celtic braids cultural appropriation celtic braids cultural appropriation

Box braids are generally done using synthetic or human hair. They are more than a style they are history. Some historians believe that this style of braiding may have been inspired by the Vikings love of ships and the sea since it looks like a rope or cord. Heres a list of frequently asked questions about who invented braids and their fascinating history. In Africa, braiding is a form of communication. Braided hair is an ancient Irish symbol of feminine power and luck. "This style is used for kinkier textures as a form of protective stylingnot just for fashion. They brought back many new ideas and technologies, including a fascination with African braid styles. Braiding started in Africa with the Himba people of Namibia, says Pace. From classic cornrows and simple three-strand braids to Dutch braids and more, this symbolic style has been a sign of societal status, ethnicity, religion, and more. Sims traces the origins of braids back to African culture. Anyone can practice it. The German braid is a very popular hairstyle in Europe, especially among young girls. It was considered disgraceful to cut short one's hair or beard. This sort of appropriation is different from the remixing that Nick talks about in the comments on Davids post because all respect for the original meme is lost. Braids were invented by the Himba people of Namibia in 3500 BC. Did the Celts have cornrows? How do I honour my ancestors in that context? The knotless braid is a hairstyle that has roots in tribes of west Africa. A history that I will never be able to grasp fully. This DIY Mask Has Been Used on Natural Hair for CenturiesBut Does It Work? as lora rightly says none of us is really pure. In the U.S., braids became popular in the 1960s and 70s as African Americans started wearing their hair in its natural state, which was often worn in cornrows or box braids. These people have been braiding their hair for centuries. Braid hairs history traces back to Africa and was brought to Europe by colonial explorers. In particular, there is evidence of early cultures that practiced a form of hair braiding in the Scandinavian region, but whether those traditions survived to the Viking Age is unknown. Braids are a great way to add style and personality to your look. This is why white people think nothing of getting Chinese or Japanese character tattoos. Instead, they used animal fat from cooked meat from previous hunts or from wild games that they had killed themselves. i have been thinking that the celts used to be everywhere in britain; there are surely many of us who can validly claim celtic influence of some kind at some point within our past. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories, posted a tribute to Notting Hill Carnival, accusing her of gaslighting and racist microaggressions, Stories of racist jokes, microaggressions, and tokenism from YouTubers highlight a widespread problem within the influencer industry. Cultural Appropriation would be using the clothes and hairstyles of different cultures, then claiming that your culture invented them. You can wear them long or short, casual or formal. More recently, Justin Beiber debuted his new locs in an April Instagram post.Three days later, Beiber was harshly criticized in a Guardian article for cultural tone-deafness . That was pre-celt), how many assume celts celebrated the solstices and equinoxes (nope, the lore only points to the four cross-quarter days), how many people use a Celtic Astrology (no such thing), how many people assume Cernunnos is Irish (nope, he's continental) etc. "That's actually something that many Black and Asian women have been doing for, I'd say, definitely over 100 years," she said. "What seems to draw the ire of cultural appropriation activists are the less respectful instances where someone will use an item from another culture to ridicule or patronize the other group.". Besidesblack culturewhite culturewhat about American culture? However, there have been many other people than just Rastafarians wearing hair in a way similar to dreadlocks; in ancient Egypt, in India still today, and surprise: even in Europe the celts and vikings and some other people have worn their hair that way. dreadlocks is something we had since the down of time, so a white man. Wearing braids protect natural hair from heat damage and humidity., A Look at Festival Beauty's Long-Standing Cultural Appropriation Problem, Bonnets are Both Stylish and FunctionalHere's the Backstory, 24 Bantu Knot Hairstyles That Are Seriously Inspiring, These Classic Crochet Braid Patterns Are True Artistry, 35 Stunning Braids Inspired by Beyonc's Iconic Lemonade Album, The History Of Wigs Is Rooted In Culture, Expression, and Identity, 22 Y2K Hairstyle Ideas to Satisfy Your Spiky Hair and Butterfly Clip Cravings, A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Bantu Knots, From 3200 B.C. I suspect that the flack youre receiving is from those who are understandably tired of this trend. The only difference is that its easier to see the damage because Caucasian hair is so light and thin. The first documented traces of them are in ancient Mayan culture when they were used as an adornment. Braid patterns and hairstyles were an indication of a persons tribe, age, marital status, wealth, power, and