Religious and Philosophy Based Garb moofy: This is more of an educational reference that can be used for comparative analysis between religious practices and philosophies in terms of apparel related beliefs. The goal is to bring new information on a subject rarely discussed or compared in Western societies. I'll put in different religions/information, provide pictures/etc...in the replies. If you enjoy the thread, toss it a thumbs up: If you have questions or information, post them and hopefully someone with more expertise can reply. If you have more information, feel free to add to the collective. Please message me if you find anything that's incorrect. (Edited by moofy) moofy: Buddhism: Zen Buddhism: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/74/Japanese_buddhist_monk_by_Arashiyama_cut.jpg Interviews on Faith: Zen Buddhism http://provoketive.com/2012/05/25/faith-interview-series-zen-buddhist/ Rakusu: - The rakusu is a small "bib" like garment worn by Zen monks around the neck. - It's made up of at least 16 strips of cloth - These strips of cloth are sewn together in a brick-style pattern - Students sew them together when preparing for their ordination ceremony (jukai). - Its roots are Chinese - It originated possibly among Ch'an monks sometime after the Tang Dynasty. This garment is unique to the Zen school of Buddhism The garment represents garments Buddha put together to wear after he left his palace to seek enlightenment. - The front tends to be black in the front for priests and brown for teachers. - The back of the rakusu is white - A teacher will traditionally write the student's Dharma name and maybe lineage. - The back of the collar has an identifying embroidered stitch - This stitch represents each of the existing schools of Zen Tying a rakusu: Straw Hat: The monks' straw hat is worn to partly cover his face during the alms ritual, so that he and those who give him alms do not see each others' faces. - This represents the perfection of giving: No giver, no receiver. Koromo: - A koromo is often black (not always) garment - It's worn over a Kimono - It comes in many different sleeve styles and diverse numbers of pleats in the front. http://0.tqn.com/d/buddhism/1/7/8/6/-/-/zenmonk.jpg In this picture, the kimono is white, and the koromo is black. Theravada Monks: Saffron Robe http://0.tqn.com/d/buddhism/1/0/E/6/-/-/laosmonks.jpg The robes worn by Theravada monks/nuns are thought to be unchanged The "Triple robe" consists of three parts: 1. The uttarasanga or kashaya is the most prominent robe. - A rectangle, about 6x9 feet, that can be wrapped to cover both shoulders. - Most often covering the left shoulder but leaving the right one bare. 2. The antaravasaka is worn under the uttarasanga. - It's wrapped around the waist like a sarong - It covers the body from the waist to the knees 3. The sanghati - An extra robe wrapped around the upper body for warmth. - When not in use it's sometimes folded/draped over a shoulder Originally, robes were made from: - Discarded cloth found in the trash - From cremation grounds - After washing, the robe cloth was boiled with vegetable matter - Leaves, roots, flowers and often spices, would turn the cloth a shade of orange - This is how the "saffron robe" name came into existence - Monks today wear robes made of cloth donated or purchased - In Southeast Asia the cloth usually is still dyed in spice colors - According to some Buddhist Canon, Buddha asked his cousin/attendant to sew a robe in the pattern of a rice field. The pattern has been repeated on monks' robes in most schools of Buddhism ever since. http://0.tqn.com/d/buddhism/1/7/C/6/-/-/robeandricepaddy.jpg Sources: About.com Wikipedia YouTube BBC Metropolitan of Art Museum Religion Facts (Edited by moofy) moofy: Jainism: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XbiiAsoJoMo/T-LJLlmTHXI/AAAAAAAAAFM/9oyA4rd9Wig/s1600/S_3b9c1e94e2.jpg Monasticism: An essential part of Jainism is lifestyle. Monks/nuns take on an ascetic life. In turn they take the "Five Great Vows": 1. Non-violence (Ahimsa) 2. Truth (Satya) 3. Non-stealing (Asteya) 4. Celibacy (Brahmachanga) 5. Non-possessiveness (Aparigraha) In addition to these vows, monks/nuns observe other practices specifically: - They don't eat when it's dark - They don't wear shoes - They don't stay in one place for a long time - They don't touch anyone of the opposite