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. African-American women wanted to look citified. The issue with cultural appropriation is that it often leads to the misrepresentation of a culture. 363.2K Likes, 11.7K Comments. Braiding started in Africa with the Himba people of Namibia, who use hair extensions as part of their culture. Thank you for answering it. My Take as an African. However, those of us who follow traditional gaelic paganchd/t are really tired of new age religions, wicca, pan-pagan approaches, etc., who like to borrow gaelic art, stories, lore, designs etc., as window dressing for their non-gaelic shit. Box braids are predominantly popular among South African people, who are credited as the people who invented box braids. There are many different types of braids, each with its own history and meaning. I really don't want to appropriate anything, and would gladly discard those ideas if it is considered appropriation, but if it's fine to use then I would love to include it. By now, you've probably heard of the term "cultural appropriation," which is basically adoption an aspect of another culture and using it inappropriately or disrespectfully. 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. Celtic braids were popular among Celtic warriors. Monty told Insider she has seen a great deal of cultural appropriation of African hairstyles from European brands and individuals since then, claiming many styles and looks as their own. Gaelic Paganacht is not closed. You don another culture's clothing or hairstyles because they look cool and you like how it looks. Can I wear Viking braids? I'm sure it's all well-meaning, but it's also really clumsy. 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. If your hair is too short, then speak to your hair stylist about incorporating a hair piece to weave through your hair. She told Insider appropriation happens if you show love and appreciation for parts of a culture, such as clothing, hairstyles, or accessories, but remain prejudiced against its people. NOW WATCH: Can the novel coronavirus be stopped? These days, braids are used for many different purposes. Keep reading for a fun history lesson on the origin of braids. 7 Things You Might Not Realize Are Cultural Appropriation, But Are - Bustle On the other hand, if you learn, explore, and understand a . The knotless braid is a hairstyle that has roots in tribes of west Africa. it really shouldnt be a big deal if a white person wants to wear dreadlocks. Anyone who tells you that Celtic is a closed practice is ego tripping. "That is when a culture becomes a trend or a fad. (Roberts assertion about sticky locks actually confirms the disgustingly unhygenic way in which Whites have to avoid grooming to generate locks whereas Blacks dont.) Lets check it! There's a big difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. Are braids Viking culture? Your email address will not be published. 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Lora O'Brien answered an Irish Pagan School Student Question about Irish Ancestry and Cultural Appropriation, in relation to Irish or Celtic Pagan Practice. Both men and women wore their hair long, often braided or in curls. A history that I will never be able to grasp fully. When created, these certain styles represented age, marital status or even social rank. 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! Theyre still worn today by stars like Kim Kardashian West, Beyonc Knowles Carter, and Amandla Stenberg. Hair had a kind of magical symbolism, an indication of one's supernatural connections. Cultural appropriation: What is it and what does it mean? Before Africans were subjected to slavery, the braided hairstyle was a huge indicator of their identity. "If you're treating people in our community badly, or you're being microaggressive and racist towards us, and then you're trying to use our culture for capital gain, that's appropriation.". I agree with everything you said. Eight Braids You Can Do Without Being Culturally Offensive The latest crop of statement making braids that won't get you into trouble. What hairstyles were Celts? I was talking with a few people about learning about celtic culture, and at first I was told to research more (totally understandable) but was later told its a closed practice. Cultural appropriation is when cultural elements of a minority culture are borrowed or stolen by members of a dominant culture and taken out of context. Then you should part your hair into two sections one on each side of your head. | However some warriors would cake their *braids in mud and when the Romans discovered this they described those braids in a similar manner to dreadlocks as we know then today. African It's also important to match your intentions to your actions. Kim Kardashian, for example, called her cornrows "Bo Derek braids" a reference to the actresses' hairstyle when she played Jenny Hanley the 1979 film "10.". it is 100% possible to cause harm by culturally appropriating celtic culture. (Safe for yt hair) | *Im not saying poc hairstyles are bullshit, theyre beautiful. And one of the most vivid forms of beauty exploitation happens at music festivals . Their popularity in Western culture has spread around the world and is now worn by men, women, and children alike. There are plenty of styles better suited for white womens hair with their own cultural significance and physical appeal. However, I wanted to revisit it to be clear on some thoughts that have occurred to me since. Cultural appropriation is often a hot button topic these days inpaganism, and certainly it is an issue