What Is The Spiritual Meaning Of Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks are now a declaration of nonviolent nonconformity, communalism and socialistic beliefs, and sympathy with less fortunate or oppressed minorities, and they represent spiritual purpose, natural and supernatural forces.

Why are dreadlocks sacred?

Dreadlocks, on the other hand, are much more than a hairstyle among Rastafarians. They symbolize a link to Africa as well as a rejection of the West, which they refer to as Babylon. Dreadlocks symbolize a revitalized pride in African physical traits and Blackness, which is in line with their belief in keeping things natural. Dreadlocks are thought to connect wearers to Jah (God) and have a deeper spiritual significance “His magical power, which may be found all across the globe, is known as “earth-force.” Some even believe that tying or securing one's hair retains this energy within the body, preventing it from exiting through the skull. The Biblical narrative of Samson, who lost his strength when Delilah cut his seven locks, attests to this idea in dreadlocks having physical force. The Nazirite vow, which includes abstaining from alcohol and not cutting one's hair, is described in the Bible's Book of Numbers and was embraced by Rastafarians as a major part of their religious system.

I can't rule out the potential of finding matted or trapped hair in European history at some point. Although there is visual evidence of Ancient Greeks with braided hair and possibly locks, one might argue that the Greeks were more inspired by their darker complexion Eastern and Mediterranean neighbors than their Northern neighbors. Regardless of this likelihood, it should go without saying that white people's modern-day dreadlocks are unrelated to their own past and instead influenced by ours. When I've inquired about white people's dreadlocks, I've received comments ranging from “My hair would do this naturally if I didn't comb it” to “Vikings had dreadlocks.” I checked into the latter remark and found no evidence to support it. There is a Roman passage attributed to Julius Caesar that describes the Celts as having “hair that looks like snakes” However, it appears illogical to imply that this is evidence of the presence of dreadlocks in the first millennium, let alone to use this as justification for wearing dreadlocks now.

What are the benefits of dreadlocks?

Locs are another wonderful choice for rocking a natural look. Many people are ignorant of the benefits and upkeep necessary in maintaining locs, despite the fact that they have been around for hundreds of years (ancient Egyptians wore them). Today, however, many hair care professionals specialize in loc care, and numerous products (including my Black Earth products) are available to flaunt clean, healthy, long, and gorgeous locs. But, first and foremost, why loc?

Locs are cost-effective. Caring for locs does not come at a high price. You won't need many styling tools or many salon appointments, and you'll be able to maintain your locs on your own. Even if you see a loctician for maintenance, you'll only need to go every six to eight weeks.

Locs are a protective style that lasts for a long time. You won't need to have your hair styled in braids, twists, or wigs because your hair is already gathered into locs, which help to preserve strength and hydration.

Locs require little to no maintenance on a daily basis. Locs are a get-up-and-go hairstyle that requires little to no preparation in the evening or morning to appear excellent.

Locs encourage healthy hair development while reducing shedding. There is far less wear and tear on your strands because your hair is in a permanent protective style—and you won't have to alter it very often. Your hair is unrestricted in its ability to grow and thrive.

Locs are simple to keep up with. Your loc style will not change, shrink, flatten, fall, or look anything less than cool in the rain or shine, dry or humid air, cold or hot weather.

Locs may be dressed up or down for any occasion. Locs are as adaptable as any other natural hair style or protective style. Ponytails, updos, curls, and crinkle styles can all be used to transform your locs from casual to exquisite. This video is an excellent example of a lovely and elegant curled loc appearance.

Loc extensions are a terrific alternative if you're switching from relaxed to natural hair and know you want to loc. A skilled loctician can start locs on your natural roots and add loc extensions to give you the desired look right away. As your natural hair grows and your locs mature, you'll simply clip your loc extensions until they're no longer visible and just your own hair remains.

You may also use a loc extension to give your style a uniform look if you currently have lengthy locs but have stray unlocked hair in a few locations. To learn how, watch the video below.

Whether you're just starting out with starter locs or want to learn more about caring for your existing locs, the Curls, Kinks, and Culture Festival in Atlanta on October 28 may give you with a wealth of knowledge and helpful advice.

Where and when?

Our story originates in Israel between 1080 and 1119 BC, more than 3000 years ago. So, roughly a thousand years before to the birth of Christ. In Israel, in what is now known as Tel Aviv.

Samson was a tribal warrior from the Dan region of Israel.

We can see where it would have been if we look at our globe and the local map.

We can see the location of what was once known as Dan on the shoreline right here near the West Bank of Jerusalem.

Who is Samson and why are his dreadlocks relevant?

We all know about Samson, a guy whose dreadlocks were thought to be the source of his strength and might. But there's a lot more to the story. We only hear about Samson and Delilah when we learn about Samson's locks, but that's only half of a five-chapter story.

