This thread, states the Indologist Jack Goody, is at once a "protection against misfortune for the brother, a symbol of mutual dependence between the sister and brother, and a mark of mutual respect".[9] In a Hindu marriage ceremony, this thread is referred to as kautuka in ancient Sanskrit texts.[3] It is tied to both the bride and the groom, as well as household items such as grinding stone, clay pots and fertility symbols.[3] In South India, it is the priest who ties the kaapu (kautuka) on the groom's wrist, while the groom ties the colored thread on the bride's wrist as a part of the wedding rituals.[4]