Travellers: On Foot, How Attired
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In biblical times, travel was a common aspect of life, whether for trade, pilgrimage, or other purposes. Those who traveled on foot were typically attired in a manner that was both practical and reflective of their social status and the cultural norms of the time.

General Attire:
Travelers in biblical times often wore simple, durable clothing suitable for long journeys. The basic garment was the tunic, a knee-length or longer piece of clothing made from wool or linen. This garment was worn by both men and women, though the styles and lengths varied. The tunic was often girded with a belt or sash, which allowed for greater ease of movement and could be used to carry small items.

Outer Garments:
Over the tunic, travelers would wear a cloak or mantle, which provided additional warmth and protection from the elements. This outer garment could also serve as a blanket at night. In Exodus 22:26-27, the importance of the cloak is highlighted: "If you take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him by sunset, because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in?"

Footwear:
Sandals were the typical footwear for travelers, made from leather or other durable materials. They were designed to protect the feet from rough terrain while allowing for ventilation in the hot climate. In Mark 6:9, Jesus instructs His disciples, "Wear sandals, but not an extra tunic."

Head Coverings:
To protect against the sun, travelers often wore head coverings. These could be simple cloths or more elaborate turbans, depending on the individual's status and resources. The head covering also served as a sign of modesty and respect.

Accessories:
Travelers might carry a staff, which provided support and could be used for defense against wild animals or thieves. In Matthew 10:10, Jesus advises His disciples, "Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions."

Cultural and Social Considerations:
The attire of travelers could also reflect their social status or occupation. For instance, prophets might wear distinctive garments, such as the hairy cloak of Elijah (2 Kings 1:8). Wealthier individuals might have more elaborate clothing, while the poor would have simpler attire.

Symbolic Significance:
Clothing in the Bible often carries symbolic meaning. For example, the act of girding one's loins, as mentioned in 1 Peter 1:13, "Therefore prepare your minds for action, be sober-minded, and set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ," implies readiness and preparedness for action, a necessary mindset for travelers.

In summary, the attire of travelers on foot in biblical times was practical, modest, and often symbolic, reflecting the cultural and social norms of the period.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Exodus 12:11
And thus shall you eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD's passover.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Lovely to a Poet or an Artist's Eye is the Unevenly-Built and ...
... no one stayed save the very poorest of travellers, this fact ... short with a stamp of
her foot and a ... Babette's doll, once attired as a fashionable Parisienne, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/ii lovely to a poet.htm

The Adventures of Saint George of England.
... wriggled about and hissed as the travellers passed, and ... recreants sword in hand on
foot." Thus speaking ... of the noblest peers of Bagabornabou, attired in crimson ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter three the adventures of.htm

The City of Benares.
... seen persons entering the city, not on foot"that they ... Travellers in many lands who
have seen this view ... god on their forehead, and are very scantily attired. ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter vii the city of.htm

The Northern Mountains
... leaves like a Spanish chestnut, a foot and more in ... so delicious that one can well
believe travellers when they ... and his muddy and quaintly attired"or unattired ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xi the northern mountains.htm

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Subtopics

Travellers

Travellers for Security often Left the Highways

Travellers of Distinction: Before Setting out Gave Employment to Their Servants

Travellers of Distinction: Frequently Extorted Provisions by the Way

Travellers of Distinction: Generally Attended by Running Footmen

Travellers of Distinction: Generally Performed Their Journey in Great State

Travellers of Distinction: Often Preceded by Heralds to Have the Roads Prepared

Travellers of Distinction: Rode in Chariots

Travellers of Distinction: Rode on Asses, Camels

Travellers were Frequently Asked Whence They Came and Whither They Went

Travellers: After a Long Journey, Described

Travellers: Called Way-Faring Men

Travellers: Carried With Them: Presents for Those Who Entertained Them

Travellers: Carried With Them: Provender for Their Beasts of Burden

Travellers: Carried With Them: Provisions for the Way

Travellers: Carried With Them: Skins Filled With Water, Wine

Travellers: Ceasing of, Threatened As a Calamity

Travellers: Estimated the Length of Their Journey by the Number of Days

Travellers: Friends of Frequently Commended Them to Protection of God

Travellers: Friends of Frequently Took Leave of Them With Sorrow

Travellers: Friends of Often Sent Them Away With Music

Travellers: Friends of Often Supplied Them With Provision

Travellers: Friends of Sometimes Accompanied Them a Short Way

Travellers: Generally Commenced Their Journey Early in the Morning

Travellers: Generally Halted at Wells or Streams

Travellers: Generally Rested at Noon

Travellers: Generally Treated With Great Hospitality

Travellers: Halted at Even

Travellers: Often Collected Together and Formed Caravans

Travellers: Often Engaged Persons Acquainted With the Country As Guides

Travellers: Often Travelled on Foot

Travellers: On Errands Requiring Despatch: Saluted No Man by the Way

Travellers: On Errands Requiring Despatch: Went With Great Speed

Travellers: On Foot, How Attired

Travellers: Preparations Made By, Alluded To

Travellers: Protected by Those Who Entertained Them

Travellers: Strangers Civil To

Travellers: Tesserae Hospitales or Pledges of Hospitality, Alluded To

Travellers: The Caravanserai or Public Inn for Noticed

Travellers: The Jews Prohibited from Taking Long Journeys on the Sabbath

Related Terms

Travellers (8 Occurrences)

Travelleth (2 Occurrences)

Travellers: On Errands Requiring Despatch: Went With Great Speed
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