Lora O'Brien answered an Irish Pagan School Student Question about Irish Ancestry and Cultural Appropriation, in relation to Irish or Celtic Pagan Practice. Experts say that's not a coincidence. Gaelic Paganacht is not closed. How do I honour my ancestors in that context? Are braids Viking culture? Braiding started in Africa with the Himba people of Namibia, says Pace. I will show you where did braids originate and how they became popular worldwide. Unfortunately, part of the colonial heritage as well as much of modern Western society is an ingrained attitude of entitlement. Its the way African people identify themselves. TikTok video from massnad (@mass_nad): "#stitch with @mashka #braids #cultureappropriation #culture appreciation". Saurav Dutt, the author of "The Butterfly Room," which explores racism and interracial relationships within Indian society, told Insider that enjoying something and being fascinated by it doesn't mean you are appropriating it. African culture Over the last weekend of August, she posted a tribute to Notting Hill Carnival which was was held online this year due to the coronavirus pandemic wearing bantu knots and a Jamaican flag bikini top. If you went and learned all their techniques and then opened your own shop claiming it was your own, THAT would be cultural appropriation. You might think that braids originated in the United States or Europe, but actually, they originated in Namibia in 3500 BC. original sound - DeityFreeHappenings. 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. With such a rich history stemming from the rejection of white culture, it makes sense that it is inappropriate for white women to wear these styles. Thank you for answering it. Another thing that was brought up was that it would be appropriation to take some ideas from celtic festivals for a story I'm writing to be included in a fictional religion. Over time, people experimented with different types of braiding techniques, including cornrows and box braids. Discover short videos related to celtic braid cultural appropriation on TikTok. You think that rastafarians were the first people to wear dreadlocks? Did the Celts have cornrows? Searching for celtic braids cultural appropriation page? I think this is simply because 90% of the population are morons who will do anything for attention or to fit in. I support your stance completely. A List of 20 Inventions of the 1960s [Inventors Included], Who Invented The Spinning Jenny? This was cultural appropriation at work . There are many different types of braids, each with its own history and meaning. Saviano echoes the same statement regarding todays braided styles. My biggest question about Irish paganism has to do with ancestry and cultural appropriation. 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 suspect that the flack youre receiving is from those who are understandably tired of this trend. Knotless braids were also popularized by celebrities like Alicia Keys and Michelle Obama, who wore them during their time in office. Is celtic a closed practice and would this be cultural appropriation? Before Africans were subjected to slavery, the braided hairstyle was a huge indicator of their identity. Box braids damage Caucasian hair the same way they damage any other hair. Crochet braids are a type of braiding that is done with hair extensions. to Today: The Fascinating History of Nail Polish, Curly Hair for Men: The Ultimate Guide, Straight From Grooming Experts, 6 Ways Serena Williams Changed Tennis Fashion Forever, This Nail Polish Brand Is Diversifying the Nail Care Industry for People of Color, Get to Know 6 Gen Z Designers Pushing Fashion Forward, 13 African Beauty Brands We Can't Stop Using. In the late 1700s, many British colonists were traveling to Africa to explore and trade with the locals. 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". so weve decided to further adopt our own. [When, Where & the History], Who Invented the Hot Comb and When? Braids are a staple in African culture, and they have been since the beginning. However, it wasnt until the early 1900s that braids became fashionable in most countries. 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. osire. Braids have been a part of European culture for centuries, but they developed as colonialism spread across Africa. France is right there and the French are partially descended from and identify strongly with the ancient Gauls. In the midst of Coachella, one of the biggest music festivals in the world, we fawn over the drop-dead . Below you can find a more detailed explanation about what are different types of braids. By Jacquelyn Francis Date November 17, 2015 Some of my earliest childhood memories are of my mom parting my hair with comb at the centre of my head before braiding my long black hair into two elbow-length plaits. "The difference is what happens next," Thomas said. dreadlocks is something we had since the down of time, so a white man. Clueless Celebrities. What cultures can braid their hair? Braids have been a staple style in the history of hair. To get the best look, youll want to make sure your Dutch braid is over the ear. Rita Ora, for example, received backlash for "Black-fishing" with her looks when people found out she is white Albanian/Estonian with no Black heritage. Its not my fault that I was born white. Thomas told Insider the difference between taking advantage and appreciating a culture ultimately comes down to where your heart sits. Period. