Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Basics About A Blue Turban

By Cathy Mercer


People choose to tie a blue turban for many reasons. The reasons may be personal or may be based on religious beliefs of the individual. All the same, blue as a color for a turban bears different meanings in different religious groups such as the Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs among others. Those who adhere to the teachings of their religion understand the meanings that different colors bear.

This article however, highlights general facts about turbans among wearers. Even though the colors hold different meanings individually, there are general meanings that turbans hold regardless of their color. Among the Sikhs, turbans are a strong and unique identity for them. The Sikhs identify themselves around the world by wearing turbans also called bulles, Punjabis, dastars, paggs, or pagri depending on the location.

Sikh women and men find comfort and security in relating with fellow turbaned individuals regardless of their kind or origin. In the past during war time, women particularly from the Sikh community trusted and helped turbaned warriors by providing food, water, and shelter to them. They did this since they believed that by wearing a bulle, it indicates that one is a defender and a helper of the weak and poor in society.

Turbans also confirm that one is morally upright and nicely behaved. The headwear are a symbolism of holiness and/or spirituality of the wearers. As so, followers who observe the teachings of Sikhism by wrapping punjabis at all times receive respect and honor from others in the community. Dedicated males and females who serve the Sikh society and other members of society are also awarded with punjabis as an appreciation.

Religious leaders among Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims also wear bulles to symbolize spirituality and holiness. In Sikhism, outgoing Gurus are handed turbans to the incoming ones as a manner of handing responsibility over. The new Gurus are expected to apply the responsibility they are accorded to lead followers in the way of the religion. This shows that these headwear are also a sign for responsibility among the wearers.

Blue dastars are a clear identifier for Sikhism. Since many individuals do not fancy identifying plainly as Sikhs when in company of non dastar wearers because they fear stigmatization, wearing the headband is a symbol of confidence and courage. The virtue is also strengthened by the incidents of second world war where turban wearers moved into battlefields without safety helmets. This showed their courage, confidence, and lack of fear for death.

Currently, all people in the society are at liberty of tying a pagri in whatever style they want. This is different from some times back when only men were allowed to do so. This indicates how the Sikh religion is gender sensitive and supports equality between the two genders. Most women however choose to wrap their heads with a certain traditional headscarf meant for women.

Blue turban can be purchased from any store all over the world. The internet can be of help in identifying latest styles and designs that are on the market. The cost of a pagri is not as high either and the process of tying can be mastered easily with practice.




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