Saturday, August 3, 2013

Why Turban Tying Is So Important

By Lela Perkins


A head gear that signifies standing tall and royalty, the turban has made many men look handsome as well as symbolize their respective culture. It is a unique style that always, unwarranted too, makes a statement. Even the simplest of people cannot go unnoticed when this majestic accessory rests on their top. Usually composed of a long piece of cloth, it is nothing short of beautiful art to merely tie one. This art, however, in modern times, is slowly giving in to more feasible measures. Turban tying is gradually being replaced by the hastier cousin, the ready made.

The turban is symbolic for different things across religions, cultures and social setups. While in some it denotes poverty and the lower classes, in others it is mandatory for the rich and affluent to wear it.

In some cultures, even the process of tying the piece of cloth on the head of a person is considered ritualistic in nature. There is often ceremonious spirit and a fancy air around it. Celebrations such as weddings are among the occasions where such pomp and show is witnessed.

Nevertheless, there are also cultures wherein wearing this item on the head is also a mark of the working man. To be worn daily, it symbolizes the boundaries within which a man exists, the social, cultural and domestic ones especially. Not wearing one is unheard of, and probably done in times of loss or death.

Women too wear turbans. There exist certain cultures where the females dominate the society and the head piece signifies the working lady. It may also, in some cases, symbolize the position of the woman amid her household or her society. Moving out of the house without the cloth could even signify something shameful.

Tying one of these suave pieces of clothing, if not learnt early by those who must wear them daily, could result in difficult situations. These could range of loss of face in public to harsh chastisement at home. While for the rich and affluent, there are servants who tie the cloth, the lesser fortunate must learn to do so themselves.

Those who do so could very earn a living out of it. In many cities, there is a strong demand for turban tiers. There are exclusive shops that sell these as hot cakes. Many lend them for special occasions. And many offer their services to tie them on a group of people on certain occasions.

These events could be gatherings for an event, or a traditional wedding. Either way, for the men, often, a band of professionals is hired to tie these beautiful pieces. Many rural folk who realize the value of this move to bigger cities with their knowledge and dreams of carrying forward a tradition.

Not only, thus, can turban tying emerge as a profession or means of livelihood, but also as a strong means of keeping alive a custom. This custom, if not practiced regularly, may soon be forgotten and only read about in books.




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