<br>In Arabic, these are called il ghoutra or kefaya (also spelled keffiyeh). In English, the word means enough.
Arabs have been wearing them for centuries all over the middle east.
The cool kids are wearing them all over Europe.
After seeing my dad forced to wear them in Saudi Arabia, I freaked out when I seen the scarf, most commonly worn by Saudis, Kuwaitis, and Palestinians, become a fashion trend on the streets abroad. It’s been happening for years, but the phenomena has reached its peak. In Portugal, you see tons of them wrapped around the necks of youngsters hanging along the stretch of just ONE block.
I asked one kid what they called it there. He said. “Arafaaat? I don’t know. I don’t know why we wear it. Everybody just copy each other and it is like that.” It was cute.
In Croatia, Russia, Israel, Romania, Ireland, Iceland and Sweden…they are part of the standard dress code for freaks – no matter the time of year.
Many Jewish, Muslim and Arabs are frustrated that people were buying keffiyehs without understanding their complicated history and significance. To many Jews, the keffiyeh recalls decades of violence; to many Arabs and Muslims it is a symbol of pride and hope for the future of Palestine. To be sure, the scarf is seen as a global symbol of resistance because of its association with the Palestinians. It’s not mainstream, which appeals to hipsters.”
However, in the States, they’re still quite uncommon. There are some street wear and sneaker brands that have used the scarf material in their designs, and Urban Outfitters even stocked them, but the
thunder for them is not as grand as abroad. Must be a terrorist thang.
In
Arab countries, the fad on the streets for girls…is to cover up. How did it suddenly get switched over to becoming a trend? Well, even though some girls will deck down under their garb, most don’t want to bother with the hassle on light occasions. When I’m in Arab land, I’ll throw it on if I just want to step outside after a shower or to make a quick errand. It’s also good if I’m walking by myself and don’t want to be bothered. Seriously. If it’s late at night, I blend in with the darkness. Many women don’t wear them for religious purposes — just CONVENIENCE.