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. These people have been braiding their hair for centuries. Immerse yourself as much as possible in the culture, and support them wherever you can. TikTok video from Jeaux (@jeaux_king): "Reply to @soapstroke thanks sis!! Don't know why you got downvoted. In many cases, it seems that it's not so much about someone's race, but rather their intent and the language they use to discuss their 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. There are plenty of styles better suited for white womens hair with their own cultural significance and physical appeal. I dont have that, I want that, so I am entitled to take that and do what I want with it. [Who, Where & History], When Were Lighters Invented? I understand that in Northern American context this is a bit different, since there has been a history of black slavery, and black resistance. There's a big difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. Women and men of all ages are getting their hair braided on a day-to-day basis. And this is the sticky point. Are braids Russian culture? Are Braids Cultural Appropriation? Cc: So I wanted to address this comment and a few comments that I got in my last video. Cultural appropriation is when a tradition, such as clothing or a hairstyle, is taken from a culture and used in a different way. In short, there is no universal answer here. My own brother, and his Scottish partner, and their son, are living in Perth, Australia. The braids became associated with royalty in other European countries as well, such as Germany and Russia. there are many celtic cultures. You will need to start with straight or curly hair for this style. During the Bronze Age and Iron Age many peoples in the Near East, Asia Minor, Caucasus, East Mediterranean and North Africa are depicted in art with braided or plaited hair and beards. 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." Cultural "Appropriation" is, in fact, cultural appreciation. The Importance of Hair She's also seen European women think they are being innovative for wearing wigs to grow out their hair, or silk wraps to protect it at night. 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. J. R. R. Tolken was a professor of Old English before he wrote The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Below, people of color tell Insider what you should remember when you want to appreciate another culture, and why it's damaging when you get it wrong. 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 style was popularized by the Yoruba people, who used it to adorn and decorate their heads. "At a time when the August tradition of carnival on the streets of Notting Hill was canceled, I saw it as a woman celebrating the carnival vibe with its freedom and vibrancy," she told Insider. The knotless braid is a hairstyle that has roots in tribes of west Africa. 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. Did you ever think about braid cultural appropriation? When I said braids I obviously didn't mean like Celtic braids or you know French braids. | Cc: I meant like braids braids so | Cc: You know | original sound - N O P E. 21.8K Likes, 3.8K Comments. When created, these certain styles represented age, marital status or even social rank. Published: May 18, 2017 10.54am EDT Want to write? Viking braids were popular among Viking warriors, who would often wear their hair in a particular style to promote their strength and prowess. These braids were often made out of animal hair or human hair and then decorated with beads or shells. Younger children would start practicing on each other and eventually learn the traditional styles. "That is when a culture becomes a trend or a fad. When you try to discover who invented braids, youll go all the way back to Africa. Did Celts cornrow their hair? Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. 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. Braid styles have changed over the years, but one thing remains the same: people still love to wear them! A previous Savage X Fenty show in October 2020 was accused of cultural appropriation for including a song that offended some Muslim people. Braids on white peoples: | Celtic braids Anyone can practice it. The Ancient Celts Historically, Irish brides often wore their hair in braids with ribbon and lace woven through the braids. However, the words underneath Adele's photo tell a different story. The Egyptian long tribal braids are long, thick, and voluminous making them perfect for African American hair. The only difference is that its easier to see the damage because Caucasian hair is so light and thin. You don another culture's clothing or hairstyles because they look cool and you like how it looks. Historians have uncovered Roman accounts stating that the Celts wore their hair like snakes and that several Germanic tribes and Vikings were known to wear dreadlocks. Men and women who wouldnt have worn them previously now embrace them. It can be found in ancient African culture. Slaves used braids to identify themselves so that if they were separated from their families or communities they could still recognize each other. 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 . what would you say if someone said black people shouldnt wear something associated mainly with white people? Sims traces the origins of braids back to African culture. "An understanding of the historical context of certain aspects of black culture will swiftly help brands and others from making these mistakes," she said. 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. Question Irish Ancestry and Cultural Appropriation? 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. Braid hairs history traces back to Africa and was brought to Europe by colonial explorers. I also justasking myself this same question this morning. its important to not lump them all together as one thing, because these different nations had different languages, different prechristian religious practices & mythology, different gods, etc. What I think is behind that is something my friend David raised on his blog earlier this week: Western appropriation/importation of cultural memes from other countries. Heres a list of frequently asked questions about who invented braids and their fascinating history. It was believed that these braids would protect the heads of warriors as they sailed into battle. 