You can't appropriate cultural practices which were, at least to some degree, designed for export. They have been around for decades and have been popularized by many celebrities over the years. 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). Press J to jump to the feed. I understand that in Northern American context this is a bit different, since there has been a history of black slavery, and black resistance. 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. He drew on that background when writing about Middle Earth. Did Celts cornrow their hair? In relation to time periods, Pace credits Africa with cornrows in 3500 BC; Egypt with afro box braids in 3100 BC; Greece with the halo braid in the first century; Native Americans with pigtail braids in the fifth century; Europe with the crown braid from 1066 to 1485; China with the staircase braid from 1644 to 1912; the Caribbean with modern cornrows in the 1970s; and the Internet (of course) with braid tutorials becoming especially popular in 2005 when YouTube launched. [When, Where & the History], Who Invented the Hot Comb and When? Yes, anyone can wear Viking braids! "The difference is what happens next," Thomas said. The sisters, who are from London, set up the page in 2019 as a way to celebrate natural hair and give advice about how to style it. 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 transformed in the modern worlds sense of community, Sims continues. Question Irish Ancestry and Cultural Appropriation? A List of 20 Inventions of the 1960s [Inventors Included], Who Invented The Spinning Jenny? lora o'brien describes irish paganism as being a "semi closed" or "semi open" practice. Cc: So I wanted to address this comment and a few comments that I got in my last video. (Safe for yt hair) | *Im not saying poc hairstyles are bullshit, theyre beautiful. What culture started braids? 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. osire. Ghana braids originated in Africa and were first seen in hieroglyphics and sculptures made in 500 B.C. I support your stance completely. Its impossible to keep up with all the hairstyle fads that have come and gone throughout time. African Lets check it! Maybe this is a big question. No, but really: The history of braids dates back to 3500 BC. When you try to discover who invented braids, youll go all the way back to Africa. The German braids are some of the most intricate, beautiful braids that youll find. What cultures can braid their hair? Did you ever think about braid cultural appropriation? Heres a list of frequently asked questions about who invented braids and their fascinating history. Similarly, the practice is recorded in Europe, Africa, India, China, Japan, Australasia and Central Asia. Dutch braids are a classic, classy hairstyle that can be worn in so many different ways. The Importance of Hair The process of getting cornrows or dreads can rip out or permanently damage our hair. You can date the use of Celtic Knots all the way back as far as the 8th century, used in artwork and decoration. Sims traces the origins of braids back to African culture. The braiding technique is simple and very similar to the way people braid hair on their heads. 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. 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. 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. ", "Braids are not just a style; this craft is a form of art," says Pace. [When, Where & How], When Was the Toothbrush Invented? It is uncertain whether Vikings wore braided hair, but it seems likely. 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. 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. 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. These people have been braiding their hair for centuries. She is currently the beauty director for InStyle Magazine. What ethnicity wore braids first? Rather than an angry "mob," Caribbean people flooded the comments telling her to ignore the backlash because what she was really doing was appreciating Jamaican culture, not appropriating it. The braids became associated with royalty in other European countries as well, such as Germany and Russia. Braiding started in Africa with the Himba people of Namibia, says Pace. This is really common in womens fashion and with celebrities, the Kardashian-Jenner cult being a prime example. Braiding started in Africa with the Himba people of Namibia, says Pace. 117 Likes, TikTok video from DeityFreeHappenings (@deityfreedee): "Part if the Celtic culture #hair_styles #culture #celts #braids #peoples_reactions #heritage #ancestry". [Who, Why & the History], Who Invented Fire Hydrant? You don another culture's clothing or hairstyles because they look cool and you like how it looks. That was pre-celt), how many assume celts celebrated the solstices and equinoxes (nope, the lore only points to the four cross-quarter days), how many people use a Celtic Astrology (no such thing), how many people assume Cernunnos is Irish (nope, he's continental) etc. Its natures way of telling us not to get those styles. I agree with everything you said. Getting your hair braided in this salon environment builds unity and embraces a historical culture. In other words, they go way, way back. There's a big difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. People disregard cultural context when they have never had their culture compromised. Before Africans were subjected to slavery, the braided hairstyle was a huge indicator of their identity. You also have the parts of Europe and the Middle East were Celtic peoples settled and left place names before the Roman Empire. As much as we may not like . 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. Experts say that's not a coincidence. I can't find anything online about it being closed, but I also don't want to push their claim out of the way and practice a closed religion. The Russian braid symbolized honor and pride and had several meanings in Old Russia. You can feel her heart has always been in the right place," he said. 759 Likes, 126 Comments. First, it smacks of trying to run away from who you are. Box braids damage Caucasian hair the same way they damage any other hair. The braids were particularly popular among women who lived on plantations in the Caribbean. This also helped them keep their cultural traditions alive while they were being held as slaves in America. as lora rightly says none of us is really pure. Only 90% of the time. I wouldnt get a Chinese character on my arm unless I could read and speak a little first. Celtic braids, created centuries ago by ancient Celts, often symbolized some of the same things as cornrows like age, social rank or marital status. You can even wear braided hair extensions if you want to switch up your look but dont have time for a new haircut! Icons like supermodel Fara Fawcett were the blueprint for this style. If social conscientiousness and the possibility of ripping ones hair out are not enough to convince you not to wear such styles, I dont know what will. Is celtic a closed practice and would this be cultural appropriation? 