I really wish I knew.
Quote:
Bindi, the "holy dot," traditionally worn on the forehead of married Hindu women—it is believed to protect women and their husbands. /.../ It is usually a red dot made with vermilion.
In the contemporary age the bindi has become a decorative item and is worn by unmarried as well as non-Hindu women. It is no longer restricted in colour or shape. Self-adhesive bindis made from felt in various designs and colours are now available.
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from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bindi
Made me curious now. I'll report back if I can dig up something else.