A Testament to Masculinity and Freedom
Traditionally, long hair has always been a symbol of masculinity. All of history's great warriors had long hair, from the Greeks who wrote odes to their heroes' hair; to the Vikings who flaunted their braids; from the American Indians, famous for their long shiny hair; to the Japanese. And the longer and more beautiful the hair was, the more manly the warrior was considered to be.
Achilles' hair [komē] is thick [amphilaphē], lovelier than gold [khrusos], and becoming [euskhēmōn] no matter where and how either the wind or he himself may move it.When a warrior was captured, his mane was cut to humiliate him and to take away his beauty. For example the Samurai wore their hair long as a symbol of their honour, cutting it if their honour was lost. Some may say that this custom is echoed in modern day military service when new soldiers are required to cut their hair short when they begin their training to undermine their self-esteem and make them submissive.
Philostratus
It was only between the 1st and 5th centuries AD that short hair was 'invented' so to speak, by the Romans. They believed that this shorter 'do' gave them defensive advantages since opponents couldn't grab them by the hair and it was also easier to recognise each other on the battle field.
So as you see, short hair on men emerges as a relatively recent phenomenon. Yet, in contemporary times, men sporting long hair often face unwarranted criticism from those unaware that short hair can be considered 'anti-masculine' and a repressive social imposition while, judging by the history books, long hair symbolises freedom.
Ancient Greek Warriors: A Symbol of Masculinity
In ancient Greece, men grew their hair long. A boy would cut his hair shorter to about chin or jaw-length when he reached adolescence, remaining with the shorter haircut until he became older and more distinguished.
There were four main hairstyles in vogue. 'Krylon' was an updo with hair gathered, tied and pinned to the forehead; 'Kepos', a bowl-cut used for youths and slaves; 'Theseid' was a kind of proto-mullet which was short in front and long in the back and the 'Hectorean' was combed back into curls.
Long hair in ancient Greece was closely intertwined with notions of masculinity and bravery. Warriors adorned their flowing locks with pride, and poets even composed odes praising the beauty and strength of their heroes' hair. One such famous warrior was Alexander the Great, whose long hair symbolised his divine heritage and added to his charisma and power. Alexander believed he was descended from Achilles, the mythological hero known for his long, glorious hair. This association with greatness and heroism solidified the connection between long hair and masculine strength in ancient Greek society.
Philosophers and Thinkers: Long Hair as an Intellectual Emblem
In addition to warriors, famous ancient Greek philosophers embraced long hair as a symbol of intellectual pursuits. Socrates, the influential philosopher, and his student Plato were often depicted with long hair and beards. Socrates' flowing locks symbolised his pursuit of wisdom and his commitment to questioning established norms. Plato, following in his mentor's footsteps, continued the tradition of long hair as an emblem of philosophical thought and intellectual depth. Their long hair represented their dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and the philosophical principles that shaped Western thought.
The Symbolic Power of Hair: Personal Expression and Individuality
Beyond the realms of warriors and philosophers, long hair in ancient Greece allowed individuals to express their personal identities. Euripides, one of the great tragedians of ancient Greece, was often depicted with long hair. As a playwright, Euripides explored the depths of human emotion and moral dilemmas. His long hair was seen as a reflection of his artistic and creative spirit, allowing him to stand out as an individual and embody the essence of his craft.
Challenging Stereotypes: Long Hair as a Mark of Nonconformity
Among the unconventional figures of ancient Greece was Diogenes, a philosopher known for his eccentric lifestyle and rejection of societal norms. Diogenes challenged established conventions and embraced simplicity, often depicted with long, unkempt hair. His unorthodox appearance and refusal to conform to societal expectations represented a rejection of materialism and a commitment to philosophical inquiry. Diogenes' long hair became a symbol of nonconformity and a reminder of the freedom to live life on one's own terms.
An Exception: From Locks to Legislation
Following the fall of Athens to the Spartans in the Peloponnesian War, a puppet government known as the Thirty Tyrants was established to align Athens with the conservative Sparta and its allies. During this tumultuous period, a wealthy man named Theramenes faced judgment for his actions and way of life under the rule of the Thirty Tyrants. One of the accusations brought against him was his long hair, which was seen by some as a symbol of his support for an Oligarchic Athens, reminiscent of Spartan traditions. This was because it was widely known in Ancient and Classical Greece, that Spartan Warriors had long hair, which they groomed well before each battle. On the contrary, Athenians favoured the clean-shaven head for the Military and young children, believing this to be more hygienic. However, Theramenes argued that personal grooming should not be equated with political ideologies, asserting that long hair did not reflect his true ideals.
Apart from this, long hair in ancient Greece was generally seen as a sign of power and an ability to keep clean and healthy, even in difficult times.
The ancient Greeks revered long hair as a symbol of masculinity, strength, and freedom. From warriors like Alexander the Great to philosophers like Socrates and Plato, long hair served as an emblem of power, wisdom, and individuality. Furthermore, figures like Euripides and Diogenes showcased the diverse expressions and nonconformist nature associated with long hair. As we navigate the complexities of modern society, it is crucial to appreciate the historical context and shed stereotypes surrounding long hair, recognising it as a timeless emblem of personal expression, intellectual pursuits, and the freedom to be oneself.
Reader Comments
Please explain (if I haven't figured the barbers all out yet) but easy on the details. Our Ken has just survived a huge challenge n I'm a very delicate nature when it comes to 'teeth'
Hair has always been an area of concern of power in the ancient world.
But their is another aspect of long hair in both men and women, that they are born to be able to receive, of become in touch with the higher aspect of spirituality. It reminds me of the myth of Sampson (Old Testament) when his hair was cropped, he lost his power as a leader..Can't find it now, strange.
