All of us coming home together to the heartbeat of the drums and this Mother Earth. 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. "People need to ask themselves: 'Do I understand the significance of what I'm doing here?,' 'Am I honoring this culture or just imitating it?,' and most importantly, 'Will I offend anyone who belongs to this culture? What culture wore braids first? Some historians believe that this style of braiding may have been inspired by the Vikings love of ships and the sea since it looks like a rope or cord. 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 Black women. The German braids are some of the most intricate, beautiful braids that youll find. 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 . Nigella Miller is an NYC-based natural hair and grooming expert with over 13 years of experience. Keep reading for a fun history lesson on the origin of braids. The best part about Celtic braids is that they are easy to make and can be worn on their own or combined with other types of braids. that distinction is important because alot of racists will act like there is a "celtic race" & because these racist consider themselves to have "celtic blood" (which, i must reiterate, is not really a thing based on how the celtic cultures are defined, existed in the past, & exist in the present day), they are entitled to celtic religion & furthermore everyone else isnt allowed to touch it unless they also have "celtic blood". Box braids are predominantly popular among South African people, who are credited as the people who invented box braids. [History Included]. Since then, the style has played a large role in Ghanaian cultural, social, and religious traditions. African culture However,wearing Dutch braids is usually not considered cultural appropriation. "We have your back on this one all the way!!! The ends of the braids are then tucked under the top layer of hair, creating a look thats both elegant and casual. My biggest question about Irish paganism has to do with ancestry and cultural appropriation. if all of these people wore it, why all of a suden a white man cant wear it, why, because a black man is wearing it. To do so and ignore their significance to Black women is to act on white privilege. The style was popularized by the Yoruba people, who used it to adorn and decorate their heads. Dominance: This type involves a dominant culture taking elements of a subordinate culture that has had a dominant culture forced upon it. What hairstyles were Celts? In the late 1700s, many British colonists were traveling to Africa to explore and trade with the locals. You've got Brittany in France; Cornwall in England; Wales; Scotland; Ireland and the Isle of Mann and that's just the most obvious locations. By Chris Drew (PhD) / October 23, 2022. (cont.). There are plenty of styles better suited for white womens hair with their own cultural significance and physical appeal. It's a good idea to speak to someone you know from a cultural group before you display something originally from their background on your person. Theres got to be a level of self-awareness and humility involved. I grew up in Canada and England and the US, and spent a few years in my twenties living in Belfast. TikTok video from Rosa_Dont_Trip (@rosa.dont.trip): "#stitch with @romaarmyyy #greenscreen #fyp #fyp #viral #braiding #culture". 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. one commenter wrote. theyre not the same". It gives off fun, playful energy and is perfect for the texture of white womens hair. It can be found in ancient African culture. He drew on that background when writing about Middle Earth. Theyre always going to be fashionable because theyre practical and chic, says Saviano. Bantu knots, Fulani braids, and cornrows are just some of the African hairstyles that have been around for centuries. Clueless Celebrities. Cc: So I wanted to address this comment and a few comments that I got in my last video. Cornrows or tight braids close to the scalp are not just a traditional North African hairstyle. Natalie J Monty and her sister run an Instagram haircare page for Black and multiracial women and girls called @got.coils. Box braids are versatile and can be worn in different ways. We Celts, working with the Saxons and the Franks, brought our modern culture to the rest of the world with fire and sword. Again, theres no such thing as pure bloodlines , whatever that is supposed to mean, in the vast majority of cultures and countries. If you don't have the time to learn, it's likely that said 'appreciation' will probably not be appreciated.". might start recreating some. While many of us here take an interest and do our best to reconstruct it, the investigation and piecing together of ancient Celtic cultures is a scholarly task and one which remains incomplete. This is really common in womens fashion and with celebrities, the Kardashian-Jenner cult being a prime example. 