In previous years, a woman would wear only 2-3 burqas during her life. This moment is extremely significant. Thanks to him, it becomes clear how much the rights and powers of eastern girls have expanded today. Today they can be outside much more often and for longer.
Burqa: what is it?
On the one hand, it is a common noun, a collective meaning for clothing that completely covers a woman. The lexeme is used when they want to indicate a possessive attitude towards a girl. In the traditional sense, this is a cape, oriental outerwear. It is not worn on the head, but on a skullcap or undergarment.
What does a burqa look like?
This is a wide robe that covers absolutely the entire body.. There are no slits even for the arms, and there are no sleeves in this outfit either (some models have fake sleeves, pulled behind the back and tied there with ribbons).
Reference!
The false sleeve is called a sochvok.
The face area is tightly draped. A woman in this outfit sees the world through fine mesh insert in the eye area - chachvan. The size of such an element is small. You definitely won't be able to use your peripheral vision.
Must have a lining. In a model with a traditional cut, the lining in the lower part goes into colorful shelves. For women who have recently given birth, special “variations” of the cape are provided. In their case, the robe has devices that facilitate the process of breastfeeding. The difference is visible primarily in the structure of the collar zone.
What is a burqa for?
In some countries, the appearance of a woman on the streets without traditional clothing is tantamount to a suicidal impulse. However, we are not talking about the burqa. Even in those parts of the world today - precisely today, before morals were stricter - it can be replaced with a slightly more open and less multi-layered cape or scarf. At least for the hijab. There is only one known exception to this rule: a special category of hermits. They are obliged to wear this item, nothing else.
In other cases, the question of the advisability of turning to this particular cape is under discussion. In eastern families, in which the traditional way of life is still preserved, the decision is made by the head of the entire house or the female half of it. People with less conservative views give daughters, sisters and mothers the opportunity to independently determine what exactly they should cover their heads with on the street.
Important!
In many European countries, wearing a burqa in public is a crime. For such an offense a fine of several hundred euros is imposed. In other countries, it is prohibited to appear in traditional oriental clothing in educational institutions: schools, kindergartens, universities. These bans come in the wake of growing Islamophobia.
The appearance of the burqa: a historical excursion
It is impossible to name the exact date of appearance. According to some sources, eastern treatises from the 9th century mention a faraji (another name for a burqa), embroidered with precious stones. Others say that the outfit was invented by the ancient Egyptians. What is known for certain is that a Tajik writer of the 15th–16th centuries mentioned this type of oriental robe in his works. Zainnadine Mahmoud Wasifi. He argued that these clothes are not only women's, but also men's.
Who has the right to wear a burqa?
According to ancient traditions, the first faraji is sewn on a girl’s 9th birthday. However, modern families often prefer to wait until puberty and only then dress the new girl in a robe.
At the same time, you shouldn’t just wear a burqa without having a cultural or religious right to do so.. This wardrobe item is narrowly oriented. It is allowed only to Eastern women, as well as to those who have renounced their religion and converted to Islam.
Can a burqa be used only as an accessory?
Considering the Islamophobic sentiments of the public, you should not wear this item of clothing without a good reason. In addition, such a gesture may be regarded as an insult by deeply religious people.
What fabrics are used for burqa?
Silk, brocade, satin – ideal if you need a colored or festive burqa. The cape is also made from benares, pari-pasha and velvet fabric. Chachvan is made from black horsehair. If necessary, it is painted (usually it matches the cape itself, but there are exceptions).
Possible colors and decorations of the burqa
It is not customary to wear jewelry over a burqa (exception: a brooch, which is worn under the throat to secure and beautifully drape the fabric).Some women may dare to wear unusually shaped mesh, shiny stripes and tassels on mock sleeves thrown back, but nothing more. Hijab, on the contrary, allows such tricks. For example, you can put a piece of jewelry on your head and pick up a discreet bag in a classic shade.
Important!
You need to look for head jewelry in specialized Muslim stores. They also usually sell various kinds of scarves, hats for them, bobby pins, elastic bands to increase hair volume and other useful things used both on a weekday and for a wedding.
Embroidery is allowed as a decorative element of the burqa. The most popular patterns:
- black pepper;
- snake trail;
- curl;
- jug.
Most often, the ornament is placed on the hem, collar area, decorative pockets (they used to have practical applications, they were used during horseback riding as pockets for hands) and false sleeves.
There are no restrictions in terms of color. They disappeared at the end of the 19th century. Since then, green, lilac, silver, and violet women's robes have been appropriate.
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