religion. However, a person who has been braiding their hair for a long time and has some knowledge about the origins of braids can do so without committing cultural appropriation. Rather than an angry "mob," Caribbean people flooded the comments telling her to ignore the backlash because what she was really doing was appreciating Jamaican culture, not appropriating it. | Cc: I meant like braids braids so | Cc: You know | original sound - N O P E. 21.8K Likes, 3.8K Comments. As detailed in this blog post I think anyone who wants to, with any ancestry, can pursue and practice an Irish Pagan Path. If you wear dreads just to get attention or to fit into a crowd you want to hang out with thats lame. It is in our oldest stories, our teaching tales. I think its okay for anyone to adapt any cultural thing to themselves. If you went and learned all their techniques and then opened your own shop claiming it was your own, THAT would be cultural appropriation. But the actual ancient culture in which the pre-Christian religions existed is lost to history. In fact, I base my entire lifes work around connecting people authentically to this form of spiritual practice, regardless of who their family was or is Authentic Connection to Ireland is much more than just a business tagline for me! Locks are more than a style statement. TikTok video from amanda (@mandapxnda): "please stop using this argument for cultural appropriation. The style began to spread across Europe during this time. That is humanitys history, and theres NONE of us with perfect pure innocent and blameless family lines. For the most part, everybody also has ancestors who worked to eradicate native spiritual practices in some way. The sisters, who are from London, set up the page in 2019 as a way to celebrate natural hair and give advice about how to style it. We invite you to consider the type of braid used, the intention behind the braid, and the cultural history of that particular braid. this is ahistorical racist nonsense. In Europe, braids are often associated with German cultureand for good reason! Did Celts have dreadlocks? Braiding started in Africa with the Himba people of Namibia, says Pace. Not to mention they are gorgeous and can be dressed up or down based on the occasion. Immerse yourself as much as possible in the culture, and support them wherever you can. Braiding is traditionally a social art. Real talk; let us know below! I think this is simply because 90% of the population are morons who will do anything for attention or to fit in. some of them have survived to this day (ireland, scotland, isle of man, wales, cornwall, brittany) while some have not (gaul). Natalie Rita, the managing director of PR company NRPR, works with many POC influencers on a daily basis. There are TONS of things that weve imported from other cultures. Everything Jeffree Star didn't address in his 10-minute 'apology' video, How Shane Dawson went from 'King of YouTube' to the biggest fall from grace the platform has ever seen. Bayo Adelaja, a diversity and inclusion expert, is the leader of Do it Now Now, an organization "committed to bringing social empowerment to Black communities across the globe." In relation to time periods, Pace credits Africa with cornrows in 3500 BC; Egypt with afro box braids in 3100 BC; Greece with the halo braid in the first century; Native Americans with pigtail braids in the fifth century; Europe with the crown braid from 1066 to 1485; China with the staircase braid from 1644 to 1912; the Caribbean with modern cornrows in the 1970s; and the Internet (of course) with braid tutorials becoming especially popular in 2005 when YouTube launched. The Vikings' neighbours, the Celts had their own version of dreadlocks which they called elflocks, so the Vikings may well have shared this name, although there's no written record of what the Vikings would have called dreadlocks. TikTok video from clare (@clearlyclose): "#stitch with @kelly.lauren #ancestralhealing #europeanamerican #irishamerican #nordic #celtic #decolonize". Did Celts cornrow their hair? its important to not lump them all together as one thing, because these different nations had different languages, different prechristian religious practices & mythology, different gods, etc. Did the Celts wear dreads? They have been around for decades and have been popularized by many celebrities over the years. In short, there is no universal answer here. I dont have that, I want that, so I am entitled to take that and do what I want with it. "You're disrespecting our people, but then you're making music that comes from our community," he said. There's a big difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. If you don't have the time to learn, it's likely that said 'appreciation' will probably not be appreciated.". Again, theres no such thing as pure bloodlines , whatever that is supposed to mean, in the vast majority of cultures and countries. Box braids damage Caucasian hair the same way they damage any other hair. Whether it be a day you just want your hair out of your face or a special event filled with elegance, the art of hair braiding has evolved beyond the original cultural ideas., Amongst African Americans, braids are go-to styles for women with natural textures, explains Sims. Ill adjust ". Lets check it! It is in our most recent history, with many Irish people still traveling and living abroad due to economic tourism or emigration. You think that rastafarians were the first people to wear dreadlocks? By taking these styles and not giving credit to the originator, they are literally erasing black hair culture. What culture started braids? These styles eventually became popular across Africa and Europe, where they remain popular today. 