Long hair & American Indian People
Posted by John Two-Hawks on December 16, 2002 at 21:19:30: Previous Next
Hau mitawa kola na ciye na misunkala
(Hello my friends and older and younger brothers),
Power to long haired men! This is a great board with a great topic. I first came here over 2 years ago, and have popped in now and again from time to time to see what's happening. Just thought I'd share once again my thoughts on what long hair means to American Indian people. Enjoy....
To the Indian, long hair is more than just a statement. It is a symbol of many things. Freedom.... Responsibility.... Tradition....
and Wisdom. When my long hair is loose and the wind is making it twist and turn like a silent grassdancer, I feel free.... alive.
When I look at the ends of my waist-length hair, I am reminded of some of the foolish things I have done over the years. I
am reminded that I need to remember that foolishness so I do not make those same errors again. The culture that cuts its hair
again and again is of the same mindset of those who try to 'forget the past' and 'move on'. They forget their history, and thus run
the risk of repeating the same mistakes again. The length of my hair makes me think of the ancient traditions of my Lakota
people. It makes me proud. When I take the time to carefully double braid my hair, I am reminded of the patience and wisdom
of my elders. I am reminded of my ancestors who wore their hair in double braids with honor. This is the 'power' I speak of
when I refer to an Indian having long hair. It is not a power given from the outside.... it is a power felt from within. Over the course of history, men with long hair has been the norm, not the contrary. Ever heard of Samson? The secret to his superhuman strength was in his long hair. And he lost that power when Delilah cut his hair short while he slept! Consider that, all you advocates for short-haired men!! *grin*
Pilamaye (Thank you) for listening my friends. Peace and power to you....
JTH
Great Post!!...
Posted by LucksKind on December 16, 2002 at 21:27:31: Previous Next
In Reply to: Long hair & American Indian People posted by John Two-Hawks on December 16, 2002 at 21:19:30:
: "When I look at the ends of my waist-length hair, I am reminded of some of the foolish things I have done over the years. I
: am reminded that I need to remember that foolishness so I do not make those same errors again.
: The culture that cuts its hair
: again and again is of the same mindset of those who try to 'forget the past' and 'move on'. They forget their history, and thus run
: the risk of repeating the same mistakes again.
The length of my hair makes me think of the ancient traditions of my Lakota
: people. It makes me proud. When I take the time to carefully double braid my hair, I am reminded of the patience and wisdom
: of my elders. I am reminded of my ancestors who wore their hair in double braids with honor. This is the 'power' I speak of
: when I refer to an Indian having long hair. It is not a power given from the outside.... it is a power felt from within." ~JTH
I never thought about hair in quite that way!
Thanx!
Re: Great Post!!...
Posted by Jude on December 17, 2002 at 00:55:29: Previous Next
In Reply to: Great Post!!... posted by LucksKind on December 16, 2002 at 21:27:31:
insightful. Agree with Lucks on that one. Good post. Never thought of "hair as history" before. Makes sense. Thats wisdom.....
Excellent Post
Posted by 4everlong on December 17, 2002 at 09:09:31: Previous Next
In Reply to: Long hair & American Indian People posted by John Two-Hawks on December 16, 2002 at 21:19:30:
: Hau mitawa kola na ciye na misunkala
: (Hello my friends and older and younger brothers),
: Power to long haired men! This is a great board with a great topic. I first came here over 2 years ago, and have popped in now and again from time to time to see what's happening. Just thought I'd share once again my thoughts on what long hair means to American Indian people. Enjoy....
: To the Indian, long hair is more than just a statement. It is a symbol of many things. Freedom.... Responsibility.... Tradition....
: and Wisdom. When my long hair is loose and the wind is making it twist and turn like a silent grassdancer, I feel free.... alive.
: When I look at the ends of my waist-length hair, I am reminded of some of the foolish things I have done over the years. I
: am reminded that I need to remember that foolishness so I do not make those same errors again. The culture that cuts its hair
: again and again is of the same mindset of those who try to 'forget the past' and 'move on'. They forget their history, and thus run
: the risk of repeating the same mistakes again. The length of my hair makes me think of the ancient traditions of my Lakota
: people. It makes me proud. When I take the time to carefully double braid my hair, I am reminded of the patience and wisdom
: of my elders. I am reminded of my ancestors who wore their hair in double braids with honor. This is the 'power' I speak of
: when I refer to an Indian having long hair. It is not a power given from the outside.... it is a power felt from within. Over the course of history, men with long hair has been the norm, not the contrary. Ever heard of Samson? The secret to his superhuman strength was in his long hair. And he lost that power when Delilah cut his hair short while he slept! Consider that, all you advocates for short-haired men!! *grin*
: Pilamaye (Thank you) for listening my friends. Peace and power to you....
: JTH
I could not have said this any better!!! Nicely stated, John Two-Hawks!!!