To conclude, there is no doubt that Vikings grew their beards and it was a very natural thing to do not something worn for show or as part of a hairstyle. I receive dozens of messages a day from people expressing their love for the page and thanking me for creating it. In the process we are labelled as oversensitive, while centuries of our history are erased before our eyes. Most Vikings (men and women) wore their hair in braids. For hair to be included in Viking titles, hair must have had a high degree of importance in the Norse society. However, not all Vikings had dreadlocks, and hairstyle was often associated with social class. There is also a deeper spiritual connection as dreadlocks are believed to connect wearers to Jah (God) and earth-force, his mystical power which is found throughout the universe. Thank you to Wondr. Vikings did not have dreadlocks or long hair, Vikings had short hair with perhaps some matted parts. While it seems likely that some Vikings did indeed sport dreadlocks, they clearly weren't the first race or culture to wear them. This ideology is based on the assertion that racial privilege does not exist. The Vikings having dreadlocks might have been an intentional part of creating a lasting impression as they traveled far and wide. Its possible that some Vikings shaved most of their hair off or went entirely bald. Some ancient Egyptian mummies were found to have had dreadlock wigs from 1400 BCE. Charet, M. (2010). The history of dreadlocks is complicated, but it seems that the Vikings were not the only ones with these hairstyles. Sikh men were unable to find work unless they removed their turbans and cut their hair. Vikings (vkingr in Old Norse) are well-known for being fierce Scandanavian warriors, but what were their haircare routines like? It should also be noted that the look and feel of dreadlocks is not standard among all cultures. Afro hair was untidy and unprofessional, while dreadlocks were labelled as unclean. You can even shave a border close to ears for more detail. Some claim that dreadlocks originated in India (unlike most who cite Egypt as their birthplace) with the dreadlocked deity Shiva and his followers. Vikings, Europe. [4] Frescoes discovered on the Aegean island of Thera (modern Santorini, Greece) depict individuals with long braided hair or long dreadlocks. Hair discrimination is as much of an issue for people of colour in this country. We also know however that this was not a common hairstyle and only limited numbers of people actually wore them. I felt like this new routine was the purest, most natural way to have dreadlocks, thinking of my Rastafarian ancestors who made locks their symbol of rebellion and acceptance of dread as a state of mind: an intentional statement of living outside of society voluntarily, choosing to wear . In any case, braids were probably not used for the purpose of making your beard look better. The reasons the Vikings wore dreadlocks isn't clear, but it was likely due to practical and cultural reasons. [4] (Also see What Hairstyles Did Vikings Have?). [39], On 3 July 2019, California became the first US state to prohibit discrimination over natural hair. 17 Daniel Margulies Random thoughts and responses Author has 261 answers and 82.3K answer views 1 y Related ), For other professions in Norse society, men reportedly wore their hair long, at least to shoulder-length. The fact is the Vikings were one of several ancient people groups to have worn dreadlocks, along with the ancient Gauls, Celts, Indians, and many more. Did dreadlocks come from Vikings? Virtually all hair will naturally mat and form dreadlocks if left alone for a period of time. Other hairstyles existed in Norse culture. Understanding how Vikings wore their hair is also an excellent way to understand more about Viking culture and practices! Dreadlocks have become a popular hairstyle among professional athletes. Because of the social context that hair provided in Viking society, it is no wonder that Vikings made good use of hair combs and kept their hair well-maintained, especially for the era. This would have helped warriors in battle, kept helmets settled on their heads, and prevented their enemies from grabbing at their hair. Although Leonard Howell wore his hair short, it is said that his guardsmen at the Pinnacle Commune wore locks as a way to portray strength and instil fear. Historians have uncovered Roman accounts stating that the Celts wore their hair "like snakes" and that several Germanic tribes and Vikings were known to wear dreadlocks. Get the Facts, Vikings simply liked having their hair combed. Second, they had time to groom their hair. The Surprising Truth About Viking Hair Styles and Beards, How to Cut Your Own Hair (Men) at Home? VIKINGS WERE CONSIDERED CLEAN BY JUST EUROPEAN STANDARDS The rest of the world thought they were