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. cultural appropriation is adopting certain cultural elements and make it your own, or display it in an exploitative, disrespectful or stereotypical way. Celtic braids are easy to make and can be worn on their own or combined with other types of braids. Keep reading for a fun history lesson on the origin of braids. Are braids Viking culture? Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. So, just do your research and find out what you like. 5.1K Likes, 520 Comments. The style began to spread across Europe during this time. Braid rage: is cultural appropriation harmless borrowing or a damaging act? 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. "You're disrespecting our people, but then you're making music that comes from our community," he said. Second, when appropriated the symbols tend to lose any importance or context and just get swallowed up into our own ethno-centric view of what they *should* mean (how many times have you seen someone with a Chinese/Japanese tattoo who clearly doesnt speak the language?). 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. Opening up The Rum Kitchen in London was his way of finally connecting to his roots. "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? Braids have been a part of European culture for centuries, but they developed as colonialism spread across Africa. Braids have been a staple style in the history of hair. Are Braids Cultural Appropriation? 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. Period. 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. Your email address will not be published. They are based on cultural history but one that is acceptable for white people to adopt. 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 . It confuses people and conveys false information about historic practices. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider 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. People that claim it's closed are usually those that are also some form of white supremists. But thanks to fashion magazines, Marc Jacobs fashion shows, and the Kardashians, these hairstyles that hold a cultural significance to black people have become quite popular with people outside of the black community over the years. He said this is a huge problem within the music and entertainment industries. Theyve become a style staple and are often worn by both men and women alike. 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 . Did the Celts wear dreads? It was considered disgraceful to cut short one's hair or beard. 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. You don't have to erase other cultures from your wardrobe altogether, but maybe question how they got there in the first place. This sort of appropriation is different from the remixing that Nick talks about in the comments on Davids post because all respect for the original meme is lost. they said. Or even black people for that matter? "We have your back on this one all the way!!! A space to share and talk about theistic paganism. These women were known to wear these braids while they worked in their fields or while they were performing other duties. Braiding studios located in African American communities such as Harlem are the perfect example. Feathered hair and Celtic braids are two great examples of styles designed for the texture of white hair that also look incredible. Their popularity in Western culture has spread around the world and is now worn by men, women, and children alike. There are many different types of braids, each with its own history and meaning. People accept braids to look less perfect, chic, and more relaxed, says Saviano. Im not going to link directly to the posts as only in the last month or two have I stopped receiving constant hate mail about the topic from those who I assume wear them. 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. Im sure its all well-meaning, but its also really clumsy. Besidesblack culturewhite culturewhat about American culture? Wearing braids protect natural hair from heat damage and humidity., A Look at Festival Beauty's Long-Standing Cultural Appropriation Problem, Bonnets are Both Stylish and FunctionalHere's the Backstory, 24 Bantu Knot Hairstyles That Are Seriously Inspiring, These Classic Crochet Braid Patterns Are True Artistry, 35 Stunning Braids Inspired by Beyonc's Iconic Lemonade Album, The History Of Wigs Is Rooted In Culture, Expression, and Identity, 22 Y2K Hairstyle Ideas to Satisfy Your Spiky Hair and Butterfly Clip Cravings, A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Bantu Knots, From 3200 B.C. Some argue that when white women braid or wear their hair in cornrows this is "cultural appropriation", while black women are asked to show race allegiance by keeping our hair natural . They can be worn in a variety of styles and colors, and they are often worn for special occasions or as an everyday fashion accessory. Eight Braids You Can Do Without Being Culturally Offensive The latest crop of statement making braids that won't get you into trouble. Since they stem from a culture not rooted in oppression based on race, its not disrespectful for white women to wear them. 1.6K Likes, 135 Comments. "That is when a culture becomes a trend or a fad. I think more importantly are the reasons behind someone doing something. Did the Celts wear dreadlocks? "This style is used for kinkier textures as a form of protective stylingnot just for fashion. Celtic braids were popular among Celtic warriors. When created, these certain styles represented age, marital status or even social rank. There are TONS of things that weve imported from other cultures. Its a way of life. Cornrows and other protective styles have a cultural history rooted in oppression that white people who sport them will never understand. However, they did not use clay or any other dye in their braids. 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. Dutch braids are named after the immigrants who brought them to the Netherlands in the 1800s. Women are taking on a fresh approach to coolness.". Braids are much more than a hairstyle. Crochet braids can also be made with more than one color of hair extension and also with hair extensions that change colors as theyre braided into place. Native Americans, Greeks, Romans and Celtic (Irish) art have depicted people in cornrows as long as 1,000 years ago. Braiding started in Africa with the Himba people of Namibia, says Pace. Maya Allen is a beauty editor with over five years of experience covering hair, makeup, skin, and nails. 