68.2K Likes, 1.1K Comments. Women are taking on a fresh approach to coolness.". The braids were particularly popular among women who lived on plantations in the Caribbean. You can date the use of Celtic Knots all the way back as far as the 8th century, used in artwork and decoration. Cultural appropriation is when a tradition, such as clothing or a hairstyle, is taken from a culture and used in a different way. This refers to how the hair is gathered together before it is twisted into different shapes. i really recommend the cr faq (http://www.paganachd.com/faq) as a good starting point for understanding this topic from the perspective of celtic reconstructionists. He drew on that background when writing about Middle Earth. The Vikings' neighbours, the Celts had their own version of dreadlocks which they called elflocks, so the Vikings may well have shared this name, although there's no written record of what the Vikings would have called dreadlocks. Bindis, Headdresses, And Other Music Festival Trends. They can be worn as part of a formal or casual outfit and can be used to spice up any hairstyle. By Jacquelyn Francis Date November 17, 2015 Some of my earliest childhood memories are of my mom parting my hair with comb at the centre of my head before braiding my long black hair into two elbow-length plaits. If social conscientiousness and the possibility of ripping ones hair out are not enough to convince you not to wear such styles, I dont know what will. I will show you where did braids originate and how they became popular worldwide. If the answer is no, then maybe you should rethink your choices. Braiding is one of the oldest African hairstyles and the Himba are known for their unique hairstyles and intricate braids, which are often worn by both men and women. Celtic men and women wore their hair long, and the noble class had elaborate braids that were often decorated. The ends of the braids are then tucked under the top layer of hair, creating a look thats both elegant and casual. If you search on my blog, you will find my feelings on the matter, which at times rant and at others, have some basis in reality. What Braids Are Not Cultural Appropriation? [When, Where & the History], Who Invented the Hot Comb and When? Adelaja said the context also matters in how things are worn. This article will answer this question succinctly yet also provide you with enough history behind braids to make it an interesting read. They do it for fashion reasons, only its ok because theyre black. Just talking about for example white people in general when actually referring to white Americans is a bit ethnocentrist, dont you think. For the working class, braids had a simple function: to keep their hair out of the way while they worked. Braids have been a staple style in the history of hair. The origin of braids can be traced back 5000 years in African culture to 3500 BCthey were very popular among women. Braids are not just a style; this craft is a form of art. 'Out Of Many One People' is our nation's motto and we live it! I live on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation and the Taan kwachan council, and I do a lot of thinking and work to respect Indigenous perspectives and rights to this stolen land (Canada). By Chris Drew (PhD) / October 23, 2022. they are not the same as each other just because they all speak celtic languages. Based on this evidence we can see that the Celtic men preferred their hair cut short, most often in a bowl cut (Figure 2), whereas Celtic women wore their long hair in a variety of braids, sometimes adorning them with various trinkets and ornaments. Celtic braids were popular among Celtic warriors. Celtic braids were popular among Celtic warriors. celtic braiding sonido original - . The style was popularized by the Yoruba people, who used it to adorn and decorate their heads. The head represented the essence of one's soul. original sound - Rosa_Dont_Trip. others will point out that alot of that culture did survive to the modern day, in storytelling, folk practices, etc, & when building a pagan practice based on a celtic culture, these sorts of sources are often vital to us, so its important to actually be giving back to the culture you're learning these things from, otherwise you are just taking stuff from them. TikTok video from Rosa_Dont_Trip (@rosa.dont.trip): "#stitch with @romaarmyyy #greenscreen #fyp #fyp #viral #braiding #culture". Are plaits and braids the same thing? If the headlines are anything to go by, Adele caused quite a stir with her latest Instagram photo. My own brother, and his Scottish partner, and their son, are living in Perth, Australia. We Celts, working with the Saxons and the Franks, brought our modern culture to the rest of the world with fire and sword. White women should steer clear of protective hairstyles because they are not designed for our hair texture. "A reminder to us all that even though life, as we