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.". Real talk; let us know below! in a different context i have come across the same issue with regards to modern paganisms use of the mabinogion, and whether this was appropriate or justified. [Who, Where & History], When Were Lighters Invented? The final product was then tied off with a piece of string or animal fur. its therefore important to do things like, support authors from the modern celtic countries, get your information from the authors in these places rather than from an outsider selling a book about it. Similarly, the practice is recorded in Europe, Africa, India, China, Japan, Australasia and Central Asia. Braids have been impressionable throughout history, says Sims. He told Insider Mongeau doesn't address accusations of racism in her past, but then profits off Black culture by making rap and hip hop music. Don't know why you got downvoted. The Himbas and Zulus used to wear their hair in different styles including cornrows and dreadlocks, but they also wore braids that were twisted into different shapes. He said this is a huge problem within the music and entertainment industries. Crochet braids are a type of braiding that is done with hair extensions. The ever-evolving world of beauty births new trends every day. In other words, they go way, way back. Gaelic Paganacht is not closed. However, they did not use clay or any other dye in their braids. did you know that dreadlocks have actually been dated all the way back to one of the first indian civilizations, Not only that, but egyptians wore them, greeks even, Asian emperor, who were clearly regarded highly, wore them. I live in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. The problem starts when greed gets in the way of giving back to certain communities and cultures, such as when restaurant investors who originally intended to appreciate and celebrate end up caring more about money. None of that is cultural appropriation, frankly. Icons like supermodel Fara Fawcett were the blueprint for this style. Period. Its impossible to keep up with all the hairstyle fads that have come and gone throughout time. Hairstyles, especially braids, walk a thin line between being fashionable and being inappropriate. they said. In the United States, we have seen the evolution of braids from a purely functional form of hair care to one that is also symbolic of an individuals identity. As for creative writing, you have to start with information you already have and build on that. However, I hope that when speaking of white people, or black people, it would be considered that they are not homogenous groups with the same kind of backround. A post shared by Stevie Thomas (@steviexthomas) on Apr 17, 2018 at 11:30pm PDTApr 17, 2018 at 11:30pm PDT. Has lockdown affected your hair routine and/or maintenance for the better or worse?! They brought back many new ideas and technologies, including a fascination with African braid styles. A space to share and talk about theistic paganism. If you come with love and respect, Jamaica has love for you!". Feel free to take up any books on Celtic Magic you like and put them into practice. Did the Celts wear braids? Or even black people for that matter? The braids that were found are not the same kind of braids we have today, but they were used by many different tribes throughout Africa. Women would braid their hair and then dye it with clay from the riverbeds near their village. Im from Northern/Eastern Europe, and I just few days ago heard that some people consider white people with dreadlocks practising cultural appropriation. So seeing a white person with dreadlocks apparently more easily gets read as someone taking from the black culture. 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. the same people here who deny cultural appropriation would protest about Algeria appropriating Moroccan Kaftan. The Vikings actually valued very clean straight and well kept hair. Culture appropriation Vikings original sound - Kennemac. there are many celtic cultures. Box braids are generally done using synthetic or human hair. (Roberts assertion about sticky locks actually confirms the disgustingly unhygenic way in which Whites have to avoid grooming to generate locks whereas Blacks dont.) Before Africans were subjected to slavery, the braided hairstyle was a huge indicator of their identity. this is a very interesting issue and i am not always sure where the boundaries lie, lora explains the issue very clearly and provides a different way of thinking about it, which i think is very helpful. She told Insider Kardashian's comments made it sound like Black people hadn't been wearing braids for decades before Derek's character came along. These people have been braiding their hair for centuries. There was a debate over lunch in the Berkman Center kitchen today over whether white people (or Asian people, for that matter) should wear dreadlocks. They were used to holding their hair back and keeping it from getting in their eyes. Did the Celts wear dreadlocks? Cultural appropriation, on the other hand, is like wearing someone else's heritage as a costume, "as if you were trying to tap into some alter ego or reverse some otherworldly version of yourself," Adelaja said. Its the way African people identify themselves. What cultures can braid their hair? I would guess 90% of what you find on the internet claiming to be historic 'celtic' is a . "This style is used for kinkier textures as a form of protective stylingnot just for fashion. Braids are not just a style; this craft is a form of art. Its a way of life. [When, Where & How]. The oldest record of a plait comes from a braided statue known in academia as the Venus of Willendorf, thought to have been made between 25,000 and 30,000 BC. EloquentlyEse 1.46K subscribers Subscribe 3.7K views 10 months ago The first video I'm making on. I often hear the defenses listed above. So, just do your research and find out what you like. Unfortunately, part of the colonial heritage as well as much of modern Western society is an ingrained attitude of entitlement. thats not to say its somehow equivalent to what indigenous people are going thru & have gone thru, but you should consider that these cultures still exist, & often face the risk of their cultural identity being eroded due to external pressure. 