HAIR BRAIDING TEACHING
Hair braiding for Anishnaabek was a way to show growth in character.
Braiding had significance in the way one wore their hair.
Braiding to change a person’s luck was the main reason for having braids done.
Hair was grown long for all members of a tribe.
It showed respect for the life of a person.
When a person close to you died, hair cutting showed respect for the life lost and how you must go on without them.
The braid represented three aspects of life.
One part for body to do something great for yourself.
One part for the spirits of your ancestors to grow with you.
One part for what you do for your people.
If a man had only one way to have his hair done, it represented that he was going to stay true to himself and not bend to others.
If a man wore two braids, he was a mediator willing to compromise.
If a man wore more than one type of braid, he was going to be flexible in his thoughts and actions.
If a man wore no braids, he was going with the flow and not taking a stand.
Braiding had significance in the way one wore their hair.
Braiding to change a person’s luck was the main reason for having braids done.
Hair was grown long for all members of a tribe.
It showed respect for the life of a person.
When a person close to you died, hair cutting showed respect for the life lost and how you must go on without them.
The braid represented three aspects of life.
One part for body to do something great for yourself.
One part for the spirits of your ancestors to grow with you.
One part for what you do for your people.
If a man had only one way to have his hair done, it represented that he was going to stay true to himself and not bend to others.
If a man wore two braids, he was a mediator willing to compromise.
If a man wore more than one type of braid, he was going to be flexible in his thoughts and actions.
If a man wore no braids, he was going with the flow and not taking a stand.
