Tuesday, 11 June 2013

The Meaning Of Turban Colors

By Mara Boone


Turbans are worn by individuals of various cultural groups throughout the world, including Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs. Although sometimes constructed and formed into a permanent shape, they are typically very long strips of fabric which are intricately tied onto the top of one's head. Styles can range from very small and simple to incredibly ornate. The type of fabric used can vary, but silk and cotton are the most common. Turban colors vary and can range from basic black or white to very bright red, blue or yellow and any color in between. Patterned material can be used as well. When wearing a turban for a religious reason, colors typically do not matter, but can sometimes be used to symbolize particular days of religious observance or special events.

The word dulband was the name of the headgear worn by Persians, and is believed to be the origin for our modern word turban. Iran's leaders still wear turbans to this day, either in black or white.

Sikhs often use color for special occasions. For example, red or pink is worn for one's wedding or engagement, while black or navy is usually worn when attending a formal event. Navy blue or orange is worn by people of the Sikh Khalsa group for commemorative events and religious days. Western Sikhs wear white almost every day, but Eastern Sikh's wear white for funerals.

Turbans are typically worn in Hinduism only for special occasions such as wedding. An Indian man man wear a very large, colorful and highly ornate turban to symbolize his social rank and wealth.

Certain traditionalist sects of Islam wear turbans, but many Muslims consider them out-dated. White is the holiest color in Islam, and the prophet Muhammad is thought to have worn a white turban. Modern day Sunnis also typically wear white. Shiites wear black or white, with black being reserved only to men who are direct descendants of Muhammad. Different shades of blue are used in North Africa to identify different tribes. Green is another popular color in Islam, symbolic of paradise.

Some Palestinians wear a keffiyeh, which is often mistaken for but not technically a turban. Unlike a turban which is wound and tied, this is a rectangular piece of fabric which is draped over the head, and held in place with a black cord called an ekal. Keffiyehs are also worn by some men in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and other Arab men from the Persian Gulf region. Colors styles are relative to each particular region, with Palestinians wearing black and white and Jordanians wearing black and red for example.

Many nomadic and desert people wear turbans for the practical purpose of keeping sand out of their eyes and faces. In this case, the fabric is loosely wrapped around the entire head and neck. Some will also choose to disguise themselves in this way. While color is irrelevant, light colors are favored as they deflect sunlight and heat. Light blue is a favorite as it represents cool water, as desert commodity.

When worn for fashion, turban colors are not important except as far as personal preference goes. Many Western women wear a simple turban at the beach or on a bad hair day. Any color goes.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment