandyan brides rent imitation jewellery sets as part of their bridal dressing package, the Maala Hatha remains a must-have. Even simplified versions of Kandyan bridal sets always include the seven necklaces, as they are too symbolic to be left out.
For brides lucky enough to inherit antique heirloom pieces, the Maala Hatha is a treasured family link to history, often passed down through generations. These heirlooms are carefully guarded, sometimes divided among relatives for safekeeping, and reunited only for weddings.
Enduring Legacy
In Sri Lankan bridal culture, the Maala Hatha is not just jewellery—it is identity. It binds the Kandyan bride to her ancestors, shields her with blessings, and crowns her wedding day with regal splendour.
As bridal fashion evolves, the seven necklaces remain timeless. Whether crafted in gold and gems or reimagined in lighter contemporary designs, the Maala Hatha continues to be the heart of Kandyan bridal jewellery, ensuring that every bride who wears it carries forward a legacy of tradition, artistry, and sacred symbolism.