Dreadlocks today are a symbol of spirituality, of natural and supernatural power, of non-violent non-conformity, of communalism and socialist beliefs, and of sympathy with oppressed or underprivileged minorities. Also, for some people, wearing dreadlocks is a technique to maintain chakra use and positive spiritual energy.. Let us delve into the spiritual meaning of cutting dreadlocks, meaning of dreadlocks in rastafarianism and spiritual meaning of dreadlocks in a dream.
Easy right! At this point, I was actually looking for an excuse not to cut my hair. That is when I learned about the Rastas and all the history around dreadlocks. In particular, the spiritual significance which I wish to share with you here. If your thinking of getting dreadlocks or know someone who has them it is useful to understand the spiritual and biblical meaning. So read on!
The origin of dreadlocks still remains a mystery but it has such a strong spiritual meaning. Dreadlocks are connected to “twisting locks of hair” and also spiritual spirals of development. When one has dreadlocks they are connected to “letting things go.”
Dreadlocks date back to Minoan civilization (who lived in Crete) there are many drawings and paintings that show ancient people with matted hair. Of course, at some point someone must have invented dreadlocks. This was about 3600 years ago, perhaps someone saw that the matted hair-triggered the feeling of trusting in spiritual guidance.
Spiritual Meaning of Dreadlocks
Prosperity and Commitment
Dreadlocks are seen as a symbol of fidelity and fertility in some regions of India. Dreadlocks are seen as a tribute to the gods and a symbol of one’s dedication to the spiritual path. This viewpoint supports the notion that dreadlocks serve as a physical depiction of a person’s spiritual . According to yogic philosophy, breath and the crown of the head are the entry points for “prana,” or life force, into the human body.
Dreadlocks have long been associated with spirituality and faith in various cultures around the world. In some regions of India, dreadlocks are not merely a hairstyle, but a powerful symbol of fidelity and fertility. They are seen as a tribute to the gods, a physical manifestation of one’s dedication to the spiritual path. According to yogic philosophy, dreadlocks are believed to serve as an entry point for the life force, or “prana,” into the human body.
1. Symbol of Dedication
One of the spiritual meanings of dreadlocks is that they symbolize one’s unwavering dedication to their spiritual beliefs. Just as the biblical figure Samson vowed to never cut his hair as a sign of his devotion to God (Judges 16:17), those who choose to wear dreadlocks are making a visible statement of their commitment to their faith.
2. Connection to the Divine
Dreadlocks are believed to act as a conduit for divine energy to flow through the individual. In many cultures, the hair is seen as a powerful energy center, and by allowing the hair to grow freely and form dreadlocks, one can better connect with the divine forces at play in the universe.
3. Symbol of Strength
In the Bible, hair is often used as a symbol of strength and power. For example, in 1 Corinthians 11:15, it is written, “But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.” Similarly, dreadlocks are seen as a symbol of inner strength and resilience, a physical representation of the spiritual fortitude needed to navigate life’s challenges.
4. Sign of Transformation
Dreadlocks are also viewed as a symbol of transformation and rebirth. Just as the caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, those who choose to embrace the journey of growing and caring for dreadlocks are undergoing a process of spiritual evolution and growth. It is a tangible reminder of the constant cycle of death and rebirth that is inherent in the spiritual path.
5. Connection to Ancestral Roots
For many people, dreadlocks are a way to honor and connect with their ancestral roots. In African cultures, dreadlocks have been worn for centuries as a symbol of pride and heritage. By embracing this hairstyle, individuals can feel a deeper connection to their ancestors and the traditions that have been passed down through generations.
In conclusion, dreadlocks hold a deep spiritual significance in many cultures around the world. They are not just a hairstyle, but a powerful symbol of dedication, connection to the divine, strength, transformation, and ancestral roots. By embracing the spiritual meaning behind dreadlocks, individuals can find a deeper sense of purpose and connection to the spiritual forces at play in the universe.
Dreadlocks and other hairstyles that are matted or knotted are said to hold onto this energy, giving the wearer a lively aura. It also offers defense against unfavorable ideas and energies.
Dreadlocks served as a continual reminder of this spiritual force, encouraging a closer relationship with oneself, the unconscious mind, and the cosmos.
Note: Hair has been described as bio-antennas that may detect electromagnetic waves from a scientific standpoint. The idea that hair can be used as a tool for energy (information) receiving is further supported by the alignment of this concept—which is still under investigation—with the spiritual belief that dreadlocks act as antennas.
Comprehensive elucidations
The Rastafarian Movement
Hair Symbolism: Dreadlocks signify a spiritual journey, with each twist and turn symbolizing the various phases and obstacles encountered in life. They also suggest the strength and resiliency within, evoking the might of the biblical Samson.
