Thursday, June 20, 2013

Understanding The Importance Of The Turkish Turban

By Margarita Joseph


In many religions and cultures wearing a turban has great amount of significance, an example of such is the Sikh religion. In Sikhism, there is a color given to the garments. These colors, it should be noted, do not have any religious or formal significance but is subject to cultural interpretations. The Turkish turban for one signifies wealth and happiness.

This garment is usually worn at weddings. However the garment became popular during the popular show of the American idol, a singing competition. One contestant showed up with not only a beard and probably long hair but also a golden head garment. This sparked debate about the culture all over America. Although the talk was both negative and positive, it is safe to say that it led to the enlightenment of many who were previously ignorant.

The garment became popular not only in America but also in other countries when a contestant of the American idol wore it on stage. Not many people expected a smiling man to pop on stage with a golden headgear. Although many people criticized the move and the garment both negatively and positively it was great that they were all enlightened on it.

The history behind the yellow garment being signified as it is now is not known. However in a general perspective the article represents honor, self respect, piety, courage and spirituality. Wearing it is pledging unquestionable allegiance to your Guru and committing yourself to serve even those who have evil intentions. It is considered a gift left for you by your Guru. Wearing the garment is like crowning yourself. It is an act of nobility and immense respectability.

Although the garment is generally a religious and cultural article, there is also a technological aspect to it. The Sikh do not cut their hair but rather fold it in a Rishi knot. Apparently this knot concentrates the solar energy needed in meditation to the head. The purpose of the turban then is to hold in place the 26 bones of the skull from all that energy.

They all might seem similar to everybody else but the garment has a variety of styles for different purposes. For instance there is the Chand Tora Dhamala which was style used by the warriors going to the battle field. The patka is another model used by young boys out in the playing field.

In addition to the religious and cultural significance, there is also a technological aspect to the garment. The long hair of the wearer is usually tied in what is known as a Rishi knot. Apparently this knot concentrates all of the solar energy that is used in meditation on the heard. The garment's function thus is to hold the 26 skull bones in place.

The golden article is not only beautiful but also very significant culturally and religiously. What we need to do is appreciate it at all times. Let us appreciate the Turkish turban by not criticizing the wearers or the garments themselves.




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