IMMTJT - History

The Origin Stories

Every aspect of culture has an origin story. It has cultural, spiritual, or historical significance. So for someone to say that it is just a hairstyle, or just clothing, or just music is false.

Braids and protective hairstyles

The tradition of braiding hair can be dated back 5000 years in African culture. Braids became popular amongst women and became a way to determine one's tribe, social status, wealth, religion, marital status, power, and age. Braiding hair was more than just a hairstyle it became a way for elders to connect with younger generations. The tradition of braiding followed enslaved people over to the Americas. Cornrows and braiding patterns became a form of communication. The intricate braiding patterns mapped out escape roots from their plantation. Hair became a way for slaves to communicate with others when they had no voice. For when they were silenced. As the years have progressed braids and protective styles have changed but their significance has not. It is also important to know that box braids, cornrows, locs, twists, Bantu knots, etc. are all protective hairstyles. They are designed for curly, thick, or kinky hair. They promote growth and nourishment. So a white person should not be wearing these hairstyles. They have thin straight hair and these styles which are protective for some would be damaging for them.

Resources: https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-ancient-traditions/braided-rapunzels-namibia-every-stage-life-reflected-their-hair-021501

https://www.byrdie.com/history-of-braids

So NO it is not just a hairstyle?

Native American attire, specifically headdresses

Some believe that the Sioux tribe created the modern representation of the headdress, but the origins of the headdress are not really known. The custom of wearing headdresses became common amongst Native Americans living on the American Plains, specifically males. Each tribe used different materials and had varying designs. Warriors and Chiefs would wear them to show off their bravery and resilience. They did not choose to wear one or not, it was a gift for their great battles. Feathers are often associated with headdresses and they have significance. For every brave act, every battle won a warrior would gain a feather. The feather could be placed on the headdress or sometimes placed on a pole.

Resources: http://indians.org/articles/indian-headdress.html

https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-americas/native-north-america/native-american-west/a/feathered-war-bonnet

So NO it is not just a headdress?

Bindis

Bindis are dots often placed on the forehead of Hindu women and can be dated back to 1500-1200 BCE. There are two common reasons for wearing a bindi: marital status and religious purposes. Wearing a red bindi signifies the marriage of a woman. If the women were to become a widow the red dot would become black. The bindi is also known as the "third eye". It is there to see what the other two eyes can not; it is constantly searching for a connection to God. The bindi is commonly worn by women but could be worn by a man for religious reasons. The bindi is not just a mark it is viewed as "exotic" and "glamorous", but it is not. It's a mark with deep cultural ties.

Resources: https://jetsettimes.com/countries/india/new-delhi/new-delhi-culturati/the-history-culture-behind-bindi/

https://fashionandrace.org/database/the-bindi/#:~:text=Dating%20as%20far%20back%20as,sacred%20place%20in%20the%20body.

So NO it is not just a dot?

Kimonos

The kimono can be dated back to the Heian period which began somewhere around 794 AD. The kimono was commonly worn by commoners or aristocrats as an underlayer. With shifts in the economy in the 17-19th century, the kimono became a symbol of wealth. The bright colors and intricate patterns represent more than just wealth. Kimonos represent longevity and good fortune. The kimono is special/ sacred but is relatively common in casual Japanese attire. There is also a very specific way to wear kimonos. The left piece of fabric is always placed on top of the right unless the wearer is deceased. Specific colors and patterns have different meanings; wearing the kimono also includes many other pieces such as an Obi belt and an Obimakura.

Resources: https://theboar.org/2019/07/cultural-significance-kimono/

https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/kimono#:~:text=Believed%20to%20live%20for%20a,of%20longevity%20and%20good%20fortune.&text=Specific%20motifs%20were%20used%20to,good%20fortune%20on%20the%20wearer.

So NO it is not just a "robe"?

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