sex - They wear white clothes or nothing at all (men only - nuns always wear clothes) - Monks are expected to be homeless - Monks are expected to shave their heads - Monks are expected to beg for food - The vow of Ahimsa requires vegetarianism. This is why some wear masks to avoid inadvertently harming insects or microbes by inhaling them. Also why Jains sweep the ground before they walk on it. There is also a debate on wearing nothing or a white cloth, that resulted in a major schism in Jainism. (Edited by moofy)  DrDrifter: For me this thread is a runner so thumbs up to it- as long as it stays on topic. However I think that it's going off topic by bringing Buddhism into it. Technically Buddhism not a religion because they do not worship a God. It's better and more accurate to call it a philosophy. [Edit]: I presume the same applies to Jainism actually but it's just an educated guess. The only thing I know about it is that it is the only other form of spiritual practice outside of Buddism that clings admirably well to its pacifict roots. (Edited by DrDrifter) moofy: I will go ahead and edit the title to include philosophies as well since there are quite a few. Thanks for the heads up drifter! DrDrifter: Your welcome and thanks ( : Just had a big rant to post on the topic but the laptop went a bit haywire unfortunately. Anyway it went something like Christian Brothers dressed in Brown robes very bad. And the founder of them- St Francis of Assisi (I think) turning in his grave at what these robes eventually came to symbolise (Edited by DrDrifter) DrDrifter: St Francis chose to wear brown robes for simplicity, practicality and faith. These robes became shields- in my view- for powerful men to hide their greed behind. And we're the ones who have to pick up the pieces for our children.. How about we have garb that is fantastically made for them not for us-for them? Oh yeah, I forget how well that worked out already. (Edited by DrDrifter) (Post deleted by moofy ) moofy: Shinto: http://onmarkproductions.com/assets/images/autogen/a_shinto-priests-clothing.jpg http://onmarkproductions.com/assets/images/autogen/a_shinto-procession-tsurugaoka-hachimangu-kamakura-2009_1.jpg Making a "Shide" Shinto or Shintoism refers to the indigenous religious beliefs and practices of Japan. The word comes from the Chinese shin tao, meaning "the way of kami." It came into use in order to distinguish Japanese beliefs from Buddhism which were introduced in 6th AD. The Shinto religion (together with Buddhism) is intimately tied to Japanese society and culture. Shintoists insist on up-keeping their characteristics while working toward peaceful coexistence. - Shinto's relationship with other religions in Japan are generally harmonious. - Shinto is a polytheist belief - Shinto has no founder - Shinto has no sacred scriptures - Shinto has no fixed creeds - Shinto's beliefs are preserved through its main beliefs and rituals. The most widely known symbol for Shinto is a shrine gate known as a torii: Shinto dress has largely remain unchanged since court aristocracy of the Heian Period. The dress for men and woman still reflects the dress nobles and ladies of the Court would wear on a daily basis. Priest: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/Shinto_priest_in_full_dress%2Ckannushi%2Ckatori-jingu-shrine%2Ckatori-city%2Cjapan.JPG Ikan sokutai (white robes): - The ceremonial full dress of gentlemen in the Heian court. - White is seen as “pure” which is a strong emphasis before approaching a kami Eboshi (black hat): http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UQeGplbbeV4/TWoih0aczHI/AAAAAAAAAb0/TejBZj8kTzg/s1600/Eboshi%2Bmit%2BKordel.jpg - Adopted as formal wear from aristocracy and later samurai - This style is different from the kanmuri, which is a bit fancier Shaku: A small wooden plank which is likened to a baton used by the Emperor/Priests. Hakama: Trousers; although usually black or navy=blue, purple indicates a high ranking priest. Asagutsu: Japanese-style parasols, or wagasa. Kanmuri: http://i1.trekearth.com/photos/70358/oomiya-hikawa07.jpg - Used by Heian Court nobility and even today by the Imperial family - Over time, the same headdress was adopted by samurai as well. Temple Maidens (Mikos): http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7a/Miko_at_the_Ikuta_Shrine.jpg - Dress is largely the same for Miko's: