The Islamic Black Turban And Other Styles

By Sue Carpenter


Many people from different cultures around the world wear the turban. The most recognizable is arguably the turbans that are worn by followers of the Sikh religion, but there are many other types that are worn all over the world. Turbans have been worn many people for many centuries, and they even go back as far as the Byzantine period. In the Islamic faith men wear turbans to emulate the Prophet Mohammed. He is believed to have worn a white, green or black turban.

In Shia Islamic traditions, the black turban is wrapped around a small white cap and worn by descendants of Muhammad. White turbans are worn by other well-educated people and scholars. Other sects of Muslims wear a green turban that has been wrapped around a small white cap, or just the white cap on its own.

In most Islamic traditions turbans are only worn by males. A plain or checkered head-scarf is also worn throughout the Middle East, which is a called keffiyeh, ghutrah and shumagh. These are not usually thought of as turbans, but they are worn as a part of the Ammah traditions that are strong in Oman, Sudan and other Middle Eastern countries.

Turbans are formed from a length of cloth that has been wound around the head. Style, sizes and colors vary in different cultures and religions. They can be found throughout South and Central Asia, North and East Africa and the Middle East.

The Sikh dastar turban is possibly the most recognizable type of turban. This maybe because of the many Sikh communities around the world. The Sikh religion began in the Punjab region of India and was initially a reaction to the Hindu caste system. Sikhism also employs certain parts of the Muslim religion. Sikh men have to wear the Dastar at all times during waking hours.

In India men wear turbans that are known as a pagri. The style and color of a pagri depends upon the region and religion of the person wearing it. In the desert state of Rajhasthan the Rajput people wear them for protection against sand, as well as for auspicious reasons.

The pagri is symbolic of respect and honor and is usually offered to important guests. The color of a pagri is also symbolic, white ones symbolize peace and are usually worn by elders, whereas saffron colored pagris are symbolic of valor and will be worn during political events. Pink Pagris are symbolic of rebirth and will be worn by men during the springtime, as well as during marriage ceremonies.

Some Rastafarian people wear turbans in the Rasta colors of red, gold and green. They are used to protect dreadlocks from damage and dirt. Ethiopian Orthodox Christians often wear turbans too, which may explain why they are popular with the Rastafarian movement. Turbans are not limited to Asia, Africa and the Middle East, they have also been worn by both men and women in Europe since the 17th century. Alexander Pope has been depicted wearing one, although Turbans are not considered to be a part of the Christian faith in Europe.




About the Author:



0 comentários:

Postar um comentário