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. That is hurtful to those who come across the actions of those individuals because it devalues their culture and turns it into something that is only valuable as an accessory.". [Who, Why & the History], Who Invented Fire Hydrant? It's not a closely guarded living tradition. You might think that braids originated in the United States or Europe, but actually, they originated in Namibia in 3500 BC. These days, braids are used for many different purposes. NOW WATCH: Can the novel coronavirus be stopped? You can wear them long or short, casual or formal. Similarly, the practice is recorded in Europe, Africa, India, China, Japan, Australasia and Central Asia. In the real world, this can translate to a Black woman wearing her hair naturally, only for it to be called "unprofessional," "ghetto," or "too ethnic," Adelaja said, then when a white person does it, it's lauded as cool and edgy. it really shouldnt be a big deal if a white person wants to wear dreadlocks. The only difference is that its easier to see the damage because Caucasian hair is so light and thin. As detailed in this blog post I think anyone who wants to, with any ancestry, can pursue and practice an Irish Pagan Path. Historically, Irish brides often wore their hair in braids with ribbon and lace woven through the braids. On the other hand, if you learn, explore, and understand a different culture and then show that in a style that you've developed over time, that's appreciation. I guess a real American culture would be one that ensured that Constitutional rights were enjoyed by all regardless of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, physical abilities, religionhaha I wish. It's also important to match your intentions to your actions. I am of mixed English, Scottish and Irish ancestry (and a smattering of other things thrown in). By taking these styles and not giving credit to the originator, they are literally erasing black hair culture. Anyone can practice it. Native Americans, Greeks, Romans and Celtic (Irish) art have depicted people in cornrows as long as 1,000 years ago. Braids have been a staple style in the history of hair. Box braids damage Caucasian hair the same way they damage any other hair. You can even wear braided hair extensions if you want to switch up your look but dont have time for a new haircut! But the actual ancient culture in which the pre-Christian religions existed is lost to history. These people have been braiding their hair for centuries. My Take as an African. Braids are among the oldest of all human hairstyles, they have been around for centuries. Viking braids are a great way to add some extra flair to your look, and they can be worn with any type of outfit. What do Celtic braids mean? Getting your hair braided in this salon environment builds unity and embraces a historical culture. The name crochet comes from the fact that the braids are made up of short, tight braids with spaces between them. Men and women who wouldnt have worn them previously now embrace them. Yes, if a white person wears box braids, then they are likely to be accused of cultural appropriation. I know it came in a while ago, and you found my video on YouTube since then and have considered it answered [Irish Paganism Cultural Appropriation vs Cultural Appreciation https://youtu.be/8oC3dUqEXaY]. White women should steer clear of protective hairstyles because they are not designed for our hair texture. Anyone can practice it. This DIY Mask Has Been Used on Natural Hair for CenturiesBut Does It Work? Ghana braids or cornrows become boxer braids I'm looking at you Kim Kardashian and Fulani braids become Bo braids, named after 70s it-girl Bo Derek. The idea that cultural appropriation is primarily a form of erasure - a kind of emotional violence in which people are rendered invisible - came along later. First, it smacks of trying to run away from who you are. TikTok video from margaret mccarthy (@margaretgoose): "love doing these. Egyptian long tribal braids are some of the most beautiful braids in the world. Theyve become a style staple and are often worn by both men and women alike. original sound - DeityFreeHappenings. Braiding studios located in African American communities such as Harlem are the perfect example. Its funny to me that some people tend to claim dreadlocks as their own culture, when the truth of the matter is, dreadlocks have been around for centuries in places and tribes all around the world, for various intents and purposes. it is 100% possible to cause harm by culturally appropriating celtic culture. Did braids originate from Vikings? Braiding is traditionally a social art. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 Lora O'Brien Irish Author & Guide. In many African tribes, braided hairstyles were a unique way to identify each tribe. According to Sims, cornrows with beads were very popular in the 1970s, and box braids gained popularity in the 1990s. After that, you should take a strand from one side and cross it over to the other side so that it sticks out from underneath the rest of the hair. Then you should part your hair into two sections one on each side of your head. Did you ever think about braid cultural appropriation? Braids are also found in other parts of the world, such as Asia and Europe. 