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Dreadlocks,
sometimes called simply dreads, locks, or Locs are matted
ropes of hair which will form by themselves if the hair
is allowed to grow without the use of brushes, combs, razors
or scissors for a long period of time.
The
history of dreadlocks
are a universal phenomenon and through the ages, people
of various cultures have worn dreadlocks. It can be said
that what are known today as "dreadlocks" are
one of the oldest and most universal hairstyles known.
The
first known examples of dreadlocks date back to ancient
dynastic Egypt, where African royalty and commoners wore
dreadlocked hairstyles and wigs appeared on bas-reliefs,
statuary and other artifacts. Mummified remains of ancient
Egyptians with dreadlocks, as well as dreadlocked wigs,
also have been recovered from archaeological sites.
The
meaning
and popularity of wearing dreadlocks vary from person
to person depending upon the various cultures present all
over the world. Dreads may depict an expression, religious
or ethnic pride, fashion or even political statement. The
religious
and spiritual connotations of wearing dreadlocks have
always been a very vital instigator of growing these.
Apart
from this the
Hindu mythological aspects of dreadlocks is also a source
of inspiration to grow dreadlocks.
The
possible motivations for wearing dreadlocks can also
be due to the rise in popularity of reggae music in the
1980s and the worldwide fame of singer and songwriter Bob
Marley prompted an interest in dreads internationally. Dreadlocks
in Western Popular Culture became almost a symbol of
fashion after reggae music in the 1970s gained popularity
and mainstream acceptance.
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