Shawls. People in modern times have been using the shawl for decades both as a fashion statement and for various functional purposes. The shawl has made waves time and time again in the fashion industry as a stylish and elegant accessory to suits or dresses. On top of that, shawls never lacked functionality as they can be used to cover the head, neck and face as a protection from the elements or as a source of warmth.
However, many people are not aware of the rich cultural heritage behind this piece of clothing nor do they understand what does the shawl represent. Shawls have been used throughout the world and in different cultures for various purposes ranging from adornments to religious purposes.
Originating from Persia during ancient times as a colorful adornment to clothing, the use of shawls spread throughout Asia and was adapted by various cultures. The use of silken shawls became popular as silk were developed and distributed from China, where these pieces of clothing represent royalty or the nobility. These shawls usually include embroidery or with fringed edges.
In Kashmir, shawls called pashmina were made from the unique cashmere wool and are very useful as evening wraps, usually to cover the upper body. In Central America, a similar piece of clothing called the sarape or serape are also very popular, but are different from their Asian counterparts due to the heavyweight materials used and the bright colors and designs that characterize them.
The lightweight shawls of Asia eventually made its way to Europe and the Americas and were popular among the rich and the upper classes, as an adornment for gowns and dresses worn in operas and other social gatherings. These clothing exuded charm and elegance making them very popular among fashion icons and the rest of the public.
For some people, asking them what does the shawl represent has some religious or cultural connotations. The serapes in Latin America is an art expression and are favorite souvenir items for visitors to these regions, but some articles using indigenous materials and textiles are preserved in museums and collectors galleries. These serapes are worn both by men and women, usually as insulation for the body from the cold.
Shawls are also religiously significant for some cultures like the Jewish tallit that is worn during synagogue services. Muslim women have an over garment or jilbab requirement, covering most of the flesh except for the eyes and the hands. The same is true for the women of India and their basic apparel called the sari , a large shawl that is wrapped around the waist and over the shoulder and is made of various colorful materials.
Other cultural connotations of the shawl include the head wraps used by the African American slaves in the United States, using the lightweight kerchiefs from India. Some military units in various countries like Croatia use the scarf as part of their uniform paraphernalia, while suburban gangs in America, Europe and Asia have adopted these clothing as part of their gang colors .
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