Thursday, June 20, 2013

Let Us Understand The Turkish Turban

By Margarita Joseph


Many a religions and culture groups wear turbans for some significance. The Sikh is an example and they have significances related to the garment. The Turkish turban for one signifies wealth and happiness. It is a piece usually worn to weddings and many other festivities.

This garment is usually worn at weddings. However the garment became popular during the popular show of the American idol, a singing competition. One contestant showed up with not only a beard and probably long hair but also a golden head garment. This sparked debate about the culture all over America. Although the talk was both negative and positive, it is safe to say that it led to the enlightenment of many who were previously ignorant.

The golden garment gained international fame when a contestant in the singing competition 'American idol' performed with one. Out of the millions watching nobody had quite expected this. It was a trending topic of conversation for hours and many people were enlightened of the garment. However in as much as there were many comments that supported the contestant there were also many derogatory terms used for instance one of the judges referred to the contestant as turb.

The history behind the yellow garment being signified as it is now is not known. However in a general perspective the article represents honor, self respect, piety, courage and spirituality. Wearing it is pledging unquestionable allegiance to your Guru and committing yourself to serve even those who have evil intentions. It is considered a gift left for you by your Guru. Wearing the garment is like crowning yourself. It is an act of nobility and immense respectability.

The garment is usually identified by men but is also worn by women. However only the most ancestral do this as majority prefers to put a scarf over their head. The garments are distinctive and represent the unique Sikh identity. Some sahajdhari Sikhs do not wear the garment though.

Although common to all of us, there are actually different styles of the garment. They each have a certain meaning or are worn by certain people. For instance the Chand Tora Dhamala which was a warrior style wound when going into battle. Another was the patka which was usually made by boys in the play field. These were not the whole lot. On the contrary there were many other styles.

The garment is usually an identity of the Sikh. Although many identify it with the men, women also do wear it, however majority prefer putting scarves over their hair. Also the sahajdhari Sikhs do not wear it.

Evidently the yellow garment is a piece of history, religion and culture. It deserves protection and appreciation. Let us do this for the Turkish turban, it deserves it.




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