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. Women would braid their hair and then dye it with clay from the riverbeds near their village. Starting from ancient tribes, braids are still an important part of Mexican culture. 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. 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. 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. Their popularity became global, but who really invented them? Women also wore their braids pinned to the head and also incorporated knots and buns in their hairstyles. Just talking about for example white people in general when actually referring to white Americans is a bit ethnocentrist, dont you think. The Egyptian long tribal braids were first worn by Nubian women in ancient Egypt. 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.) This is why white people think nothing of getting Chinese or Japanese character tattoos. Do Celtic people wear dreadlocks? It began with the elders braiding their children, then the children would watch and learn from them. Then repeat this process until all strands are woven together into one long braid (or cornrows). (Roberts assertion about sticky locks actually confirms the disgustingly unhygenic way in which Whites have to avoid grooming to generate locks whereas Blacks dont.) 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. what would you say if someone said black people shouldnt wear something associated mainly with white people? Then you should part your hair into two sections one on each side of your head. 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. Thank you for answering it. "Cultural appropriation arises when people, anyone, takes aspects of another culture specifically to mock or disrespect them," he said. Crochet braids are a type of braiding that is done with hair extensions. | Cc: I meant like braids braids so | Cc: You know | original sound - N O P E. 21.8K Likes, 3.8K Comments. theres no single "celtic" culture. "Adele appreciates and loves the culture. It gives off fun, playful energy and is perfect for the texture of white womens hair. In todays culture, braids are adorned, worn, and praised in many different ways. Braid styles have changed over the years, but one thing remains the same: people still love to wear them! For cofounder of The Rum Kitchen Stevie Thomas, who was previously a "Shipwrecked" contestant, the cultural appropriation conversation hits home. Searching for celtic braids cultural appropriation page? Almost all women, children, and most men in some way had their hair braided.. 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. Honestly, since both our careers can be hectic, weve enjoyed the slower pace and reflection it has brought about. It's not closed. Cultural appropriation is when a tradition, such as clothing or a hairstyle, is taken from a culture and used in a different way. 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. If you went and learned all their techniques and then opened your own shop claiming it was your own, THAT would be cultural appropriation. As detailed in this blog post I think anyone who wants to, with any ancestry, can pursue and practice an Irish Pagan Path. Nigella Miller is an NYC-based natural hair and grooming expert with over 13 years of experience. Bayo Adelaja, a diversity and inclusion expert, is the leader of Do it Now Now, an organization "committed to bringing social empowerment to Black communities across the globe." as you might be able to see, appropriation is very easy to happen or to do and does happen everywhere. According to historians, the first braids were created by ancient Africans. "You can appreciate the music, the lifestyle, the love of the people but appropriating is where you take the influences you see and completely copy them for your own gain.". might start recreating some. More recently, Justin Beiber debuted his new locs in an April Instagram post.Three days later, Beiber was harshly criticized in a Guardian article for cultural tone-deafness . On the other hand, if you learn, explore, and understand a . In addition, they were also used as a way to show off their skill with a sword. 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. By taking these styles and not giving credit to the originator, they are literally erasing black hair culture. All of us coming home together to the heartbeat of the drums and this Mother Earth. "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.". 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. These people have been braiding their hair for centuries. However, African tribes have been braiding for centuries. It is in our ancestral trauma. 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. I would ignore whoever told you that. The Ancient Celts 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?. In Africa, braiding is a form of communication. Hair had a kind of magical symbolism, an indication of one's supernatural connections. Real talk; let us know below! Most of them do have a spiritual or hereditary reason, but seriously do you think Little John or T-Pain do it for a spiritual reasons? Celebrities of color face an onslaught of conspiracy theories and misinformation. I often hear the defenses listed above. The Germans have long been known for their intricate braiding skills and their unique designs. "When Zendaya wore Locks on the red carpet, she was denigrated by a style guru on the E! TikTok video from amanda (@mandapxnda): "please stop using this argument for cultural appropriation. The first documented traces of them are in ancient Mayan culture when they were used as an adornment. From clean lines to braids that are organic and messy. Are dreadlocks Celtic? 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). You might think that braids originated in the United States or Europe, but actually, they originated in Namibia in 3500 BC. please stop using this argument for cultural appropriation. Immerse yourself as much as possible in the culture, and support them wherever you can. This could account for how and why the Greeks believed the Celts had snakes in their hair. It is in our oldest stories, our teaching tales. These groups were made up of people who lived in Namibia and Southern Africa. Besides, dread locks looks good on white people. Michelle Regalado is a seasoned editor, fact-checker, and content strategist with expertise in women's lifestyle news. 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.