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. [When, Where & How], When Was the Toothbrush Invented? We Celts, working with the Saxons and the Franks, brought our modern culture to the rest of the world with fire and sword. If you don't have the time to learn, it's likely that said 'appreciation' will probably not be appreciated.". Your email address will not be published. In other words, they go way, way back. It is in our oldest stories, our teaching tales. Bantu knots, Fulani braids, and cornrows are just some of the African hairstyles that have been around for centuries. Its amazing how many people equate standing stone circles with celts (Nope. Its safe to say the style has maintained a historical legacy thats here to stay. It runs rampant in paganism. 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. This article will answer this question succinctly yet also provide you with enough history behind braids to make it an interesting read. "If you're genuinely interested in showing appreciation, then do the work to understand it. The way to avoid this is just as you are doing: Awareness take nothing for granted, question and examine the sources and roots of everything you encounter. They are based on cultural history but one that is acceptable for white people to adopt. Braided hair is an ancient Irish symbol of feminine power and luck. 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. For example, some people might wear braids as a fashion statement without knowing anything about the cultural significance of the style. 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. Culture appropriation Vikings original sound - Kennemac. You can't appropriate cultural practices which were, at least to some degree, designed for export. None of that is cultural appropriation, frankly. These spaces can be filled in with other hair extensions, such as beads or feathers. There are many different ways to style Viking braids, so anyone can find a style that suits them. [Who, Why & the History], Who Invented Fire Hydrant? People disregard cultural context when they have never had their culture compromised. 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. "I think it all depends on intention," says . Did Celtic tribes lock their hair? LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES, Nunzio Saviano is a professional hair stylist and the owner of. some of them have survived to this day (ireland, scotland, isle of man, wales, cornwall, brittany) while some have not (gaul). Write an article and join a growing community of more than 160,200. ", "Thanks for honoring us and highlighting the powerful influence Jamaican culture has in the UK and around the world!" Braiding started in Africa with the Himba people of Namibia, says Pace. Here is the best way to find your celtic braids cultural appropriation information. Everybody has ancestors who were violent, who were part of a violent system that stole land and resources from other of your ancestors. TikTok video from Rosa_Dont_Trip (@rosa.dont.trip): "#stitch with @romaarmyyy #greenscreen #fyp #fyp #viral #braiding #culture". My Take as an African. These groups were made up of people who lived in Namibia and Southern Africa. "Cultural appropriation arises when people, anyone, takes aspects of another culture specifically to mock or disrespect them," he said. original sound - Jeaux. 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. Theyre still worn today by stars like Kim Kardashian West, Beyonc Knowles Carter, and Amandla Stenberg. 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. ", Happy what would be Notting Hill Carnival my beloved London , A post shared by Adele (@adele) on Aug 30, 2020 at 3:17pm PDTAug 30, 2020 at 3:17pm PDT. And one of the most vivid forms of beauty exploitation happens at music festivals . I am of mixed English, Scottish and Irish ancestry (and a smattering of other things thrown in). The Egyptian long tribal braids were first worn by Nubian women in ancient Egypt. Hair had a kind of magical symbolism, an indication of one's supernatural connections. 479 Likes, 49 Comments. African-American women wanted to look citified. You can even wear braided hair extensions if you want to switch up your look but dont have time for a new haircut! Maya Allen is a beauty editor with over five years of experience covering hair, makeup, skin, and nails. 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. The problem is, like with white kids wearing dreadlocks who CLEARLY arent rastafarians no matter how much Legend theyve listened to, we dont also import the cultural meaning behind them. 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?. This refers to how the hair is gathered together before it is twisted into different shapes. 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. Since then, the style has played a large role in Ghanaian cultural, social, and religious traditions. What ethnicity started braids? 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. theyre not the same, thanks sis!! . I'm sure it's all well-meaning, but it's also really clumsy. Women are taking on a fresh approach to coolness.". they are not the same as each other just because they all speak celtic languages. I agree with Justin and the bigger picture. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Celtic men and women wore their hair long, and the noble class had elaborate braids that were often decorated. Branding expert Carole Pyke, who works with companies to help build acceptance and normalize representation of people of color, said she didn't see Adele's photo through the eyes of cultural appropriation. Im grateful for the correction Each one teach one. I am also a person who wants to connect authentically with my own ancestry as a way of working to heal some of the trauma and sickness of generations of being colonial oppressors on this continent, and Im seeking a spiritual practice that isnt yet another act of appropriation on my part. Press J to jump to the feed. 68.2K Likes, 1.1K Comments. Screaming cultural appropriation when braids date back to ancient Rome, where cornrows were typically worn by vestal virgins just comes off as a really bad take. Egyptian long tribal braids are some of the most beautiful braids in the world. TikTok video from margaret mccarthy (@margaretgoose): "love doing these. "In a nutshell, people need to know whether they're respecting a culture or ripping them off," Rita said. Natalie Rita, the managing director of PR company NRPR, works with many POC influencers on a daily basis. The braids could be dyed in different colors, which would indicate the social status of the wearer. Its a way of life. 