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We all look for something different in our clothes. Some people want comfort, some want to portray a certain image, and some just want to stand out from the crowd. But when it comes to finding these things in our clothing, most people stick to what’s comfortable or familiar rather than branching out and seeking something new.
If you’ve ever traveled or read about other cultures, you might already know that there are plenty of ways to express yourself through fashion — regardless of where you live. The world is full of different styles and customs regarding what we wear that goes beyond the basic blue jeans and t-shirt combo that so many of us resort to on a regular basis.
Some cultures have taken this idea even further by adopting clothing that can only be found in one particular part of the world, usually because it’s so unique and uncommon that we associate it with just one place. From traditional Maasai scarification rituals in Africa to the Hindu tradition of Veshgram in India, there are plenty of ways around the world to show your fashion side...
India: Veshgram
Veshgram is a traditional Hindu ceremony that is mainly used to mark special occasions like weddings, births and even the attainment of a new job. The ceremony is only performed by members of the Brahmin caste, meaning that Veshgram is primarily associated with members of the Hindu faith living in the northern and central parts of the Indian subcontinent. Veshgram involves the wrapping of a specific thread around a person’s hand, wrist, arm or leg. This ritual is believed to bring a person good fortune and prosperity and is also seen as a way of paying homage to one’s ancestors. The thread is wrapped around the limb in seven layers and then tied with a knot in such a way that the ends of the thread are hidden. The thread is then smeared with a yellow paste made from turmeric, sandalwood and butter.
Africa: Maasai Scarification Rituals
Traditional Maasai scarification rituals were used to mark a person’s transition from adolescence to adulthood. The process of scarification involves cutting the skin on the chest, back and legs using a knife so that the resulting wounds heal and form scar patterns. Those who undergo scarification are known as “intruders” since they enter the skin with the knife and leave with the new markings. Maasai scarification rituals are still practiced today, although they have been outlawed in several countries including Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. These rituals are often used as a form of expression and are meant to be a show of strength and respect.
Japan: Kimono Weddings
Kimono weddings are a traditional marriage ceremony that is mainly practiced in Japan. The bride and groom in a Kimono wedding wear special robes made out of silk known as “kimono”. The robes are often decorated with intricate designs and are different for each wedding, often matching the preferences and personalities of the bride and groom. Kimono weddings are more than just a beautiful tradition; they’re also a way for the bride to show off her sense of style. Traditional wedding kimonos are designed to be very colorful and ornate, allowing the bride to stand out in the crowd and show off her sense of fashion and creativity.
Mexico: Quinceanera Celebrations
Quinceanera is a celebration that takes place when a girl turns 15 years old and is associated with the beginning of young women’s transition into adulthood. Before this celebration takes place, the girls will often have a “girls only” party that includes getting dressed up in fancy clothes. The girls are often dressed up in fancy ball gowns made out of silk and adorned with jewels, especially the ones worn by the newly-turned 15 year old. Quinceanera celebrations are often associated with luxury and extravagance and the tradition of wearing luxurious outfits and jewels is meant to show the girl’s new status as a “grown up”.
United Kingdom: Royal Wedding Accessories
The Royal Wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is quickly approaching, and it’s a great time to look at some of the fashion and style trends that are expected to be a part of the festivities. Royal wedding fashion has a long history and tradition associated with it, including the use of special accessories like sashes, tiaras and gloves. Royal wedding gloves have been a tradition since the 18th century when they were used to show that the person wearing them was married. Sashes and tiaras, on the other hand, have been a part of royal weddings since the 19th century.
France: Coq Rouge Feathers
Coq Rouge, or “red rooster”, is a French tradition that takes place every New Year’s Eve where a rooster is dyed red and placed on a rooftop as a way of predicting how the coming year will go. In some cases, the rooster is dyed gold to indicate a good year ahead as opposed to the red dye that indicates bad luck. Coq Rouge is more of a tradition than a true fashion, but it’s still a good example of how culture goes hand in hand with fashion. The tradition of dyeing the rooster red and placing it on a rooftop is meant to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to those who live in the home where it’s placed.
Conclusion
Fashion is an ever-changing and evolving field, and the styles and trends we see today may be different six months from now. Some fashion trends are short-lived while others have been a part of the fashion world for decades. Each culture has its own unique style and traditions that it associates with fashion. These traditions vary greatly and are often a way to express one’s identity and show off their creativity or cultural heritage. If you’re looking for an alternative to the usual clothing styles, consider looking into the various fashion trends used in other cultures. You may find something you like and end up with a new and exciting way to express yourself.
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