Betel Box / सुपारी का डिब्बा

Betel Leaves and Nuts are a cultural symbol of India. They are considered auspicious and are exchanged between two parties when a good proposal has been accepted. Though the nuts are from Areca Palm, they are mostly called betel nuts due to their long association with the betel leaves. The chewing of Betel has been practiced since the ages of Kings. The container to carry the Betel leaves, Areca Nuts, and Edible lime is called a Betel Container or Chellapetti / Vethalaipetti in Tamil.

Traditional Betel is prepared by cleaning one or two Betel leaves. Then a pinch of Edible lime is spread on the inside of the leaves; it is then folded after adding a few areca nuts. The chewing of Betel is good for digestion and is served after a big feast typically. The Betel container has different compartments to hold the Betel Leaves, Areca nuts, and lime separately. The Antique betel containers are mostly made of Brass or Silver, and nowadays, they are made in stainless silver.

The practice of Betel Chewing has moved to Paan now, which uses the basic ingredients and a few narcotic additions to it. Though the usage of Betel Container is rare nowadays and only used by a few old people and has become a collector's item. The Betel is still widely used in one form or the other.

Photography @antique.adventures.india