Samson belonged to the Nazarites tribe. The word ‘Nazarite' is derived from the Hebrew word ‘Nazir,' which means ‘consecrated or segregated.' Some argue that the term'set apart' is more accurate.

The Nazarite vow forbids hair cutting and encourages ‘locks' to grow. This is found in Chapter 6 v5 of the book of Numbers. At Biblegateway, you may cross-reference a number of various translations.

However, in the New King James Version, the most commonly used word is as follows:

v5 ‘No razor shall come onto his head during the days of his separation vow; he shall be holy until the days for which he separated himself to the Lord are fulfilled. Then he'll let his hair grow in its natural state.

Prof. Robert Beckford, publisher of the book Jesus is dread, told us in a recent interview that he believes Jesus wore dreadlocks.

This is based on the assumption that Jesus was a nazarite. As a nazarene, Jesus is referred to. But that's something we'll keep for another video.

How does God feel about Dreadlocks?

Although dreadlocks are not religious in nature, they are worn by certain people to reflect their religious beliefs or convictions.

• Dreadlocks are not a sin according to Biblical standards. They are mentioned in the Bible several times, most notably in Judges 16, where it is revealed that Samson had seven locs. His locs reflected his commitment (or detachment) to the Lord as a man who had taken the Nazarite vow.

The Nazarite vow is a short consecration undertaken by both men and women to demonstrate their total dedication to God. The vow, recorded in Numbers 6, specifies that no razor shall touch a person's head during the days of their oath of separation, and that their hair must grow long. Many Nazarites are said to have fasted from not just cutting but also brushing their hair, causing dreads. A sacrifice is presented to the temple to complete the vow, and the person's hair is cut.

Believers in Jesus Christ, the Messiah, are no longer subject to the law, but to a new covenant. While there is no reference of hair in the New Testament writings, some people prefer to grow their locs as a mark of their faithfulness to God (Romans 12:1).

• The Nazarite vow, which we just studied, was spoken to Moses and is recorded in Bamidbar (the Jewish Torah's book of Numbers).

Today, Jews are permitted to take the Nazarite vow, but doing so would almost certainly be a lifelong decision due to the lack of a mechanism to end the promise. Remember to bring an offering to the temple at the conclusion of the vow. The Nazarite vow cannot be fulfilled without a temple in Jerusalem.

• Tibetan Buddhist Yogis, also known as the Ngakpas and Naljorpas of Tibet, usually wear their hair in dreadlocks. To retain their appearance, mind, and body uncontrived, they leave their hair untouched, unstyled, and uncut.
• Dreadlocks have grown fashionable among followers of the Rastafari cult. Locs are a sign of the Lion of Judah and the tremendous reverence Rastafarians have for their god.
• The Hindu god Shiva wore'matted' dreadlocks as a symbol of keeping his desires tied together, or under control. Each strand of hair was thought to represent a desire, and by tying them together, he would be able to control his desires. Hindus may also dreadlock their hair for the same purpose.

You may have heard (or seen images) of Sadhus, Hindu and Jain religious ascetics who adhere to a rigid spiritual discipline. Dreadlocks (jata) are worn to represent spiritual enlightenment and superior understanding. The length of their locs corresponds to the length of their devotion to their gods.

Are Dreadlocks a protective hairstyle?

Dreadlocks are one of the most recognizable hairstyles of all time. Locs are not for the shy! They are eye-catching, easy to maintain, and full of attitude! They're considered a protective style for natural hair because they don't require any chemicals to make. They also aid in the retention of moisture in the hair and do not place undue stress on the scalp. Dreads also necessitate a great deal of patience, since they can take years to complete. If you can't wait that long, fake locs are an option. Your imagination is the only limit.

What is the difference between dreads and locks?

You may mistakenly believe that dreadlocks and locs are the same thing (and may have even used each word interchangeably). But surprise, surprise, surprise. Dreadlocks and locs are not the same hairstyles for some people who wear their hair in this way. Dreadlocks and locs are both made by molding one's hair into ropes, according to TheyDiffer. They are both widely regarded as styles that are particularly associated with persons from the African diaspora.

Coiling, braiding, and twisting are all techniques that can be used to achieve this look. Some people, on the other hand, let their hair “lock” organically by not combing it and allowing it to take on rope-like formations over time. According to Esquire, these fashions have a cultural importance for many Black people, despite the fact that the history of locs covers numerous cultures other than African ones, including Indian, Aztec, and Middle Eastern.

According to some people who wear their hair this manner, the main difference between the two is that one is a hairstyle and the other is a lifestyle, as reported by Going Natural. However, some people may prefer not to use the terms “dreads” or “dreadlocks” because they have a bad connotation, according to the site. According to TheyDiffer, those terms originated during the slave trade, when enslaved individuals couldn't properly maintain their hair because they didn't have the time or means to do so. Slave masters used to refer to their slaves' hair as “dreadful,” hence the term “dreadlocks.” As a result, employing such a phrase conjures up sad memories of Black people being stigmatized because of their hair.

Are dreadlocks powerful?

As far as I'm concerned, the D word is equivalent to the N word…don't you think it's time to alter that?

First and first, if you've been following me for even a short time, you know that the last thing I want to do is insult another person's natural opinion, much alone our hair. Of course, I recognize that this does not rule out the possibility that I am mistaken or have harmed someone's sentiments, for which I apologize. Although I am not an expert on the subject, I did my homework and study, and I hope that those who disagree with me will at least consider my point of view.

Dread + locks (see lock (n.2)) was coined in 1960. The style is said to be inspired by East African warriors. Rastafarian dread (1974) is named after the fear they instilled in onlookers, but it also has a sense of foreboding “Fear of the Lord,” which is conveyed in part as a sense of detachment from modern society.

I've also spent enough time on and around natural hair message boards to be aware of this side of history, which I get from BlackNaps:

I was curious about this sensation because when I had dreadlocks or locs, I had no difficulty calling them either or, and I'm not sure why the phrase has such a negative connotation. So I went to my father, who was born and bred in Jamaica, and asked him. I learned that Jamaicans use the phrase “dread” to address someone they don't know and want to show respect to, just as you would use “Sir” to address someone you don't know and want to show respect to.

The religious roots of dreadlocks are now the source of this Jamaican Patois definition. People who wore dreadlocks were both feared and respected. Dreadlocks were regarded to be holy and powerful by those who wore them.

They were supposed to be distinct from the others because of their spiritual connection to the divine. If you spoke to a modern-day Yogi, they would tell you that their journey divides them from the rest of the world.

As a result of everything I've learnt, I don't think dreadlocks are all that bad. Still, it appears that the concept that dreadlocks represent something horrible is widespread, so I inquired. Nina Leverne, who has locs and runs the Men with locs page and website, said:

Solwazi Afi Olusola, a historian, teacher, and photographer, is enthusiastic about the term and tried to persuade me to see it differently.

He took the time to explain to me practically the whole history of the Rastafari movement, including how, when, and why it began. Though I was aware of it in general, he assisted me in gaining a lot deeper knowledge of it.

What I did know and fully comprehend was that the Western world saw the Rastafari movement as heinous. People in Jamaica, particularly at the period when it began, despised the hair and lifestyle.

So, as we've seen with Micheal Jackson's “Bad” and even the N-word, Solwazi's reasoning is that, as Black people frequently do, they turned the word “dread” and gave it a positive spin. Here's where I disagree with you.

I can't agree with the historian on the fact that the Rastafarians reversed the word, as much as I like his vision, expertise, and observations. This is why.

The N-word is a product of the United States. It derives from a violent history and culture, and as Oprah noted, there is too much sorrow associated with that word, to the point where it is now forbidden as a racist slur. I don't simply respect it; I agree with it wholeheartedly. When it comes to the term dreadlocks, though, there is a distinction to be made.

The most common objection I hear against the term is that it cannot be used since it was coined by the Western world to denigrate Rastafarians. Also, keep in mind that this is coming from an American viewpoint.

Despite the fact that we share a history and have the same roots, Jamaica is still a distinct country. Not only do the same words have distinct meanings, but it is also an island dominated by Black people.

I know for a fact that we see and experience things differently as women growing up in a more or less similar culture where Black people are the majority.

The word dread, in my opinion, is not inverted; it does, however, have a different meaning, as BlackNaps indicated.

When you ask Rastafarians about the difference between locs and dreadlocks, they will tell you that one is a hairstyle and the other is a way of life. Dreads are not cultivated, but the hairstyle is. They are unstructured in order to make a message. That is something I am aware of and respect.

Rastafarians still use and use the word today “dread” as a means of distancing oneself from society for a better good.

My hair would be merely locs because I am not a Rastafarian and my locs are cultivated. In principle, if someone asked if I had dreadlocks, I could tell them that while I am not a Rastafarian, I do have locs, and I would not be offended by the phrase.

Although locs were not originated by Jamaicans, it is because to Bob Marley of this small island that they are now known as dreadlocks over the world.

To me, refusing to use the word because it was used against you, your ideals, and all you stand for gives the Western world too much power.

To me, that is oppression.

Even while I believe the Jamaican view has always been correct, I recognize that I am in the minority here.

My journey to BAM was inspired by a member's email, so I asked folks with locs how they refer to their hair. The outcomes are seen.

The contrast in response from residents on the islands can be seen in this small example. I don't think we'll be able to reach an agreement in one post, but perhaps we'll get a sense of where both parties are coming from. Of course, I'm interested in hearing your thoughts as well.

Are dreadlocks a religious thing?

Dreadlocks. Rastafarians think that wearing their hair in dreadlocks is spiritual, and that this is supported in the Bible: They shall not make baldness upon their heads.