I posted a pic of betel leaves, and a comment by set me thinking....it's amazing how betel leaves are part of religion and spirituality, and also a symbol of licentiousness at the same time....betel leaves, along with supari, bananas and a broken coconut, are offered as "thAmboolam" during worship; but they are also associated with moral decadence, indulgence in vices (especially sexual)....a woman would only offer "pAn" or "beeda" or "thAmboolam" to a man if she were "interested" in him or married to him....can someone explain this dichotomy to me? Or is a god or goddess who is being worshipped, also offered all the marks of "lAsyam" or luxury, which explains all the decorations, offerings of fruit and flowers, and so on?