filthy as shit Europeans considered vikings clean because they washed themselves once a week while Europeans were washing themselves ONCE A YEAR so of course they thought Vikings were clean freaks wanna know what the rest of the world thought of them? Did Celtic dreadlocks influence Viking dreads? You would think that the Vikings who could travel to America (or Greenland) would have ended up with dreadlocks after their journey but this is probably not true. Please share. Keep reading to discover what hairstyles the Vikings had and how hairstyle affected a Vikings standing in their local community. After all, short hair had some pretty negative associations in Viking culture. Did Vikings Have Dreads? This colour-blind, post-racial narrative attempts to erase the diversity and cultural legacy that my page is trying to highlight. Thank you for visiting Scandinavia Facts. Modern dreadlocks may have originated in Ancient Egypt (as depicted on the, Trending Viking Hairstyles for Women for 2023. Why shouldn't we be allowed to wear dreadlocks? [9]. Another reason to believe that beards were considered normal is the fact that they are mentioned in several sagas or legends in Norwegian culture who wore a particularly long beard during his time. Can Black People Have Red Hair? Roman writers described the appearance of the Vikings, including their hair. Some Vikings likely wore dreads, though most likely sported thick plaits of braids or the reverse mullet hairstyle. Viking men had the most options in terms of acceptable hairstyles. A perfect example of this is Justin Bieber. According to the Viking Museum in Stockholm, "If anything, fly agaric would have made them particularly worthless warriors, since the side-effects include drowsiness, vomiting, muscle spasms and numbness in arms and legs.". But what we do know is that Vikings are conscious of their physical appearance and used a comb for styling their hair. Vikings were heavily into the human slave trade, so slaves were common. Given dreadlocks' rich history, it's hard for one group to claim them, said Feminista Jones, writer, speaker and former wearer of locks. Additionally, Vikings would have been able to wear their helmets more comfortably by keeping their hair short in the back. The Vikings existed in the 8th Century, and they came from the Scandinavia countries. [7], This style would have been the most convenient in battle, to prevent enemies from grabbing a Vikings hair. Dreadlocks, also known as locs or dreads, are rope-like strands of hair formed by locking or braiding hair. In Season 1 of Vikings, Rollo attacks the island of Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island because of its monastery, and kills Father Cuthbert, an elderly monk. Well show you all you need to know below. Even . However, braids are not dreadlocks, and it is not always possible to tell from these images which are being depicted.[8][9]. Doing so helped to keep hair out of the face while working or fighting. This is probably because there are no contemporary depictions of Vikings with dreadlocks or any other form of non-shaven hair shown. Leaving their hair loose or in braids could signify their unmarried status. Here are some of the leading theories behind why Vikings may have worn dreadlocks. The Rastafarians. Vikings are known to have lived in the area of Northern Europe we now call Scandinavia. Why do Rastas cover their hair? [7], During the Bronze and Iron Ages, many peoples in the Near East, Anatolia, Caucasus, East Mediterranean and North Africa such as the Sumerians, Elamites and Ancient Egyptians were depicted in art with braided or plaited hair and beards. According to Roman records, the Celtic people, Germanic tribes, and the Vikings wore their hair in rope-like strands. [22] In North Central Australia, the tradition is for the dreadlocks to be greased with fat and coated with red ochre, which assists in their formation. They are currently studying for a masters in postcolonial studies at SOAS. It quickly became my most liked post and created quite a conversation in the comments section. Nonetheless, the evidence suggests that the Norse took good care of their hair. This should include accountability for actions which disadvantage and disempower already marginalised groups. It was simply practical and common back then to keep your face covered with hair. Some even believe that the knotting or locking of hair keeps this power in the body, preventing it from escaping through the head. For example in Ghana, the Akan people refer to locks as Mps, and they are usually reserved for priests of Akomfo. According to Roman records, the Celtic people, Germanic tribes, and the Vikings wore their hair in rope-like strands. The rest would have to be content with simple hairstyles, which were probably all fairly similar in appearance. In some