What is a shawl by definition?
The word is a noun and has a dictionary meaning as being a square or rectangular piece of cloth or fabric that is used or worn to cover the head, neck and shoulder area of the body. By definition, it is nothing more than a very simple fashion accessory to protect people from the heat and the rays of the sun. Historically, historians have debated tirelessly over the origins of it as some have traced its emergence to India while others somewhere in the region of the Middle East. Regardless, the facts are that these fashion accessories have been spotted in paintings close to a thousand years old which gives you an idea how long it has been in existence. As it swept through the globe, it was called many things depending on which nation you ask. Today, you know what we call it.
What are they used for? As already mentioned above, it is most commonly used as a garment to protect the neck, head and shoulder areas of the body from external forces such as heat, wind and the like. Of course, since it has been around for so long, some people have put shawls to another use. One example is the use as a ritualistic prayer garment, a sacred element in that particular religion. Others have used it as something they can lie down on when in the beach or something to wrap around the lower half of their bodies. Over time, it has slowly but surely evolved and you can expect this trend to continue.
Looking back, the first few versions were originally made in expensive and chic fabric like cashmere. At that time, it used to be exclusively available to the rich and famous only because of its high price tag. As things developed, it became available to a wider market as manufacturers were able to use cheaper fabrics in the production process. Wool, cotton and other cheap fabrics were used to manufacture it and are still used today. Actually, it has quite a bit of history and significance as it used to be a status symbol for the elite. When it became more widely available, it lost that symbolism. Today though, it seems to have acquired a new meaning as people use shawls to make a fashion statement as they try to play around with it and use it in ways nobody else would imagine.
A decade ago, they would be a purely female garment, today it has definitely broken down barriers as even men have begun to accessorize using it. It has transcended many limits in terms of marketability, accessibility, functionality and usability. It is actually quite amazing how much it has progressed since its discovery over a thousand years ago. Of course, much credit should be given to mankind who was been the propagator of all the wonder ideas for using a shawl.
What is a shawl? Today, the answer to that question would vary greatly depending on the person’s point of view. One thing is certain however, it is definitely a prime example of how man can create a whole lot of something out of practically nothing. Remember that it is merely an elongated piece of cloth yet today and over its history, it has carried a whole lot of meaning. So, the next time you decide to wear a shawl, remember that you are wearing an accessory that has stood the test of time as it has constantly been reinvented and redefined, something that is truly remarkable.
