Braiding was and still is an important cultural tradition among many Indigenous American tribes. While each tribe has its own relationship to braids, many see braiding as a spiritual act, with the three strands representing the body, mind and spirit.
Braids may be worn during important events to signify respect and honor. Social Status and Identity: The way hair is styled or braided can indicate social status, age, or tribal affiliation. Different styles may be used to convey messages about one's role within the community.
1 Peter 3:3-4 ESV Do not let your adorning be external -- the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear -- (4) but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.
Braided hair is symbolic of strength, wisdom and honouring ancestors.
braid noun (HAIR)
a length of hair or other material that is divided into three parts that are then crossed over each other in a special pattern: She usually wears her hair in a braid/in two braids.
Hair braiding helps protect your hair's natural moisture by locking in your strands so that they are not exposed to the elements. If you are traveling, or are usually in the habit of styling your hair daily, braids are a great way to protect your hair.
Braids were not only a form of self-expression but also served as a way to communicate social status, age, marital status, and even tribal affiliation. In many African societies, hair braiding was a communal practice, with family members and community members participating in the process.
The long untouched hair was therefore considered as the emblem of personal devotion (or devotedness) to the God of all strength. Thus it was an easy step to the thought that in the hair was the seat of strength of a Samson (Judges 16:17,20).
Braided hairstyles reflect a creative and patient nature. People who wear braids often appreciate tradition and cultural heritage, and they have an artistic flair. Personality traits: Artistic, patient, and traditional.
One striking aspect of their hairstyle was the practice of wearing their hair with a middle part, usually divided into two braids. This distinctive hairstyle symbolized profound cultural values of balance and equality.
[14] Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? [15] But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
Goddess braids are also often called boho braids, which refer to the style when curly strands are added to the hair's mids or ends. This results in a bohemian style that creates a whimsical look. The curly hair can be added to all the braids or only some, depending on how voluminous you want your hair to look.
“Generally, medium-size braids are a safe choice, provided they are not overly heavy. The most harmful braids are those that are excessively tight and carry significant weight.” Dr. Kikam says that, when possible, it's typically a good idea to avoid extensions altogether—or at least to use minimal additional hair.
In many African tribes, braided hairstyles were a unique way to identify each tribe. Braid patterns and hairstyles were an indication of a person's tribe, age, marital status, wealth, power, and religion." Pace continues: "Braiding was, and is, a social art.
Cultural Significance
Originating in West Africa, cornrows have been worn for centuries as a form of identity and storytelling. Different braid patterns signified a person's tribal affiliation, social status, age, and marital status.
Braiding was and still is an important cultural tradition among many Indigenous American tribes. While each tribe has its own relationship to braids, many see braiding as a spiritual act, with the three strands representing the body, mind and spirit.
Low manipulation hairstyles for natural hair are styles that require minimal daily styling and handling. These hairstyles help to reduce the risk of breakage and promote healthy hair growth by allowing your strands to rest. Examples include twists, flat twists, braids, and buns.
Many spiritual and religious traditions view hair as a retainer of one's vital essence. Rastafarians consider hair their connection to God, calling their long dreadlocks “God antennae.” Sikhs allow their hair to grow naturally as a symbol of respect for the perfection of God's creation.
The Bible says that any woman who cuts and styles her hair to be so short as to look like a man's might as well be shorn (shaved) to symbolize a fallen woman. God views a woman cutting her hair short as a sign of open rebellion toward her Creator (verse 6). Cutting one's hair is not the same as shearing or shaving it.
Luke 12:7 New King James Version (NKJV)
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Throughout history, braiding has been used for several reasons—from defining tribes, social status, and other societal classifications to mapping escape routes for slaves. This tradition of carefully intertwining tresses has been passed down through generations and become an integral part of Black and African cultures.
Overall, braids have served as powerful symbols of resistance, empowerment, and political expression in various cultural contexts, representing a form of identity, unity, and defiance against oppression.
A Short History Of Braiding & Afro Hair
Evidence suggests that Afro hair braiding started with the Himba people in what is now modern-day Namibia. It's believed that across the African continent, braiding patterns were used to identify tribe, age, wealth, marital status and religion.