Religious Hair Display and Its Meanings

The book explores the fascinating world of religious hair observances within six religious traditions that account for 77% of the world's adherents, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. It examines the symbolic use of hair, its significance in religious and social contexts, and the historical development of hair practices. The author also interviews contemporary practitioners to understand their motivations for engaging in hair-related rituals. The book sheds light on how hair practices are created from ancient psychological and cultural impulses, modified by time, culture, and religious intent, and adopted by adherents for various reasons. It is a valuable resource for the interested observer of our diverse society and for students of comparative religion and sociology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 279 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the intricate realm of religious hair observances within six major world religions, collectively accounting for 77% of the global population. Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism are explored, revealing the profound symbolic significance of hair in these faiths. Hair, a unique bodily substance, holds immense religious and social importance, serving as a canvas for shaping, coloring, and expressing individual essence. It serves as a marker of age, sex, and sexual maturity, while also carrying cultural and historical significance.

The author's approach is to contextualize each practice within its respective tradition, encompassing a comprehensive study of foundational leaders, sacred texts, rites, rituals, religious power, and historical development. Interviews with contemporary practitioners provide valuable insights into their motivations, while social scientists from anthropology, sociology, psychology, and related fields contribute their research to offer a broader perspective.

The author unveils the intricate tapestry of how hair practices emerge from ancient psychological and cultural impulses, undergo modifications over time, are influenced by cultural contexts, and are embraced by adherents for diverse purposes, ranging from personal religious expression to collective group identity. This book is a valuable resource for both the interested observer of our diverse society and students of comparative religion and sociology, offering a fresh and transformative perspective on the role of hair in religious and cultural practices.

Weight: 456g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030699765
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021