A bindi, worn in Hindu, Buddhist, and other dominant Southeast Asian religions, is a small red dot applied on the forehead between the eyebrows using a red paste. Traditionally, the bindi is applied to newly married women, as well, to symbolize her place as the family's protector and sage of sorts. In modern times, however, any woman, or man, can wear the bindi as a sign of their religious devotion.
The term ''bindi'' comes from the ancient Sanskrit word bindu meaning ''particle'' or ''small drop.'' However, citizens of India speak many different languages, so the bindi is also known in other Indian languages as the kumkum, sindoor, bottu, tikli, or teep. Despite different terminology, though, the bindi still carries the same symbolism in each language and region.