Wednesday, July 31, 2013

The Beauty Of Turban Tying

By Lela Perkins


Turbans are a symbol of regal and royal blood. They also showcase bravery, and, in a sense, suavity no other accessory can. However, what is pitiable is that the very art of turban tying seems to be getting lost amid the emerging phenomenon of ready to wear. Let us explore this loss in greater detail here.

Any form of head gear has a history and significance in present times. While for many this significance is merely carried forward from earlier days, many others know its value today as well. This is why they understand the process of tying the cloth on their heads. However, differences occur when, in many contexts the gear worn symbolizes power, and in many others, oppression.

Traditionally, wearing the cloth on the head is considered ceremonious by itself. Carried out amid dancing, music and colorful display of colors, it forms part of a huge celebration or a wedding. The more prestigious the occasion, the brighter are the colors and the more dazzling are the pieces.

Nevertheless, there are also cultures wherein wearing this item on the head is also a mark of the working man. To be worn daily, it symbolizes the boundaries within which a man exists, the social, cultural and domestic ones especially. Not wearing one is unheard of, and probably done in times of loss or death.

Women too wear turbans. There exist certain cultures where the females dominate the society and the head piece signifies the working lady. It may also, in some cases, symbolize the position of the woman amid her household or her society. Moving out of the house without the cloth could even signify something shameful.

Tying one of these suave pieces of clothing, if not learnt early by those who must wear them daily, could result in difficult situations. These could range of loss of face in public to harsh chastisement at home. While for the rich and affluent, there are servants who tie the cloth, the lesser fortunate must learn to do so themselves.

Those who realize this can make very good use of this technique. They can, in fact, tap this as an industry and make more than mere livelihood out of it. Since it is much sought after in ethnic communities that have been thrown open to modern times and their nuances, it holds value like nothing else.

Such professionals can be found tapping the retail segment and opening their exclusive shops that offer the services of tying the cloth as well. Another interesting means of livelihood is to offer their services on special occasions such as weddings, where they could tie the gear for all the family members and guests.

As they do so, they do, unknowingly, make sure this tradition or art does not completely perish from the face of the earth. Turban tying, after all, needs to spread more among the communities and be recognized for the true worth it has.




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