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. People accept braids to look less perfect, chic, and more relaxed, says Saviano. TikTok video from N O P E (@okaywendyy): "Reply to @theweeone Hope this helps and clears things up #braids #blacktiktok #blackhair #JimJammin #foryou #fyp". Theyre still worn today by stars like Kim Kardashian West, Beyonc Knowles Carter, and Amandla Stenberg. Remember that culture and religion change across geography and time, that's why you can distinguish New England from the Midwest and both of them from Texas while still recognizing all of them as American. The Egyptian long tribal braids are long, thick, and voluminous making them perfect for African American hair. If you show love and appreciation for parts of a culture, such as clothing, hairstyles, or accessories, but remain prejudiced against its people, that's appropriation. Learn from native sources avoid the mixed bag approach as much as possible and learn what you can from the heart of the culture you wish to connect to. Feathered hair and Celtic braids are two great examples of styles designed for the texture of white hair that also look incredible. "Cultural appropriation arises when people, anyone, takes aspects of another culture specifically to mock or disrespect them," he said. they are not the same as each other just because they all speak celtic languages. Celtic is an umbrella term for a lot of different cultures like the Irish or the Welsh. Honestly, since both our careers can be hectic, weve enjoyed the slower pace and reflection it has brought about. French braids have been around for a long time. 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. Women and men of all ages are getting their hair braided on a day-to-day basis. trying more "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. there are other influences such as christian, roman, saxon, some of these were accepted some were forced upon us. Its easy to do at home and can be dressed up or down depending on your outfit. Everything Jeffree Star didn't address in his 10-minute 'apology' video, How Shane Dawson went from 'King of YouTube' to the biggest fall from grace the platform has ever seen. the celtic peoples arent even necessarily genetically related to each other; the qualifier for a celtic culture is determined based on if they speak a branch of the celtic language family. The next time you feel like experimenting with your hair, ask yourself, Would fashion icon Fara Fawcett dawn such a look, and risk cultural appropriation accusations?. TikTok video from Kennemac (@kennemac9): "#stitch with @Brittany Rose #greenscreen #cultureappropriation #vikings #blktiktokcommunity #fyp". My own brother, and his Scottish partner, and their son, are living in Perth, Australia. "An understanding of the historical context of certain aspects of black culture will swiftly help brands and others from making these mistakes," she said. Its also amazing how those who wear them are unable to write English and constantly confuse your with youre when ending a sentence with an asshole. And if they do, they better actually be rastafarians or have been adopted by Lenny Kravitz. In the midst of Coachella, one of the biggest music festivals in the world, we fawn over the drop-dead . Heres a list of frequently asked questions about who invented braids and their fascinating history. 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.) It's not closed. The issue with cultural appropriation is that it often leads to the misrepresentation of a culture. see things like "witta" or "fairy wicca" written by unqualified americans trying to cash in on stereotypes of irish people, which at best are extremely laughable for the nonsensical claims they make, & at worse have given some in the pagan community an even more distorted view of celtic cultures than they probably already have. at the same time it would be seen as forward progress for a black person to want to assimilate to a white culture. [When, Where & the History], Who Invented the Hot Comb and When? 363.2K Likes, 11.7K Comments. lora o'brien describes irish paganism as being a "semi closed" or "semi open" practice. Bindis, Headdresses, And Other Music Festival Trends. Braids on white peoples: | Celtic braids I dont have that, I want that, so I am entitled to take that and do what I want with it. Certainly not in Ireland, we are a people of immigration and emigration, it is in the very blood and bones of us. (Note: I *think* were still friends though I have to wonder after his blanket denigration of female/male friendship at the beginning of his post). Maybe this is a big question. Braiding started in Africa with the Himba people of Namibia, says Pace. There's a big difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. "A reminder to us all that even though life, as we know it, has changed we can still choose how we navigate our way through it.". Do Celtic people wear dreadlocks? Michelle Regalado is a seasoned editor, fact-checker, and content strategist with expertise in women's lifestyle news. Cultural appropriation is when a tradition, such as clothing or a hairstyle, is taken from a culture and used in a different way. Braids are much more than a hairstyle. Looking to connect to Irish ancestry, you must be aware that we certainly have all of these things, and that a huge majority of those ancestors will have been Christian, and probably Catholic. Besides, culture is meant to be . These people have been braiding their hair for centuries. 