And then there is the use of Navajoe of the Indian code talkers used in WW2, where men and women traditionally had long hair. And course, to elect into the world of the military, they had a short back and sides, losing their long hair. and losing their thoughts to ...spiritual life?
[Link] In Search Of History - Navajo Code Talkers
The wonders of the universe.
Why else would the wear a bun on the back of their head, just like the women of the 19th century.
A very intricate teaching on NATURE health. (Amor, hair health is very revelatory. Gnosis21 glad you are with us. I never made the connection re: Gillette, the dye yes but not Gillette oh and the longer the hair the greater the natural capacity to receive spirit however gold is the fruit of labour.)
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I my Indians 🥰
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My brother has one since practicing buddism haha. A lot of new agers have them. He calls it a top knot haha. Ancient moari warriors of nz had them too.
I let my locks flow.
So grateful
This must be my personal fav thread here in 2 decades. Guys with long hair are the easiest people and the most sensible to chat with, I've always noticed that, even back in grade school.
I have another almost as favourite. Let me dig that one up and post, I know you'll all get a kick out of it too, mañana. RC was present there too.
I guess you forgot men have hair before they become bald and balding does not make a formerly long haired man stupid...
Btw I heard that over-bossing makes the hair fall out, control vs mastery. Hair growth is linked to the kidneys, the home of emotions why the House of Venus. Combining more sensitivities makes for a quicker "response" even biologically.
Librans are ruled by the kidneys (and relations) kinda what makes us grow up fast unless we want to (consciously or not) loose hair, sleep, and our energy. Adrenals pump the hormones aka adrenaline. Us delicate A Blood type naturally (biologically) don't make much of that therefore deplete very quickly (and require lots of rest n silence).
O Blood types make toooo much adrenaline which makes them biologically quicker prone to anger and reactiveness andcwhy they can handle loud music for longer periods.
Those of late generation would use the medium of hair to pontificate and use it as a status symbol but today, long hair neither represent strength or status and is I believe a sign of emotional weakness in a man.
Says the man (?) who posts strings of laughing to tears emojis...
If " emojis " ? Be such a thorn in the arse of those who post here, then some? Should address their concerns towards SOTT for them embracing such a medium of communication.
My comment was admittedly a wild card comment but there to add to the pool of comment.
Weak emotions??
Write a check that your ass can cash!
2 Gibson Les Pauls, one Goldtop, one Sunburst. 1985 Fender Strat, 1969 Gibson SG, Joe Satriani Js 1200, Eddie Van Halen Wolfgang, Taylor 614 Acoustic, Fender Jazz Geddy Lee Special Edition, 1991 Fender Precision with active electronics. and FUN is the only reason needed...
if i can get it on my own
you dont like the way im livin
you just leave this long haired country boy alone"
Charlie Daniels
Under their turbin?
Particularly before there was steel at all....
I found the article but not many comments on this one -- there must be another cause I recall all of us having a hoot with it. I loved that article!!
Life is too short not to get the last laugh: 25 hilarious headstones
I hate to break it to you, but we're all going to kick the bucket one day. These people were aware of that fact and decided to get the last laugh and have it carved in stone (or marble, but let's...Otherwise it suggests laziness, anti-authoritarianism, mental illness, or drug addiction. But it is not black and white; surely what is too long for one man can be too short for another.
balboa schwartz Fair enough.
Gator Close, but it is preferable to being as strange as you.
Weird that a nothing-post gets three replies lol
If some users do absolutely nothing but insult others, a permanent ban could theoretically make sense.
However, I'm pretty sure I ended the discussion with the user Gator appropriately, and he will therefore ignore me and go on rambling somewhere without directing it at me, which is a good alternative for him.
As for LindaMay , I assume a language or other barrier prohibits meaningful discussion. She, however, does not know how to engage in anything other than ad hominem attacks. She should wonder why that is, but I don't really care.
JTF Truth apparently likes to butt in because he has things to prove. I probably spoke to him once before and he thanked me for the comment. Underneath the surface, he didn't come across as being open to certain belief systems, but that was fine with me back then.
Now, I mentioned attractiveness, anti-authoritarianism, laziness, mental illness, and drug addiction. Who's insulted? I have been most or all of these things at some time or other. The first three are not even insulting! The fourth one is questionable. Every normal person undergoes some disintegration. The fifth can be expanded to food, if you think it is offensive. But is drug addiction really offensive? Well, it is sometimes what long hair may suggest . Not that it is true of the person.
Further, I'm not saying long-haired people are all going to hell or something. JTF Truth might be, but others probably aren't for merely having long hair. It is fine.
You guys have serious problems with reading comprehension. But beyond that, it is not that serious a comment. Was I exposing something? No.
So I gave you a simple judgement. It's one thing to have a heated discussion here, but another when you start labeling people and that's not respectful. Best to keep your labels to yourself and focus more on sharing your knowledge and understanding of things. You know, a little more hob and a lot less nob.
LindaMay Stop acting like a thug. Who is it that cares about loose lips? Gangstas and thugs?
What a troll the nob is......let's ignore the lonely cone without a future.
FireKat
Own up or sniff the pavement and watch the broads, bricks have wings.
Is this a superpower you conjure up before going on the attack? Or are you calling me fiery? If it's the latter, well, I hate to disappoint...
Own up to what?
Get a hold of yourself.
Is this like broadside strokes? Like I have to watch out for a hit? Or am I to observe women?
This is an intelligent metaphor; I am pleasantly surprised.
(Other statements I made are merely sincere questions and responses, not accusatory in nature and without innuendo. Therefore don't take it as innuendo, especially at the expense of anyone other than myself. Thank you.)
I would imagine warriors with long hair wore it to show they did not fear death, or because they no longer saw hand to hand combat.
Just my take.
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