Meaning of Cutting: Cutting the dreadlocks can signify a number of changes. It could signify a big shift in one’s direction in life, a break from one’s previous ways of thinking or doing, or an admission of one’s own development and evolution.
Hinduism
The symbolic meaning of hair is great spiritual force and vitality. This is especially true for spiritual leaders and deities like Shiva, who have long strands of hair.
Meaning of Cutting: Cutting one’s hair, especially for spiritual purposes, might represent a release of ego, a surrender to the divine, or an acceptance of a deeper level of spiritual development.
Native American Hair Symbolism: Hair represents a close relationship to the land, the natural world, and one’s ancestors. It is said that one can speak with the universe and receive strength from it through their hair.
Meaning of Cutting: Shaving represents the purifying of the soul, particularly when done in certain ceremonies. It’s a means of releasing memories, energy, and traumas from the past that don’t support the individual on their present journey.
Buddhism Hair Symbolism: In Buddhism, hair frequently stands for cravings and ties to the outside world.
Cutting Meaning: As a sign of their dedication to the spiritual path and rejection of the material world, monks and nuns shave their heads. They are letting go of social expectations and vanity by shaving off their hair.
Maori Hair Symbolism: Ancestral hair is significant to the Maori. It is thought to be a physical representation of a person’s ancestry and relationship to their whakapapa, or genealogy.
Meaning of Cutting: Trimming one’s hair might represent severing links to the past or ancestors in order to make room for new challenges or life changes.
Ancient Egyptian Hair Symbolism: A person’s hair might indicate their age, occupation, and social standing in Ancient Egypt. It had religious importance in a number of rites as well.
Cutting Meaning: Shaving or cutting hair was frequently connected to important life transitions or life experiences like grieving. It might represent a shift in one’s position, the start of a new stage in life, or even a purifying rite.
Spiritual meaning of cutting dreadlocks
Dreadlocks have a past that is shrouded in mystery and ancient wisdom. It is unclear where the twisted locks originated, but they are thought to have roots dating back as early as 3600 years ago with the Minoan civilization in Crete, Greece. Other cultures such as the Egyptians and Indians were thought to have recognized the power of dreadlocks. Mummified remains of Egyptian royalty have been uncovered with matted or braided hair, and there are even bible passages describing the mystic properties of knotted hair.
As far as the origin of the name “dreadlocks,” it is suspected to have come from the followers of a movement in Jamaica that followed the teachings of the bible, African tribal culture, and Hinduism, which had become popular in the area. Due to their respect and fear of God, these men and women of the movement referred to themselves as “Dreads,” and their twisted hair style became known as “dreadlocks.” Once the group found a connection with an Ethiopian Emporer Ras Tafari, the group became known as Rastafarians.
Connection to Wisdom
Dreadlocks are perceived as a connection to wisdom, and many believe that the head and hair are spiritual energy conductors. According to the Rasta views, the locs are believed to be a part of the Nazarite vows of Leviticus, which cautioned against shaving the head’s four corners. Locs also have connections to the Lion of Judah, which represents the power and strength of a person.
Traditionally dreadlocks could be symbolic of a follower’s understanding that their physical appearance is unimportant and their disregard for vanity. It signified that they would not be distracted from a path of wisdom and their religion. In both Eastern and Western traditions, they believed that spiritual energy would emanate from the top of the head and hair, and dreadlocks could act as a conduit. Now, dreadlocks are both a beautiful way to wear your hair and a way to hold your spiritual beliefs.
Dreads as Rebellion
Dreadlocks are not only a way to house divine energy, as some believe. Dreads have been a way to show rebellion to authority with nonconformity and nonviolence. In the 1930s, Ras Tafari became the emperor of Ethiopia. When Ras Tafari was exiled during an enemy invasion, his followers vowed never to cut their hair until he was reinstalled to his rightful throne. The followers, or Rastafarians, believed that the emperor of Ethiopia was the messiah or God incarnate.
Rastafarians used their hair as a form of rebellion against their British colonizers’ enforcement of hairstyles. This rebellion was also a way to connect more deeply with their beliefs and share camaraderie with each other. Dreads were a tool for Rastas to symbolize their contempt for the starchy British ways and to hold their Afro-centrist leanings, natural living, and loving ideologies closer.
Spiritual Meaning of Dreadlocks
Many people hold the view that the head and hair serve as conduits for spiritual energy, and dreadlocks are seen as a connection to wisdom. The locs are thought to be a component of the Nazarite vows of Leviticus, which forbade shaving the four corners of the head, in accordance with Rasta beliefs. The Lion of Judah, a symbol of a person’s strength and might, is connected to locs as well.