cases, the hair may have been braided, but dreadlocks or long hair were never a part of Viking society. This article will review the current knowledge of how Vikings wore and styled their hair. Did Vikings have dreads first? The reason for this is that it is difficult, and in many cases impossible, to measure the authenticity of the locks due to expert methods employed in the attachment of hair extensions/re-attachment of broken off dreadlocks. It is also reasonable to assume that dreadlock-type styles may have developed simultaneously due to the relative ease of allowing hair to become matted over time. How To Remove Male Pubic Hair Without Shaving? [18], References:[1] Source[2] Ibid. In some cases, the hair may have been braided, but dreadlocks or long hair were never a part of Viking society. But on the question of Viking dreads, historical sources have something to say about that. Answer (1 of 5): Do you mean dreadlocks? Theres also the common-sense presumption that the cavemen likely were not paying close attention to their hair, and that matted hair was a style long before hair was intentionally styled at all. Modern dreadlocks may have originated in Ancient Egypt (as depicted on theSarcophagus of Kawit) or Ancient Greece. Now while I'm no Mary Beard, even I can . No. Because of this, there was no stone castle in the Viking Age. Recovered carvings from the Viking age also reveal that Norse women wore ponytails in addition to the coiled bun. As far as evidence suggests, they did not wear either type of hairstyle. The famous Santorini fresco depicts fighters with dreadlocks. It was therefore not surprising when he attended an awards show a few years ago with faux locks. Interestingly, in Nigeria, among both the Yoruba and Igbo people, locked hair is viewed with suspicion when worn by adults. In 2012, about 180 National Football League players wore dreadlocks. As a Status Symbol Historians think dreads served as a status symbol for ancient Vikings. The fact is the Vikings were one of several ancient people groups to have worn dreadlocks, along with the ancient Gauls, Celts, Indians, and many more. Viking hairstyles were both functional and practical. The word Viking comes from a Scandinavian word that means pirate. They were known and feared for their habits of burning, plundering, and pillaging the areas where they landed. Dreadlocks have become a popular hairstyle among professional athletes. The thicker their hair, the more powerful they were. We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The issue of who wore dreadlocks first has become something of a controversial subject. However, the evidence to support this idea is scant. The Vikings would often braid these dreads together to form thick plaits, though they could pull them into tight buns or knots. So did the Vikings invent dreadlocks? On the other hand, it is also been suggested that Vikings may have used braids as a way of displaying social status, but this theory has yet to be proven or supported by evidence from the time. Soon, dreadlocks had become such a contentious issue that the House split into two groups, the House of Dreadlocks and the House of the Combsomes. An example of this can be seen in several depictions of Viking warriors such as those on Oseberg tapestries. Viking hairstyles were very practical and often used hairstyles that were supposed to provide some kind of advantage in combat. Generally, Vikings wore their hair in one of the following styles: Long hair was the norm for most Viking communities, but it could also be a nuisance. Scandification: Discovering Scandinavia. Were the Vikings more diverse than some modern depictions of them suggest? Pre-Columbian Aztec priests were described in Aztec codices (including the Durn Codex, the Codex Tudela and the Codex Mendoza) as wearing their hair untouched, allowing it to grow long and curl around itself. The fact is the Vikings were one of several ancient people groups to have worn dreadlocks, along with the ancient Gauls, Celts, Indians, and many more. And Rastafarianism wasn't even created until the 1930s in Ethiopia. Dreads werent as common throughout Viking communities as other hairstyles. Locks have been worn for various reasons in each culture. Zygmunt Gloger in his Encyklopedia staropolska mentions that the Polish plait (plica polonica) hairstyle was worn by some people in the Pinsk region and the Masovia region at the beginning of the 19th century. The long plaits are indicative of status, while the plain knots and ponytails indicate that the individual may be a commoner. That said, many cultures Vikings interacted with did keep written records, which is how we know today that Vikings did indeed wear their hair in dreadlocks. However, Viking hairstyles probably did not conform to how we imagine them today. Since there is so much evidence that