know it, has changed we can still choose how we navigate our way through it.". | THE MYTH THAT CELTIC PEOPLE WORE DREADLOCKS original sound - amanda. Knotless braids were also popularized by celebrities like Alicia Keys and Michelle Obama, who wore them during their time in office. I would guess 90% of what you find on the internet claiming to be historic 'celtic' is a bunch of bullshit. Cultural appropriation at music festivals like Coachella can be seen in decorative bindis, headdresses, henna, and other accessories deemed . For example, wearing African braids or a Hindu bindi while spending no time educating yourself about their origins or the culture surrounding them is "picking and choosing which part of a culture you want to participate in," she said. Hair had a kind of magical symbolism, an indication of one's supernatural connections. so weve decided to further adopt our own. Braids are one of the most iconic hairstyles in history. Because both cultures are influenced by each other and compose American culture. However, I wanted to revisit it to be clear on some thoughts that have occurred to me since. My Take as an African. As you so rightly point out, much of NeoPaganism is this way a pick n mix of whatever the traditions creators, or individual practitioners, need or want, taken from various indigenous cultures and traditions (and often horrifically mangled and commercially repackaged to appeal to the lowest common denominator, in the process). Unfortunately, part of the colonial heritage as well as much of modern Western society is an ingrained attitude of entitlement. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 Lora O'Brien Irish Author & Guide. Opening up The Rum Kitchen in London was his way of finally connecting to his roots. There was a debate over lunch in the Berkman Center kitchen today over whether white people (or Asian people, for that matter) should wear dreadlocks. The Russian braid symbolized honor and pride and had several meanings in Old Russia. in a different context i have come across the same issue with regards to modern paganisms use of the mabinogion, and whether this was appropriate or justified. Braids and Cultural Appropriation The dark history of oppression and theft of black people reflects why a style of braids called cornrows are a topic of great cultural sensitivity. see things like "witta" or "fairy wicca" written by unqualified americans trying to cash in on stereotypes of irish people, which at best are extremely laughable for the nonsensical claims they make, & at worse have given some in the pagan community an even more distorted view of celtic cultures than they probably already have. Have you ever wondered who invented French braids? Its natures way of telling us not to get those styles. 363.2K Likes, 11.7K Comments. they said. TikTok video from margaret mccarthy (@margaretgoose): "love doing these. These people have been braiding their hair for centuries. Below you can find a more detailed explanation about what are different types of braids. African culture [History Included]. thats not to say its somehow equivalent to what indigenous people are going thru & have gone thru, but you should consider that these cultures still exist, & often face the risk of their cultural identity being eroded due to external pressure. No, but really: The history of braids dates back to 3500 BC. TikTok video from Luciloo (@theamazon__). Log in to follow creators, like videos, and view comments. Theyre always going to be fashionable because theyre practical and chic, says Saviano. Besides, dread locks looks good on white people. I can't find anything online about it being closed, but I also don't want to push their claim out of the way and practice a closed religion. It runs rampant in paganism. It's also important to match your intentions to your actions. Crochet braids are a type of braiding that is done with hair extensions. When created, these certain styles represented age, marital status or even social rank. So it makes women of color feel uncomfortable at times. Im grateful for the correction Each one teach one. Theyve become a style staple and are often worn by both men and women alike. Only 90% of the time. It was around the 1900s when braids became most popular around the world. Braids are not just a style; this craft is a form of art. Are braids Viking culture? Lora OBrien answered an Irish Pagan School Student Question about Irish Ancestry and Cultural Appropriation, in relation to Irish or Celtic Pagan Practice. However, she was brought up in an area of London which had a high population of Black people and rose to fame when artists such as Beyonce, Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, and Rihanna were dominating pop music. Braids on white peoples: | Celtic braids Question Irish Ancestry and Cultural Appropriation? Ignore them, it's not closed by anyone sensible. These people have been braiding their hair for centuries. During the Bronze Age and Iron Age many peoples in the Near East, Asia Minor, Caucasus, East Mediterranean and North Africa are depicted in art with braided or plaited hair and beards. The Himbas and Zulus used to wear their hair in different styles including cornrows and dreadlocks, but they also wore braids that were twisted into different shapes. That is hurtful to those who come