Dreadlocks have historically been used to represent a follower’s disdain for vanity and knowledge that their outward appearance is meaningless. That meant that they wouldn’t be deterred from following their religion and a road of wisdom. Both Eastern and Western cultures held the view that dreadlocks might serve as a conduit for spiritual energy to flow from the top of the head and hair. Dreadlocks are now a stylish hairstyle as well as a method to practice your spirituality.
- Sisterlocks: Sisterlocks are a type of protective hairdo that are thought to symbolize independence, strength, and tenacity. They could also be viewed as a symbol of spiritual defense.
- Microlocs:Microlocs provide you a way to express yourself while still honoring your spirituality. It is stated that the micro locs assist you connect with positive cosmic energies and help you build an energy shield that can shield you from harmful energies.
- Interlock dreads: Dreads that interlock are both aesthetically pleasing and useful. This aesthetic is linked to profound spirituality and a close relationship with the divine.
- Freeform Locs: Freeform locs represent freedom, creativity, and self-expression. They are often considered sacred by those who wear them, as they are often seen as an expression of one’s inner spirit and soul.
Meaning of dreadlocks in rastafarianism
Rastafarians developed as a movement in Jamaica in the 1930s as a social movement with religion at its core. The movement focused heavily on the African diaspora and freeing themselves of Western influence which they referred to as “Babylon.” The Rastafarians refer to Africa as the cradle of civilization known as “Zion.” Rastafarianism has many spiritual practices such as communal “groundations” meetings, smoking ganja, pure diet, and of course, twisting their hair into dreadlocks.
Rastafarians have a worldview that is not based on any dogma. They instead believe in intuition and spiritual exploration as the path to truth. They believe heavily in the messages within the bible and believe in the second coming of “Jah,” as they have named God. They believe that the bible has been corrupted over time and translations, and they believe that the true message can be found by meditation on the “book within.”
Reggae Music
Reggae music is now a popular art form that became popular as it spread the spiritual messages of Rastafarianism. Reggae originated in Jamaica in the 1960s and was similar to ska, taking influence from black jazz and rocksteady music.
Reggae became a powerful tool to spread the gospels of peace and Rastafarian beliefs across the world. Perhaps the most popular reggae musician of all time, Bob Marley, became an icon with his music and long dreadlocks. Bob Marley became beloved internationally as he spread the messages of the Rastafari. Thousands of believers and reggae musicians have worn dreadlocks in part because of his huge influence.
India
Rastafarianism is not the only religion to believe in the power of dreadlocks. Hindus practice Jaṭā, or dreadlocks, as a vital part of their beliefs. Sadhus (close to monks or holy men) wear dreadlocks to emulate the deity, Shiva. Shiva is described as the primal soul of the universe. He is depicted as a Yogi with a mighty head of dreadlocks as the ancient mythology cites that he took the weight of the mighty Ganges river in his hair.
The Bible
The bible references the power of hair most think to be dreadlocks with connections to Moses, John the Baptist, and Samson. Samson’s strength was compromised when his seven locks of hair were cut off, signifying that his hair held great power. The passages describe letting no razors touch the heads of Nazarites to keep themselves pure.
Dreadlocks have significant spiritual meanings in different cultures. The most commonly thought of instances in the West are Jamaicans and Rastafarians who grow long hair in the symbolism of the Lion of Judah and keep a pure way of living. Dreadlocks have become popularized in many countercultures that like the rebellious nature, and icons like Bob Marley inspired people across the world to wear dreads as they connected with the messages of love, peace, and spiritual growth.
Spiritual meaning of dreadlocks in a dream
Cutting dreadlocks is a spiritual experience that has been practiced for centuries. It is a way of connecting with the gods and goddesses who inhabit your body and soul.
Cutting dreadlocks is a way of letting go, but it’s also an opportunity to be reborn. By cutting off the lock that has grown from your head, you are freeing yourself from the past and allowing yourself to move forward with your life. The new growth that comes after cutting dreadlocks is a symbol of renewal, growth and change.
The new growth will also help you find yourself again—it will help you reaffirm who you really are as an individual so that you can live in harmony with your true self.
Cutting dreadlocks is a way of releasing the past and moving into the future. It is a way of letting go of things that no longer serve you, and embracing the new growth that will come next.
It is also a symbolic act: cutting your hair is an expression of letting go, but it also means that something new can begin to grow. It’s a reminder that change happens whether you want it to or not—and if you don’t let go, you’ll never be able to move forward.
Cutting dreadlocks can be scary because it requires letting go of what’s familiar and comfortable. It requires taking chances on what might come next. But sometimes those chances are worth taking—and if you’re ready for them, then cutting dreadlocks is just another step toward becoming who you really want to be.