multiple cultures embraced some form of dreadlocks, and no way to determine the exact origins of this style, many people believe that wearing dreads is perfectly acceptable for people of a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Vikings did not have dreadlocks or long hair, Vikings had short hair with perhaps some matted parts. Sidney was born on 1 September 1986 in Gaffney, South Carolina, U.S. Unfortunately, not only is this simply untrue, it is also dangerous. One of the strongest indicators of occasional shaving or baldness comes, (a Greek historian), who wrote that the prince of Kievan Rus shaved his head completely, except for a lock of hair that hung down on one side.. Aspects of this image are true: Vikings did have long hair that was usually reddish or blond. Numerous books and movies have centered on Vikings and their culture and many people wonder what these powerful seafaring warriors might have looked like, including the question of whether Vikings had dreadlocks. Yes, it is believed that the braids worn by Vikings were probably used as a way of displaying their status or just to have some fun with hairstyles. One of the strongest indicators of occasional shaving or baldness comesfrom Leo the Deacon(a Greek historian), who wrote that the prince of Kievan Rus shaved his head completely, except for a lock of hair that hung down on one side.. Below you will find some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Viking hairstyles and dreadlocks. Today's Viking hairstyles are often spiced up with color highlights, knotless braids, dreadlocks, cornrows, faded sides, shaved-in design on the sides, extreme hard parts, and unique hair accessories. Hair is not just hair, it speaks to our personalities, our communities, and our histories. In popular culture depictions of Vikings are often portrayed as tall with long hair, wearing horned helmets, and wielding axes and swords. [23], Within Tibetan Buddhism and other more esoteric forms of Buddhism, locks have occasionally been substituted for the more traditional shaved head. After all, familiarizing yourself with a cultures most popular hairstyles is an excellent way to understand which hairdos were popular and which were rare. These ornaments could be simple, made from linen or wool, but they could also be more ornate and studded with small gems. [24] 1.4.15 of the Hevajra Tantra states that the practitioner of particular ceremonies "should arrange his piled up hair" as part of the ceremonial protocol.[25]. Generally, Vikings wore their hair in one of the following styles: When you keep your hair long and braided most days, theres a chance that it could naturally begin to form into dreadlocks. Vikings did not create or keep written records, so the question of whether or not Vikings had dreadlocks cannot be answered using original sources from people within that culture. Once again the dominant culture is benefitting while minorities are further marginalised. One theory suggests that they used hair extensions during combat to keep their hair out of their eyes and obstruct sensitive parts of their face. See What Did the Vikings Wear? As Viking culture is largely centered on voyaging and exploring, there is no reason to believe that Vikings didnt have significant interactions with Celtic peoples. [2], Some of the earliest depictions of dreadlocks date back as far as 16001500 BCE in the Minoan Civilization, one of Europe's earliest civilizations, centred in Crete (now part of Greece). This erasure of the cultural impact of reggae music, Bob Marley, and Rastafarianism is what makes this cultural appropriation. If you have further questions, you might find the answer youre looking for below! There are many reasons why Vikings wore dreadlocks. The reasons the Vikings wore dreadlocks isn't clear, but it was likely due to practical and cultural reasons. Multiple cornrow braids that start at the forehead and drape down toward shoulders are another popular style for a Viking male. While the Vikings themselves havent shed a lot of light on this subject, we can thank those who encountered the Vikings even if they werent thrilled about it at the time, Im sure, given the Vikings less-than-welcoming reputation for discussing the topic, at least to a point. Happy styling! Despite this he is still one of the worlds best-selling music artists. Irish-Nigerian academic, Emma Dabiri, wrote a book just last year called Dont Touch My Hair in which she details the issues she faced growing up in Dublin and learning to love and accept her own hair. There is also evidence of Viking women wearing their hair in ponytails. However, Hindu Vedic texts from around 1700 BCE also mention matted hair. [33] Haile Selassie was crowned Emperor of Ethiopia in 1930. The word fear-locks was apparently proposed but quickly dismissed. The Vikingshad diverse hair types, from thin blonde strands to thick black heads of hair. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. There is a Roman reference, credited to Julius Caesar, in which the Celts are described as having hair like snakes. 2). Dreadlocks would be totally out of the question. In reality, the Vikings took care with their personal grooming, bathing, and hairstyling. Did Vikings Have Dreads? Source http://www.historyofyork.org.uk/themes/viking/viking-male-grooming, Your email address will not be published. In other words, most people just kept their hair short as described above practical and simple to maintain. For devotees, Shivas hair is of such importance that the sacred river Ganges is believed to flow from his matted locks. Some researchers speculate that coiled ponytails could have been a sign of social status for elite women. Whether your hair is blonde or brunette, this style is handsome and low maintenance. [38], In the NBA there has been controversy over the Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin, an Asian-American who garnered mild controversy over his choice of dreadlocks. [1]. So did the Vikings invent dreadlocks? The Best Men's Shampoo For Every Hair Type, The Best Pomades for Every Single Hair Type, The Best Hair Clippers in the World, Tested, 10 Best Shampoos for Promoting Hair Growth, The Controversial Hair Loss History Of Finasteride, Twisted Locks of Hair: The Complicated History of Dreadlocks, ESQUIRE, PART OF THE HEARST UK FASHION & BEAUTY NETWORK. Instead, Viking warriors wore their hair long in the front and short in the back. [18], Dreadlocks are also worn by some Rastafarians, who believe they represent a biblical hair style worn as a symbol of devotion by the Nazirites, as described in Numbers 6:121.[11]. The Scandinavian warriors known as Vikings were known to take to the seas to conquer, pillage, and plunder. Theres also the matter of the impressions various hairstyles made. Known as fairy-locks or elflocks, this hairstyle seems to have been made from a combination of tangles and knots. Yes, we know that Vikings braided their hair and it is clearly depicted in several pieces of art made during the time. Celtic folklore talks about fairy-locks developed when fairies visited sleeping Celts to tie knots within their hair. In recent years there has been an ongoing conversation about whether wearing ones hair in dreadlocks is a form of cultural appropriation. The history of the name "dreadlocks" is unclear. Being ignorant to these issues, when we live in an age of information at our fingertips, is not acceptable. This changed in the Twentieth Century with the start of a socio-religious movement in New York in the . Their use has also been raised in debates about cultural appropriation. In some societies hair can represent spiritual connections, whilst different styles can indicate specific rites of passage. There is also evidence on what Vikings looked like to support that some Viking men wore their hair short, at least in the back, while others may have had shoulder-length hair they brushed back and secured with silk or metal ties and ornaments. [11], According to Williams, their hair could be so long that some girls would tuck the ends into their belts. Until I did the proper research, I assumed that the Black way of doing dreadlocks was the "right" way. Rather, the Vikings built the trellborgs which were the ring-shaped forts. [3] Source[4] Source[5] Source[6] Source[7] Source[8] Source[9] Source[10] Source[11] Source[12] Williams[13] Source[14] Source[15] Source. Its important to note that historical and archeological evidence suggests that Vikings paid close attention to their grooming. Since their hair was super long they had to come up with a style that would suit them, yet go for something that is still Nordic and representative of . Governor Gavin Newsom signed the CROWN Act into law, banning employers and schools from discriminating against hairstyles such as dreadlocks, braids, afros, and twists. Despite this possibility, it should be without argument that the modern-day wearing of dreadlocks by white people is unconnected to their own history and instead inspired by ours. "Sure, white people can wear locs," she said in an . | Yes, But Not Always. ) Of the people living in Norse society, young women would have worn braids the most. In any culture where there wasnt a focus on writing down records or creating artwork depicting their lives (at least not any that has survived until today), its always difficult to say definitively anything about that culture relating to appearance. Berdn, Frances F. and Rieff Anawalt, Patricia (1997). The Twentieth Century with the start of a controversial subject Viking titles hair... And Beards, how to cut your Own hair ( men ) Home. 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