The Black, White And Green Turban And Turbans Throughout The World

By Sue Carpenter


There are many different types of turban available to purchase, for different purposes. They also come in a variety of colors that may have different symbolic representations. For example Muslims may wear black, white or green turban as the Prophet Mohammed wore these color turbans. They go back many thousands of years and where worn by people in the Byzantine era.

Turbans are also called pagris, dastars and bulles in many parts of the world. It is a long piece of cloth that has been wound over the head. Turban's are usually worn by men according to different customs and traditions. People can be found wearing turbans in Africa, India, South and Central Asia and the Middle East.

Most people in the western world automatically think of the Sikh turbans, as many people of the Sikh religion live in the West. Sikhism originated from India as a break-off group of Hinduism. It is in many ways a mixture of Islam and Hinduism, and the religion has rejected the caste system of Hinduism. Sikh turbans are known as dastars and it is mandatory for Sikhs to wear one.

Turban wearers from the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, and from the Sikh religion will wind it anew every time they put it on. The cloth used for a turban is often around five meters in length. Turbans can be very large or quite small according to the region, culture, and religion.

Turbans are worn by the Christian Akurinu people of Kenya. They are starched white. It is wound in a specific way that produces a sharp peak at the top. This way of winding the turban is known as the "valeti style".

In Afghanistan turbans are a major part of the national costume. More turbans are worn in Afghanistan than in any other part of the world. They come in many different style s and colors and they usually wrapped very loosely and are very large in size up on the head, although in Kabul they can be smaller and more tightly wrapped. These turbans have other uses, such as a mat to sit on, a shawl to keep out the cold and they often used for tying animals.

In India turbans are called a pagri. These turbans are worn by men only and are tied by themselves. There are many different styles, which are specific to the wearer's region or religion. They vary in shape, size and color. The pagri symbolizes honor and respect and it is a common practice to honor important guests by giving them a pagri to wear. Different colored pagri are chosen to suit the occasion or circumstance. For example a saffron pagri is associated with valor, and will be worn during rallies. White pagris symbolize with peace and they are usually worn by elder people. The pink pagri is associated with springtime, so they are worn during the spring, as well as during marriage ceremonies.

Rastafarian people of the Bobi Shanti Mansion movement wear red, gold and green turban over their dreadlocks. Is is so they are kept clean and protected from the elements. Turbans are a very common article of clothing that is worn in many places around the globe. It remains a very important aspect of a wide variety of cultures and religions in many parts of the world.




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