Topical Bible: Dress: Shawls

◄ Dress: Shawls ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, clothing served not only as a practical necessity but also as a significant cultural and religious symbol. Shawls, as part of ancient attire, were commonly used by both men and women in the biblical world. These garments were often multifunctional, providing warmth, modesty, and a means of carrying items.

Cultural and Historical Context

Shawls in the ancient Near East were typically rectangular pieces of cloth that could be draped over the shoulders or wrapped around the body. They were made from various materials, including wool, linen, and sometimes more luxurious fabrics for those of higher status. The quality and decoration of a shawl could indicate the wearer's social standing or wealth.

Biblical References

While the Bible does not frequently mention shawls explicitly, there are several passages that allude to garments that could include shawls. In the Book of Ruth, for example, Ruth is instructed by Naomi to go to Boaz at the threshing floor. After Boaz acknowledges her, he tells her, "Bring the shawl you are wearing and hold it out" (Ruth 3:15). This passage highlights the practical use of a shawl as a means to carry grain, demonstrating its utility beyond mere clothing.

In Isaiah 3:22, the prophet lists various items of luxury and adornment that the daughters of Zion possess, including "shawls, cloaks, and purses" . This indicates that shawls were considered valuable items, part of the attire of those who could afford such embellishments.

Religious and Symbolic Significance

Shawls, like other garments, could carry religious significance. In Numbers 15:38-39, the Israelites are commanded to make tassels on the corners of their garments, which could include shawls, as a reminder of God's commandments: "Speak to the Israelites and tell them that throughout the generations to come, you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel" . This practice served as a physical reminder of their covenant with God and their obligation to follow His laws.

Modesty and Social Norms

In the biblical context, shawls also played a role in maintaining modesty, particularly for women. The cultural norms of the time emphasized modesty in dress, and shawls could be used to cover the head or body, aligning with these expectations. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, addresses the importance of modesty and propriety in dress, which would have included the use of shawls as a covering (1 Timothy 2:9).

Conclusion

Shawls in biblical times were more than mere articles of clothing; they were integral to daily life, serving practical, social, and religious functions. Through their use, we gain insight into the cultural and spiritual fabric of the ancient world, reflecting the values and beliefs of the people who wore them.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 3:22
The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

On Dress.
... of the gospel age, and how God was going to have his people dress modestly in ... with
scarlet borders, and the garments with purple grounds, and the shawls to be ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/on dress.htm

Naparima and Montserrat
... at once rich and sober, such as may be seen in Indian shawls, is very ... Crook-backed,
round-shouldered, his only dress a ragged shirt and ragged pair of drawers ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter x naparima and montserrat.htm

The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family
... I saw amongst them several shawls of blue material with hoods ... Her ample white woolen
dress had no girdle and hung round her in folds: her head was covered with ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/x the census and the.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... Rich and fashionable folk substituted for this cloth two large shawls"one red ... a fillet,
and sometimes a wig after the Egyptian fashion, completed the dress. ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The City of Benares.
... All bring with them their bathing-dress, and they most deftly take off and put on ...
of Oude were mingled with the jewels of Golconda and the shawls of Cashmere.". ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter vii the city of.htm