SYMBOLIC MEANING OF MANGO LEAVES DURING DEEPAVALI

I am sure many of you would have noticed the festoon of mango leaves hung across the front doors of the houses of Hindus during Deepavali. This is considered a blessing to the house. To attract positive energy and ward off evil eyes, one is advised to tie 11 mango leaves and hang them outside the door. One can also use 7, 9, 13, 15, 17, 19 or any odd number of leaves. Also note that the leaves are dotted with red and white paste to form an eye.
Mango leaves are also used at weddings to ensure the couple bear plenty of children. However, only when a male child is born will the family be hanging mango leaves outside the house.