Shawls - What the Shawl Represents!

Shawls - What the Shawl Represents! Shawls... what they represent.

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".  Shawls - What the Shawl Represents!

Shawls - The Origins of the Traditional Shawl

Shawls... "Shal" is a Persian word where shawl has been taken and derived. It is considered a wrap around garment which is normally put on top of other clothings. Shawl is of very old origin, both in India and the Middle East. These particular items of clothing provide protection against harsh cold weather conditions since time immemorial. Hence their basic function was and is to provide warmth.

The actual source or origin of this wrap around piece of clothing is unknown. But people have been using them for a very long time. Men of Jewish decent wear a shawl called "tallit" whenever they attend ceremonies and prayers. During the nineteenth century's first decade, shawls made of silk with fringes can be purchased and seen in China. These garments that have more embroidery were well liked in America and Europe in the 1820s, which were likewise known as the China crepe shawls. The Spaniards on the other hand called such pieces of clothing "matons de Manila" as these were taken to Spain from China through the Manila port in the Philippines. In Spain the shawls were a natural dress part of the Gypsies, commonly known as "gitanas". Folk dresses in countries like Germany, Latin America, Andalusia, the Near East and Madrid have shawls, and it became high fashion garments during the early to mid nineteenth century in Western Europe. Further, Persian shawls also became world famous due to their elaborate patterns and designs. Shawls from Persia are manufactured from the wool of Kirman goats. Wool, silk and cottons were likewise made used of to the exquisite designs. The history of shawls in Russia is a mixture or European and Oriental cultures. Russia's trading with Persia resulted to the popularity of Persian shawls or wraps in Russian women, which was how shawl weaving started in Russia. The softest, most luxurious and best wool in the entire world is Pashmina, which comes form the wool of the mountain goat called Capra hircus, usually found inCentral Asia and Tibet. Garment knitting is closely interconnected with India's woolen textile history where the weaving of said wraps is done by using Pashmina wool in the Kashmir valley of India. Kashmiri shawls are popular in Persia, western countries and Europe due to its warmth, softness and conventional designs. Currently, in the colder parts of the Himalayas and also in India, shawls are still a traditional part of the male costume and are very popular in some north eastern states of India and others like Punjab, Gujarat, and West Bengal.

Shawls - The Origins of the Traditional Shawl

Shawls... "Shal" is a Persian word where shawl has been taken and derived. It is considered a wrap around garment which is normally put on top of other clothings. Shawl is of very old origin, both in India and the Middle East. These particular items of clothing provide protection against harsh cold weather conditions since time immemorial. Hence their basic function was and is to provide warmth.

The actual source or origin of this wrap around piece of clothing is unknown. But people have been using them for a very long time. Men of Jewish decent wear a shawl called "tallit" whenever they attend ceremonies and prayers. During the nineteenth century's first decade, shawls made of silk with fringes can be purchased and seen in China. These garments that have more embroidery were well liked in America and Europe in the 1820s, which were likewise known as the China crepe shawls. The Spaniards on the other hand called such pieces of clothing "matons de Manila" as these were taken to Spain from China through the Manila port in the Philippines. In Spain the shawls were a natural dress part of the Gypsies, commonly known as "gitanas". Folk dresses in countries like Germany, Latin America, Andalusia, the Near East and Madrid have shawls, and it became high fashion garments during the early to mid nineteenth century in Western Europe. Further, Persian shawls also became world famous due to their elaborate patterns and designs. Shawls from Persia are manufactured from the wool of Kirman goats. Wool, silk and cottons were likewise made used of to the exquisite designs. The history of shawls in Russia is a mixture or European and Oriental cultures. Russia's trading with Persia resulted to the popularity of Persian shawls or wraps in Russian women, which was how shawl weaving started in Russia. The softest, most luxurious and best wool in the entire world is Pashmina, which comes form the wool of the mountain goat called Capra hircus, usually found inCentral Asia and Tibet. Garment knitting is closely interconnected with India's woolen textile history where the weaving of said wraps is done by using Pashmina wool in the Kashmir valley of India. Kashmiri shawls are popular in Persia, western countries and Europe due to its warmth, softness and conventional designs. Currently, in the colder parts of the Himalayas and also in India, shawls are still a traditional part of the male costume and are very popular in some north eastern states of India and others like Punjab, Gujarat, and West Bengal.