that deserves discussion.Generally speaking I try to focus this blog more on specific topics . Theyre always going to be fashionable because theyre practical and chic, says Saviano. Its impossible to keep up with all the hairstyle fads that have come and gone throughout time. Cultural appropriation is when someone from one culture adopts elements of another culture without understanding or respecting the original meaning. When it comes to Celtic paganism, you should make the effort to study and understand the cultures that the practices, ancient and modern, come from. Question Irish Ancestry and Cultural Appropriation? But Id really value your perspective on this, as its a big reason why Ive treaded very carefully in investigating this potential spiritual path. The braids were particularly popular among women who lived on plantations in the Caribbean. Are Dutch Braids Cultural Appropriation? (2023) In addition, they were also used as a way to show off their skill with a sword. I had no idea people got so up in arms about something which, for white folks is really a fashion statement. Celtic braids were popular among Celtic warriors. The history of braids in Africa starts with the Himba and Zulu tribes. Also, check out the list of 1950 inventions. 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. The Russian braid symbolized honor and pride and had several meanings in Old Russia. Discover short videos related to celtic braid cultural appropriation on TikTok. They are bullshit if a white person wears them. Have you ever wondered who invented French braids? Dutch braids are named after the immigrants who brought them to the Netherlands in the 1800s. Are braids Russian culture? However, the words underneath Adele's photo tell a different story. This is because the hairstyle has deep roots in the cultures of enslaved people and black people who wear them these days often wear them as an expression of cultural identity. There are many different ways to style Viking braids, so anyone can find a style that suits them. please stop using this argument for cultural appropriation. Did braids come from Vikings? TikTok video from margaret mccarthy (@margaretgoose): "love doing these. What culture started braids? "Braiding started in Africa with the Himba people of Namibia," says Pace. Are French Braids Cultural Appropriation? - Helpful Professor Women are approaching the braiding style in different ways. original sound - Jeaux. One of the most common forms of appropriation is white people wearing dreadlocks, Bantu knots and cornrows , all of which are protective hairstyles often worn by . - Druid Reborn. My biggest question about Irish paganism has to do with ancestry and cultural appropriation. They were used to holding their hair back and keeping it from getting in their eyes. Celtic Appropriation/Closed Practice? : r/pagan - reddit Instead, they used animal fat from cooked meat from previous hunts or from wild games that they had killed themselves. Click Play to Learn How to Braid Cornrows with Nigella Miller, Expressions and styles have changed, but braiding patterns have remained the same, says Sims. The Fascinating History of Braids You Never Knew About - Byrdie many aspects of the celtic cultures are endangered, often because of colonialism. The Egyptian long tribal braids were first worn by Nubian women in ancient Egypt. Their return to the style was also a rejection of the European beauty standard pushed onto Black women for decades. That's why during battles heads of the enemy were collected and displayed. He said this is a huge problem within the music and entertainment industries. 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 are among the oldest of all human hairstyles, they have been around for centuries. In recent years, the controversy surrounding braids and braided hair has become a topic of heated discussion. Is celtic a closed practice and would this be cultural appropriation? What cultures can braid their hair? It is true that different cultures created different styles of braids such as the African culture creating their own unique hairstyle and that we cant precisely tell who invented braids. Celtic is an umbrella term for a lot of different cultures like the Irish or the Welsh. Everybody also has mixed ancestry! Influencer and musician Kahlen Barry recently spoke out about how his ex-friend Tana Mongeau treated him when they worked together, accusing her of gaslighting and racist microaggressions. "In a nutshell, people need to know whether they're respecting a culture or ripping them off," Rita said. I believe that everybody has more than just blood ancestry there is also social ancestry (community and chosen family), and spiritual ancestry (past lives, transmigration of the soul, etc.) trying more What Braids Are Not Cultural Appropriation? 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. Theyve become a style staple and are often worn by both men and women alike. It is in our oldest stories, our teaching tales. Who Invented the Hairbrush? If youre still interested in this topic, I have plenty of other interesting information about braids, so feel free to leave a comment and Ill respond quickly. The Germans have long been known for their intricate braiding skills and their unique designs. Yes, braids have been a part of Mexican culture since the time when the Mayans and Aztecs ruled. While to some people they seem like just a hairstyle, others feel that it is part of their culture and tradition and that having hair braided in a particular style without belonging to a certain culture is an example of cultural appropriation.