A Tiger Claw Pendant is just what it sounds like. A tiger claw was decorated with gold and other stones. It is usually worn on big occasions such as a family gathering or a party like a half saree function, which is like a quinceanera, but an Indian version for when you turn twelve. I had obtained the pendant a very long time ago. I don’t even remember when I got it, but I do remember one of the few times I wore it. I was around the age of five or six, and my sisters half saree function was coming up. When I put it on, I asked my mom “Why do we wear this pendant?” My mom said in response, “The necklace is passed on to the male child in the family. The necklace represents the fearlessness, strength, and courage of the person wearing it, and it says that they belong to a family of royal warriors.” I even got the same answer when I asked her just a few days ago. This pendant is so important to me because it is one of the few things that I have that help me connect with my Indian ancestry. I have lived in the United States for almost all my life, with a few trips to India. With this necklace I can still connect with India and my royal ancestors.

– Rohan

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