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Scarf

language culture Maturity 11-13 Next article →

A scarf is a long piece of fabric worn around the neck, shoulders, or head.

Alpaca wool scarf
Alpaca wool scarf

People use them for many different reasons. Some wear them for warmth in cold weather. Others use them for sun protection or to stay clean. They can also be a part of fashion or show support for a sports team. You can find scarves made from many materials like wool, linen, silk, or cotton. They are a very common accessory that people use all over the world.

There are many ways to wear or use a scarf. A winter scarf is often called a muffler. You might wrap it around your face and ears to stay warm.

Alpaca wool scarf
Alpaca wool scarf

In dusty or hot places, people might wear a thin headscarf or bandanna. This helps keep their hair clean and protects their nose and mouth. Some people wear a wide sash called a slenddang over one shoulder. You can also tie scarves in different ways, like a square knot or a bow.

100% Kaschmir Wolle vonk kaschmirprodukte.de
100% Kaschmir Wolle vonk kaschmirprodukte.de

Scarves have a very long history. In Ancient Egypt, Queen Nefertiti wore a tightly woven headscarf around 1350 BC.

018 Conrad Cichorius, Die Reliefs der Traianssäule, Tafel XVIII (cropped)
018 Conrad Cichorius, Die Reliefs der Traianssäule, Tafel XVIII (cropped)

In China, soldiers used scarves to show their rank or status. Around AD 10, Romans used a scarf called a focale to wipe sweat. In the 1600s, Croatian soldiers wore scarves that became known as cravats. This word eventually led to the modern necktie we see today. Even Napoleon Bonaparte loved Egyptian scarves and gave them as gifts.

Many groups use scarves for special traditions or jobs. In the Himalayan Buddhist tradition, people offer a scarf called a khata as a gift.

Epitrachelion
Epitrachelion

In the United Kingdom, students wear academic scarves with special colors to show their school. Pilots once wore silk scarves to keep oily smoke out of their mouths.

018 Conrad Cichorius, Die Reliefs der Traianssäule, Tafel XVIII (cropped)
018 Conrad Cichorius, Die Reliefs der Traianssäule, Tafel XVIII (cropped)

Today, flight crews often wear them as part of their professional uniform. Some religious groups also use specific scarves, like the stole, during ceremonies.

In the world of sports, scarves show great loyalty. Football fans wear scarves in their club colors to show they belong to a team.

Portugiesische Fans bei der Euro 2004
Portugiesische Fans bei der Euro 2004

Sometimes, fans hold their scarves up high to make a "scarf wall." This creates a huge wall of color in the stadium. They might sing songs while doing this. Scarves can even be used to remember people, such as placing one on a grave.

Liam Whelan tombstone
Liam Whelan tombstone

This shows how a simple piece of cloth can hold so much meaning.

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🖼️ Images & Media (6)
File:100% Kaschmir Wolle vonk kaschmirprodukte.de.jpg
100% Kaschmir Wolle vonk kaschmirprodukte.de.jpg
File:018 Conrad Cichorius, Die Reliefs der Traianssäule, Tafel XVIII (cropped).jpg
018 Conrad Cichorius, Die Reliefs der...
File:Alpaca wool scarf.JPG
Alpaca wool scarf.JPG
File:Epitrachelion.jpg
Epitrachelion.jpg
File:Portugiesische Fans bei der Euro 2004.jpg
Portugiesische Fans bei der Euro 2004.jpg
File:Liam Whelan tombstone.jpg
Liam Whelan tombstone.jpg
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