Fashion and Culture

This week we are talking about ways that people express themselves through clothing, accessories and body modification. Many people use their outward appearance to express their beliefs and even to show what they are passionate about!

The following pictures are representative of how four different groups of religious people dress. Look at the pictures and find the similarities and differences.

From the Muslim world, you can see the kaftan and kufi that men wear and long dress and niqab that many Muslim women wear. Not all Muslim women wear burqas, the long, darkly colored gown and head-covering that we often see in the media.

The Amish are Christians who live in agricultural communities in the US - mostly in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Their religion - and lifestyle - is one of simplicity. The Amish do not drive cars or use tractors in their work, their clothes are simple (some do not even use buttons!) and they only have necessary electricity in their homes.

 

Hindu is a religion practiced (predominantly) in India. The traditional clothing for a woman is called a sari, a long piece of cloth that is draped over the woman's body. The traditional clothing for men is called dhoti, and the shirt is called a kurta.

Hasidic Jewish people live throughout the world. There is a large population in Brooklyn, New York. The men and women of this sect of the Jewish faith follow the Biblical law for clothing - men wear payot, or side curls, with beards. The white tassles that are "hanging" from their shirt line are called tzitzit and were commanded by G-d in the old testament. Women must cover their collarbones and wear long skirts. They also must cover their head, which they can do in two ways: wearing a tichel, or headscarf, or by wearing a wig called a sheitel.

Assignment:

Based on the pictures you see here, think about the following questions:

1. What do these people-groups have in common with their clothing?
2. Are there any differences in the clothes between groups?
3. What theme or value seems to be common for all four groups in their clothing styles?

Make sure to answer the questions IN COMPLETE SENTENCES -- that means you will have at least ONE complete sentence for each question. Publish your answers in the comments section below.

What in the world? (Part 2)

Do you know what these are?

Take a guess. 

What do you think they are? How are they used?

What part of the world do they come from?

Write a complete paragraph of 3-5 sentences answering the questions and publish it in the comment section below. Remember to use complete sentences. If you agree with someone else's guess, you still need to write your OWN response. 

What in the world?

This week's focus is on different cultures.

Do you know what these are?

Take a guess. 

What do you think they are? How are they used?

What part of the world do they come from?

Write a complete paragraph of 3-5 sentences answering the questions and publish it in the comment section below. Remember to use complete sentences. If you agree with someone else's guess, you still need to write your OWN response.
If you think you know what they are (or have found the answer on the internet), please write your paragraph as if it is a guess so that your classmates have a chance to guess as well.
PLEASE DO NOT COPY INFORMATION FROM THE INTERNET. USE YOUR OWN WORDS.