Red hakama and white robes, symbolize purity. - Temple maidens function as assistants to the priest who is usually male - The maids act as a medium/shaman in some cases Traditional Miko use tools that include: - An azusayumi or “catalpa bow” - The tamagushi: offertory sakaki-tree branches - The Gehobako: a supernatural box that contains dolls, animal and human skulls - Shinto prayer beads Miko also use “bells, drums, candles and bowls of rice” in their ceremonies. (Edited by moofy) (Post deleted by moofy ) moofy: Sikhism: http://www.religionfacts.com/sikhism/images/golden-temple-sikh-cc-claude-renault-565.jpg The word Sikhism derives from Sikh, which means a strong and able disciple. - Sikhism is the 5th largest religion in the world. - Sikhism emerged because of conflicts between Hinduism and Islamic religions. Guru Nanak: - Sikhism's founder - Guru Nanak Dev, was born in 1469 to a Hindu family - He made four epic journeys - He preached to Hindus, Muslims and others - In the process he attracted a following of disciples (Sikhs). - Guru Nanak Dev taught that religion was a way to unite people - In practice he discovered religion was also something that pit people against each other Guru Nanak's most famous saying: "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim, so whose path shall I follow? I shall follow the path of God." Dress: Bana: Appearance & Form (Spiritual Dress) - Citation below - Bana, or form, is the personal appearance of a Sikh. It's one of the ways a Sikh maintains his/her consciousness as the Guru intended. - The Guru has given Sikh a standard of dress which distinguishes him or her as a human being dedicated to a life of truthful living. Hair: http://d1u829vi6ovypa.cloudfront.net/images/exh65.jpg - All hair is maintained, uncut and untrimmed - The hair is tied up in a Rishi knot (Joora) over the top of the head - The hair is tied up in the solar center - For men the solar center is closer to the front of the head - For women the solar center is further back - The hair is covered with a turban Chunni: http://www.realsikhism.com/photos/women3.jpg - A chiffon scarf female Sikhs wear that may be draped over the head Kara and Kirpan: - A steel bracelet (kara) - The Guru instructed Sikhs to maintain high moral character - The Kirpan is a sword to establish one's stance to defend righteousness Facial Hair: - Considered an acceptance of Akal Moorat: Living in image of the infinity Turban: - One of the primary Sikh features of dress - The turban makes a statement of belonging to the Guru - It's also a statement of inner commitment to those who wear it - The Turban is not considered just a cloth, but the self crowning of an Facial Hair: - Considered an acceptance of Akal Moorat: Living in image of the infinity - Turbans go fairly far back historically as part of a spiritual practice - The top of one's head is the tenth gate or the crown Chakra. Other spiritual aspects of the Turban: - Pressure of multiple wraps keeps the 26 bones of the skull in place - Pressure points on the forehead keep one calm/relaxed - Turbans cover temples, which protects from mental/psychic negativity - The pressure of the turban changes the pattern of blood flow to the brain Citation: http://fateh.sikhnet.com/s/whyturbans Kurta Pajama: (Men's wear) http://www.dashingsardar.com/ds/01/285/285.jpg - A long tailored shirt with side slits up to the pocket - The pajama is a loose pant often made of fabric to match the kurta Salvar Kamees: (Women's Wear) - A a baggy loose fitting pant with an ankle cuff called a ponche - The salvar is worn beneath the kamees, a dress top Chola: http://fabianfoo.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/delhi_2008_188.jpg - Chola, means to cloak, transmigrate or to die - Chola may be used to imply that the body is the cloak of the soul - The chola is the formal dress of warrior attire - Traditionally worn by Sikhs into battle - The front opening and side slits of the chola enable ease of movement - A warrior could maneuver/jump, or ride astride the back of a horse - Today, a chola is often worn during Gatka displays (Sikh martial art) - Blue is the traditional color of the Sikh warrior - A cummerband or length of turban may be tied around the waist of a chola - This is to hold weapons and provide supportive protection to the wearer Khanda: http://symboldictionary.net/library/graphics/symbols/khanda.jpg - The emblem of the Sikhism Khanda appears on the Sikh flag Some consider the components of the Sikhism Khanda to have special significance: - Two swords, signify the spiritual/secular forces influencing the soul - A double edged sword symbolizes that truth can cut through the duality of illusion - A circlet represents unity, a sense of being at one with infinity The two swords: 1. Piri (spiritual) 2. Miri (secular) - Har Govind became the 6th guru of the Sikhs. He wore 2 swords to symbolize the Piri/Miri in nature -- Both of his throne and rulership (Edited by moofy)  mirja: http://www.helsinki.fi/teol/usktl/english/index.htm in finland you can study comparative religion (i quess thats the correct name) i found out this not available in all countries...i studied for the exam ones moofy: As much as I would like to finish my bachelor's degree (I'm a science major), I'm currently not taking any classes and unable to. I do have textbooks here and consider myself an eternal academic however, so I still like to research/learn and enjoy various subjects. I have signed up for theology classes in the past, but I had all of my electives done, so they wanted to charge for it (luckily I purchased the text book before finding out I couldn't take the class haha!) (Edited by moofy) mirja: well its the same field i was gonna get into.. i was not intersted in theology that much but wanted to research the religions in the world not from the point of view of my religion my culture but from without it..by living in a country and culture of the religion...im still thinking about picking it up moofy: Hopefully! I'm optimistic that I will eventually achieve my goals and do something similar: Help others. moofy: Alrighty. Next one tomorrow. Once again, please feel free to add to the collective if you have more information, or message me if anything needs editing. moofy: Korean Shamanism (Muism or Sinism): http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d0/Male_mudang.jpg/515px-Male_mudang.jpg Mudang: - Pronounced Mu-Tang, is a shaman (usually female) in Korea's indigenous religion - They perform ceremonies called "gut" in local villages - These ceremonies help cure illness, bring good luck and help provide a bountiful harvest - They also banish evil spirits or demons and ask favors of the Gods - After a death, the mudang can also help the soul of the departed find the path to heaven - Mudang communicate with ancestral spirits, nature spirits and other supernatural forces There are two varieties of mudang: 1. Kangshinmu: Shamans who are trained and then spiritually possessed by a God 2. Seseummu: Shamans who receive their power through heredity The mudang is initiated after a process called shinbyeong, or "spirit sickness." Shinbyeong: - Often includes a sudden loss of appetite, physical weakness, hallucinations - Also includes communication with the spirits or Gods - The only cure for shinbyeong is the initiation rite (gangshinje) - In this rite, the mudang accepts the spirit into their body and will receive shaman powers Rare footage of a Shaman ritual: http://www.mediafire.com/conv/35294f2440ad2db9294d672ec8d764657968fb131dbcf8a78a4e7082b75beb166g.jpg http://www.mediafire.com/conv/b54a850dd91cf62d999dd1f7e4eb3f02bede65319dd43859c98326731958ad026g.jpg - The clothing a mudang wears are always bright and colourful - A majority of them are red - Red prevents malicious spirits and demons from sticking around - Mudang also wear male clothes - Especially clothing of sentinels or guards from the Joseon period - During the gut a male God/spirit may refuse to possess a female shaman - If he sees a soldier's uniform however, he can be tricked into it Hats: - Mudang wear hats that look like those of guards Jakdu: http://www.mediafire.com/conv/8897b10dc6375657cebdcaa117a9f6781658c4b9fea0fab62299cd9ecaac784c6g.jpg?size_id=5 - A razor-sharp blade(s) that serve as a standing point in some trance-induced rites - Shaman climbs on them and can perform a dance Pitchfork: - Handles and pierces pig offerings Silla crowns: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mQH-153VfAM/UJ-_AMWWzpI/AAAAAAAAGnI/-vl_fyE5S2c/s1600/WebPage-ImageF.00040.jpeg - Golden pieces of art that are heavy with symbolism http://ethlenn.blogspot.com/2012/11/korean-shamanism.html (Edited by moofy) | Religion Chat Room 25 People Chatting Similar Conversations |