This head piece that my mom is wearing is called the Rajputi Damini which is a traditional Rajasthani forehead ornament worn by women in Rajasthan. 
This headpiece is not just a piece of jewelry it is a symbol of royal lineage, marital dignity, and cultural pride rooted all the way back in warrior history in Rajasthan. The term Damani or Damini translates roughly to ‘’lighting’’ in Sanskrit, symbolizing a striking radiant glow across the forehead. 
This connects to my family by this headpiece dating all the way back to when my great grandma gave my grandma her first piece of gold jewelry at her wedding and then was passed down to my mom’s oldest sister at her wedding but as she didn't have any daughters my mom got to inherent this beautiful piece which will later be passed down to my older sister. This item is so special because it's the first piece of gold jewelry my great grandparents could afford so it's now seen as something that will be passed down for generations to praise its honor in our home.
My story shows that being American can also mean carrying your family’s culture and traditions with you while being apart of American culture. American does not mean giving up your culture it means being able to celebrate your background while creating something new in America.
My story connects to the border themes of immigration and migration in U.S. history because my family brought their culture and traditions from them in India. Even though my family is now connected to America this tradition of the Rajputi Damini continues to be passed down.

– DC

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more