Spiritual meaning of hair in different cultures. Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns shaves their hairs while Native Americans never shaves.

It is said that the crystal skulls are living depositories of knowledge. They have their own consciousness and were constructed using psychic forces. The original skulls were not shaped using tools and hard labour, but were molded into shape by the minds of the 'Holy Ones.' Men later made other skulls using human hair to polish their surfaces over many years. The Indians believe that hair contains information, that the history of a person is contained within their hair. Polishing the skull with hair passes the information on to the skull so that it contains the combined knowledge of those that polished it.

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THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HAIR IN NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE

https://sistersky.com/blogs/sister-sky/the-significance-of-hair-in-native-american-culture

There are many teachings and practices in our tribal cultures that are significant to who we are as Native people. One of many things important to our cultural identity is, our hair. Our hair is considered sacred and significant to who we are as an individual, family, and community.

In many tribes, it is believed that a person’s long hair represents a strong cultural identity. This strong cultural identity promotes self-esteem, self-respect, a sense of belonging, and a healthy sense of pride. As part of the practice in self-respect, we are taught to take good care of our hair through proper grooming. In preparation for ceremonies, we take great care in the grooming, styling, and ornamentation of our hair. Our hairstyle and ornamentation are guided by the values of our family and tribe. It is a form of creative self-expression that reinforces our connection to our family, tribe, and Creation. Some tribes will use two braids, while others will use three. Some families will paint their hair depending on the ceremony or their family’s distinction. Women and men will adorn their hair with fur wraps, woolen wraps, feathers, fluffs, and bead work for war dancing and ceremonies.

How we relate to our hair is a constant reminder of our connection to our culture and a distinct worldview grounded in the sacredness of relationships. Braiding a child’s hair is the beginning of establishing an intimate and nurturing relationship. 

At pow-wows, it is common to see family members and friends brushing and braiding hair for each other. It’s a beautiful way to bond and a powerful way to reinforce the sacredness of relationships. There is a teaching about the symbolism of the braid, itself, that reaffirms this practice. It is said that single strands of hair are weak when tugged on, however, when you pull all of the hair together in a braid the hair is strong. This reinforces the value of the family and tribe along with our connection to all of creation.

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Why Lakota and Other Native Americans Consider Hair Sacred

https://nativenewsonline.net/opinion/why-lakota-and-other-native-americans-consider-hair-sacred

“If you cut your hair, your soul and your spirit bleeds,” he said. “Your hair contains your memories and things that you grew up with…that your matriarch, your mom, and your aunties put into your hair. So, it contains all your memory, all your joy, your strength. In our culture, this is really important because we have this tradition, ceremonial tradition that goes with our secret tight keeping up the soul.”

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WHY DO YOU HAVE TO SHAVE YOUR HEAD TO BECOME A BUDDHIST MONK?

https://www.truelittlemonk.com/inter/content/1058

Head Shaving Ceremony is common among Buddhists in South East Asia. It occurs when someone is entering a monkshood, and have to shave his head before the ordination ceremony.

For the historical background, Head- Shaving in buddhism is for purification purposes.

Cutting the hair is symbolic. Long hair was a sign of higher caste in India, and Siddharta, before he became the Buddha, cut off his hair as a renouncement of all his worldly goods.

According to Jātaka tales, the Buddha cut his hair with the sword to the length of two fingers-breath when he first ran away and decide to leave the royal life behind to pursuit the enlightenment. His hair stays at that same length for the rest of his life which symbolises the total extinguishing (nirvāna) of his sexual fires and defilements.

As an alignment as the Buddha, historians claims that wandering mendicants seeking enlightenment were a common sight in first millennium BCE India, also shaving the head, with the believe that doing so would reduce vanity and be a test of a monastic's commitment. As well, it is practical in hot weather.

The Buddhist’s rules of ordination as regulated by the Buddha for his followers are recorded in a text called the Vinaya-pitaka. In a section called the Khandhaka, the rules say that hair should be shaved at least every two months, or when the hair has grown to the length of two finger-widths. The Khandhaka also stated that followers who has become monastics must use a razor to remove hair, not the scissors unless he or she has a sore on the head and may not pluck out or dye gray hair.

These rules are beneficial for the monkshood by discouraging vanity, and keep the monastic life carefree and convenient. Preparing the buddhist monks to practice mindfulness easily, and pave the way to the achievement of finding nirvana.

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The Spiritual Meaning of Hair 

https://spiritvibez.com/the-spiritual-meaning-of-hair/

Beyond its physical appearance, hair carries a deep spiritual significance that transcends time and culture. From ancient traditions to modern philosophies, our hair symbolizes identity, vitality, and personal power. It serves as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, offering a channel for connection and understanding.

In today’s article, we will embark on a journey to explore the spiritual meaning of hair, unearthing its rich symbolism, rituals, and beliefs that have influenced humanity throughout history. Prepare to uncover the mystic threads that bind us to the spiritual realm through our most intimate adornment—our hair.

What is the spiritual meaning of hair in different cultures?

The spiritual meaning of hair varies across cultures, and here are some examples:

1. Native American cultures

In many Native American traditions, hair is considered a source of power and spiritual connection. It is believed that one’s hair serves as an antenna that connects them to the spirit world, ancestors, and the natural elements. Long, uncut hair is often seen as a symbol of wisdom, strength, and reverence for the interconnectedness of all life.

2. Hinduism

In Hinduism, the practice of tonsuring, or shaving the head, is common as a form of spiritual devotion. It represents humility and surrendering the ego to the divine. Tonsuring is often performed in temples or as part of religious rituals, symbolizing the removal of worldly attachments and the initiation of a spiritual journey.

3. Sikhism

In Sikhism, uncut hair known as Kesh is considered a sacred and natural form. It is seen as a gift from God and an acceptance of God’s will. Sikhs believe that maintaining uncut hair demonstrates a commitment to their faith, identity, and spiritual connection.

4. Ancient Egyptian culture

Hair held significant spiritual meaning in ancient Egypt. Both men and women adorned their hair with elaborate hairstyles, wigs, and ornaments. Hair was seen as a symbol of beauty, power, and divine protection. It was also believed that the gods communicated through the hair, making it an essential element in religious ceremonies and rituals.

5. Rastafarianism

In Rastafarianism, the wearing of dreadlocks is a spiritual practice. It is associated with the biblical Nazirite vow and symbolizes a connection to Africa, the Rastafarian culture, and spiritual consciousness. Dreadlocks are seen as a representation of naturalness, purity, and adherence to the principles of Rastafarianism.

6. Ancient Greek and Roman cultures

In ancient Greek and Roman cultures, hair was considered a symbol of personal identity and social status. Elaborate hairstyles, adorned with jewelry and accessories, were common among both men and women. Hair was also associated with beauty, youthfulness, and fertility.

7. Traditional Chinese culture

In traditional Chinese culture, long, healthy hair is considered a symbol of vitality, prosperity, and luck. Hair is believed to contain vital energy or qi, and cutting it off is seen as a loss of energy. It is common for married women to keep their hair long and tied up to maintain their spiritual and energetic balance.

These are just a few examples of the diverse spiritual meanings associated with hair in different cultures. Each interpretation reflects the unique beliefs, traditions, and values of the respective societies, highlighting the intricate relationship between spirituality, culture, and personal identity.