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. Younger children would start practicing on each other and eventually learn the traditional styles. Lets talk about the myth that Celtic people wore dreadlocks | So a lot of people believe the Vikings wore dreadlocks however thats not true . There are many different ways to style Viking braids, so anyone can find a style that suits them. For example, you can braid the extensions into two separate braids or three braids for a more elaborate look. In the U.S., braids became popular in the 1960s and 70s as African Americans started wearing their hair in its natural state, which was often worn in cornrows or box braids. Theres an interesting discussion in the comments about what counts as Western importation: David thinks the list of Western imports would be short, though I think Im with Nick. Is celtic a closed practice and would this be cultural appropriation? Coucou Chloe's "Doom" played during a performance, containing samples from Hadith a type of Islamic scripture. For cofounder of The Rum Kitchen Stevie Thomas, who was previously a "Shipwrecked" contestant, the cultural appropriation conversation hits home. These styles eventually became popular across Africa and Europe, where they remain popular today. This also helped them keep their cultural traditions alive while they were being held as slaves in America. Braid patterns and hairstyles were an indication of a persons tribe, age, marital status, wealth, power, and religion. When I said braids I obviously didn't mean like Celtic braids or you know French braids. This is a responsible, sober, accurate assessment. Did Celtic tribes lock their hair? Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. As you so rightly point out, much of NeoPaganism is this way a pick n mix of whatever the traditions creators, or individual practitioners, need or want, taken from various indigenous cultures and traditions (and often horrifically mangled and commercially repackaged to appeal to the lowest common denominator, in the process). at the same time it would be seen as forward progress for a black person to want to assimilate to a white culture, If you werent ignorant, youd know that black people tried to assimiliate into white culture, but was constantly denied to do so because we were brought here for one thing only: to be your property (and your entertainment-musically, sexually, etc.) The braids were particularly popular among women who lived on plantations in the Caribbean. Women are taking on a fresh approach to coolness.". 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. Based on this evidence we can see that the Celtic men preferred their hair cut short, most often in a bowl cut (Figure 2), whereas Celtic women wore their long hair in a variety of braids, sometimes adorning them with various trinkets and ornaments. Some of my (English) ancestors oppressed some of my (Irish/Scottish) ancestors. original sound - massnad. The braids themselves are made from three strands of hair, twisted and folded over each other to create a plait. Whether it be a day you just want your hair out of your face or a special event filled with elegance, the art of hair braiding has evolved beyond the original cultural ideas., Amongst African Americans, braids are go-to styles for women with natural textures, explains Sims. original sound - Jeaux. i think a larger issue at play here is that it would be seen as a step back for a white person to want to assimilate into a black culture. However, it wasnt until the early 1900s that braids became fashionable in most countries. theres no single "celtic" culture. However, there have been many other people than just Rastafarians wearing hair in a way similar to dreadlocks; in ancient Egypt, in India still today, and surprise: even in Europe the celts and vikings and some other people have worn their hair that way. i really recommend the cr faq (http://www.paganachd.com/faq) as a good starting point for understanding this topic from the perspective of celtic reconstructionists. For example, wearing African braids or a Hindu bindi while spending no time educating yourself about their origins or the culture surrounding them is "picking and choosing which part of a culture you want to participate in," she said. The looped pattern goes on infinitely, which is thought to symbolise the eternity of life. What culture invented braids? For example, a white woman who decides to learn how to braid hair and wear braids does not have the same perspective as an African woman who has been wearing them for years. The first culture to wear braids was the Namibian tribe in Africa. Their popularity became global, but who really invented them? Im of the opinion that its a terrible idea, though at the time I couldnt really articulate why without sounding like I was being snotty and judgmental. Braid hairs history traces back to Africa and was brought to Europe by colonial explorers. Your email address will not be published. In recent years, the controversy surrounding braids and braided hair has become a topic of heated discussion. Both men and women wore their hair long, often braided or in curls. In the 1970s, Black women repopularized cornrows as a style to reject the chemical relaxers that flooded the market. I live on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation and the Taan kwachan council, and I do a lot of thinking and work to respect Indigenous perspectives and rights to this stolen land (Canada). Copyright 2023 | Georgia State Signal | By Daniel Varitek. So go ahead and start you story with Celtic influences, don't be surprised in synchronicities start appearing in Magazines, Newspapers and Social Media relating to what your writing about, and mine your dreams for new ideas. ", Another fan said that "we Jamaicans love you" and there was "no cultural appropriation here. Ruby Aryiku, the cofounder of the Black social marketing agency VAMP, told Insider there has been a huge shift this year towards understanding cultural appropriation, and everyone should be mindfulof listening to those who do find offence.