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 modern word turban is thought to have come from the Persian word dulband. Ancient Persia is modern day Iran, and Iranian leaders still wear black or white turbans today.
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.
While not typically worn on a daily basis, Hindus often wear brightly colored turbans for special occasions. Red, orange and other bright colors are often chosen for weddings. Indian men display their social status and wealth by the size of their turban. A very wealthy man might wear a large, highly ornate turban decorated with jewels and gold.
Largely considered old fashioned by many western Muslims, turbans are still used by some very traditional sects of Islam. Shiite Muslims wear turbans in black or white, but only those who can trace their ancestry to the prophet Muhammad are permitted to wear black. White is most commonly worn by Sunni Muslims. The most holy color in Islam, Muhammad is thought to have worn a white turban. Differing shades of blue are often used in parts of North Africa to differentiate tribal members.
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.
The modern word turban is thought to have come from the Persian word dulband. Ancient Persia is modern day Iran, and Iranian leaders still wear black or white turbans today.
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.
While not typically worn on a daily basis, Hindus often wear brightly colored turbans for special occasions. Red, orange and other bright colors are often chosen for weddings. Indian men display their social status and wealth by the size of their turban. A very wealthy man might wear a large, highly ornate turban decorated with jewels and gold.
Largely considered old fashioned by many western Muslims, turbans are still used by some very traditional sects of Islam. Shiite Muslims wear turbans in black or white, but only those who can trace their ancestry to the prophet Muhammad are permitted to wear black. White is most commonly worn by Sunni Muslims. The most holy color in Islam, Muhammad is thought to have worn a white turban. Differing shades of blue are often used in parts of North Africa to differentiate tribal members.
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.
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