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. 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 most relevant celtic braids cultural appropriation pages are listed below: Are braids a part of Celtic culture? 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. Otherwise, ride that good hair thing out. Who out there could close it? In Africa, braiding is a form of communication. The braiding technique is simple and very similar to the way people braid hair on their heads. This method of braiding was invented by African people in the 16th century, who used it to make their hair look fuller and thicker. White women should steer clear of protective hairstyles because they are not designed for our hair texture. The name for the hairstyle comes from the word braid, which means to plait. I think its okay for anyone to adapt any cultural thing to themselves. "You are a product of Multicultural Britain, so it's not cultural appropriation. By now, youve probably heard of the term cultural appropriation, which is basically adoption an aspect of another culture and using it inappropriately or disrespectfully. Is hair sacred in Celtic culture? Box braids are predominantly popular among South African people, who are credited as the people who invented box braids. The looped pattern goes on infinitely, which is thought to symbolise the eternity of life. A history that I will never be able to grasp fully. They are more than a style they are history. Braids can be used to convey messages and ideas, as well as to identify people. 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. (Roberts assertion about sticky locks actually confirms the disgustingly unhygenic way in which Whites have to avoid grooming to generate locks whereas Blacks dont.) Just talking about for example white people in general when actually referring to white Americans is a bit ethnocentrist, dont you think. In recent years, the controversy surrounding braids and braided hair has become a topic of heated discussion. I'm just really worried that I'm doing something bad and don't know. "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? Viking braids are a great way to add some extra flair to your look, and they can be worn with any type of outfit. For example, a white woman who has never braided her hair in her life and decides to start braiding her hair just because she saw some African women wearing braids is committing cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation is when someone from one culture adopts elements of another culture without understanding or respecting the original meaning. At the end of our lunch discussion, I was convinced that its not ALWAYS wrong for white people to wear dreadlocks. 1.6K Likes, 135 Comments. But the actual ancient culture in which the pre-Christian religions existed is lost to history. "We have your back on this one all the way!!! In addition, they were also used as a way to show off their skill with a sword. 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. The braids were later popularized in France in the 18th and 19th centuries when they were worn by the nobility as a symbol of their status. Cultural appropriation at music festivals like Coachella can be seen in decorative bindis, headdresses, henna, and other accessories deemed . Icons like supermodel Fara Fawcett were the blueprint for this style. In addition, they were also used as a way to show off their skill with a sword. 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. He talked to Metro in 2019 about growing up around mostly white middle-class people in Notting Hill, and how he struggled to connect to his identity of having a heritage that's half Welsh, a quarter Jamaican, one-eighth Irish, and one-eighth Portuguese. Instead, they used animal fat from cooked meat from previous hunts or from wild games that they had killed themselves. Question Irish Ancestry and Cultural Appropriation? 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. Native Americans, Greeks, Romans and Celtic (Irish) art have depicted people in cornrows as long as 1,000 years ago. Did braids originate from Vikings? This hairstyle works best with medium-length hair but can also be used on shorter styles if they have enough volume at their roots! One large and long braid was worn by girls in active search for a groom, while two braids which were tied around the head meant the girl was in marriage. Braiding started in Africa with the Himba people of Namibia, who use hair extensions as part of their culture. Besides, dread locks looks good on white people. But Id really value your perspective on this, as its a big reason why Ive treaded very carefully in investigating this potential spiritual path. There are TONS of things that weve imported from other cultures. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories, posted a tribute to Notting Hill Carnival, accusing her of gaslighting and racist microaggressions, Stories of racist jokes, microaggressions, and tokenism from YouTubers highlight a widespread problem within the influencer industry. Braiding studios located in African American communities such as Harlem are the perfect example. Maybe this is a big question. 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. In fact, its said that some of the earliest known braids in Europe were created by German women. 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.
celtic braids cultural appropriation