Regardless of whether you chose to naturally loc your hair for spiritual or non-spiritual reasons, it may be interesting to learn about the spiritual importance of this ancient style. Who knows, you might even feel a mystical connection to some of its meaning. Adding additional layer to our decisions can provide us with extra inspiration to support our choices and efforts.
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The ancient Egyptians are our first stop. In mummified Egyptian tombs, archaeologists discovered locs that were still intact. Many discovered sculptures and other artifacts, such as loc'ed wigs, show that the ancient Egyptian pharaohs had locs. Locs were thought to indicate a certain level of power and prestige for anyone who was recognized or seen with loc'd hair by the Egyptians.
We learned about locs working as an antenna and receptor of mental energies, spiritual force, and physical strength from an Ethiopian tribe. Because locs are situated around the head and face, they serve as a constant spiritual reminder to their owners that they possess force, wisdom, and are supposed to generate goodness upon themselves and others.
Shiva was reported to have “Tajaa,” or twisted locs of hair, in Hindu culture. Many of Shiva's devotees donned locs as a symbol of their commitment to spiritual growth and resistance to earthly pleasures and temptations. In India, though, locs are frequently kept for holy individuals and signify a level of spiritual dedication.
Locs, according to rastafarian religion, are a part of the Nazarite vow, which is based on Leviticus and prohibits shaving the four corners of the head. Many people believe locs are linked to Judah's Lion. Because the lion is the ruler of the jungle, associating locs to lions represents a sense of power and independence, both physically and mentally.
Spiritual forces are said to leave the body through the head and hair in both Eastern and Western religions. Many of these religions believe that loc'ing the hair prevents energy from leaving the body, resulting in increased physical strength and spiritual vigor. The head and hair serve as a spiritual portal between worlds. This could explain why locs can be found in all cultures around the world.
When done with patience and deliberation, paying particular attention to locs can induce a heightened meditative state in many people. While paying close attention to and caring for all parts of our bodies can be meditative, understanding the spiritual potential of locs and tuning in to locs as a source of power can help to refresh and recharge important energy flow. Perhaps the ancient Ethiopians, Egyptians, and other tribes were sensitive to this energizing force.
Are dreadlocks symbolic?
“Patience is the most crucial recommendation because, like any journey, locs take time to get to their destination,” says Keisha Felix, a natural hair blogger who's been rocking locs for the past six years. “The hardest part of my whole journey was the first couple months.”
Dreadlocks have always been a fashion statement. They're spiritual for many people, and they represent letting go of material stuff. Others see them as political and a means of defying conformity and the existing quo. Some people are simply drawn to the way they appear. That's fine, too.
What exactly isn't acceptable? When dreads appear on white versus black people, how the mainstream media interprets them. Giuliana Rancic's comparison of Zendaya's locs to smelling like weed and oil, yet deeming Kylie Jenner's locs as “edgy,” is distressing.
Contrary to common (and erroneous) assumption, not everyone with dreadlocks is a smoker who listens to reggae music. Similarly, wearing locs does not make someone less Rasta, and not wearing locs does not make someone less Rasta. Locs aren't filthy, and they're not anything to be afraid of. They're stunning, confident, and regal. The pinnacle of liberty. Locs are heavenly.
Are locs religious?
Rastafarians have long hair that they wrap into 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.