across the actions of those individuals because it devalues their culture and turns it into something that is only valuable as an accessory.". In the real world, this can translate to a Black woman wearing her hair naturally, only for it to be called "unprofessional," "ghetto," or "too ethnic," Adelaja said, then when a white person does it, it's lauded as cool and edgy. Dominance: This type involves a dominant culture taking elements of a subordinate culture that has had a dominant culture forced upon it. He told Insider Mongeau doesn't address accusations of racism in her past, but then profits off Black culture by making rap and hip hop music. And this is the sticky point. It is uncertain whether Vikings wore braided hair, but it seems likely. Historians have uncovered Roman accounts stating that the Celts wore their hair like snakes and that several Germanic tribes and Vikings were known to wear dreadlocks. [Who, Why & the History], Who Invented Fire Hydrant? Braiding was and is a social art. This method of braiding was invented by African people in the 16th century, who used it to make their hair look fuller and thicker. Braids are among the oldest of all human hairstyles, they have been around for centuries. Maybe this is a big question. ", Happy what would be Notting Hill Carnival my beloved London , A post shared by Adele (@adele) on Aug 30, 2020 at 3:17pm PDTAug 30, 2020 at 3:17pm PDT. Ora had grown up with Black culture, so it made sense it would become part of her style. Saurav Dutt, the author of "The Butterfly Room," which explores racism and interracial relationships within Indian society, told Insider that enjoying something and being fascinated by it doesn't mean you are appropriating it. "The difference is what happens next," Thomas said. In the United States, we have seen the evolution of braids from a purely functional form of hair care to one that is also symbolic of an individuals identity. Native Americans, Greeks, Romans and Celtic (Irish) art have depicted people in cornrows as long as 1,000 years ago. this is a very interesting issue and i am not always sure where the boundaries lie, lora explains the issue very clearly and provides a different way of thinking about it, which i think is very helpful. You're going to their shop and will appreciate their work. Similarly, the practice is recorded in Europe, Africa, India, China, Japan, Australasia and Central Asia. Slaves used braids to identify themselves so that if they were separated from their families or communities they could still recognize each other. if all of these people wore it, why all of a suden a white man cant wear it, why, because a black man is wearing it. Period. Starting from ancient tribes, braids are still an important part of Mexican culture. I live in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. Gaelic Paganacht is not closed. Fluffy, bouncy and beautiful, its one of the prettiest styles ever created. Braid styles have changed over the years, but one thing remains the same: people still love to wear them! Then you should part your hair into two sections one on each side of your head. This could account for how and why the Greeks believed the Celts had snakes in their hair. Thanks for what you do, Im part way through your free course on Irish pagan practice and Im really appreciating your work and approach., Hi Chelsea, (I made sure they got a personal copy of this reply too!). Has lockdown affected your hair routine and/or maintenance for the better or worse?! Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. It's a good idea to speak to someone you know from a cultural group before you display something originally from their background on your person. The best part about Celtic braids is that they are easy to make and can be worn on their own or combined with other types of braids. When were braids invented, they were made up of three strands of hair, with one strand being wrapped around two other strands. (Safe for yt hair) | *Im not saying poc hairstyles are bullshit, theyre beautiful. ", "Braids are not just a style; this craft is a form of art," says Pace. i think a larger issue at play here is that it would be seen as a step back for a white person to want to assimilate into a black culture. one commenter wrote. I detail this best in my Irish Ancestry Class at the Irish Pagan School. Is hair sacred in Celtic culture? Im from Northern/Eastern Europe, and I just few days ago heard that some people consider white people with dreadlocks practising cultural appropriation. A Celtic Knot is a symbolic pattern of a looped knot that has no start or finish. For cofounder of The Rum Kitchen Stevie Thomas, who was previously a "Shipwrecked" contestant, the cultural appropriation conversation hits home. For example, some people might wear braids as a fashion statement without knowing anything about the cultural significance of the style. Some of my (English) ancestors oppressed some of my (Irish/Scottish) ancestors. However, it wasnt until the early 1900s that braids became fashionable in most countries. Its the way African people identify themselves. To do so and ignore their significance to Black women is to act on white privilege. And if they do, they better actually be rastafarians or have been adopted by Lenny Kravitz. Where Did Eggnog Originate and Who Invented it?