All Black Woman

Apart from looking beautiful and regal there are practical, religious and health reasons to why Rastafarians wrap their heads. Some choose to cover their heads with large stretchy hats that can accommodate the large quality of hair whilst others use large colourful fabrics to create the Rastafarian style of head wrap. As the Rastafarian religion is deeply rooted in their recognition of being primarily African wrapping of the head allows the women to feel a closer connection to their heritage and a sense of pride.

Religion:

Rastas wear their hair in dreadlocks to honor the creator, show commitment to the most high and as a symbol of our spiritual self.

I Corinthians 11:5 – but every woman praying or prophesying with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as if her head were shaven. 

The Rastafarian women is strongly religious and although she may not be prophesying each moment of the day she feels a closer spiritual connection and sense of respect and identification to her faith with her head wrapped. Those who are strictly devout will generally not appear in public without their heads wrapped. Furthermore, Rastafarians see their hair as spiritual and holy,  the covering of the head is a means to show spiritual respect and holiness.

For the Rastafarian something which is personal is kept to oneself as it is with prayer, a spiritual connection that is personal as is Rastafari hair is a very special part of that connection. They keep their hair covered to honor the most high, and to increase spiritual awareness.

Hygiene:

Dreadlocks can grow to be extremely long and to the Rastafarians hygiene is of the utmost importance, purity and cleanliness is a large part of the Rastafarian lifestyle. In order to protect their dreadlocks from pollution, environmental hazards, dirt and unwanted particles being caught in their hair, wrapping the head is an ideal solution.

Practicalities:

Wearing the head wrapped is also very practical, especially the longer the dreadlocks are. Dreadlocks of long lengths can be quite heavy so being able to pile the hair on top of the head and wrap it into a firm position, repositions the weight in a more comfortable manner.  Wrapping the hair also keeps it neatly maintained and more manageable for going about day to day life.

Leave us a comment if there is anything else you would like to add or if there are any questions you have about the Rastafarian head wrap.

Sources:

Jamaican Rastafarian Love 

Images from: All Things Rasta