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{{Other uses|Lock (disambiguation)}}
{{Other uses|Lock (disambiguation)}}
{{more footnotes|date=November 2017}}
{{more footnotes|date=November 2017}}
[[File:The Childrens Museum of Indianapolis - Hair wreath.jpg|thumb|right|A hair wreath from the 19th century with a lock of hair in the center, in the collection of [[The Children's Museum of Indianapolis]]]]
[[File:The Childrens Museum of Indianapolis - Hair wreath.jpg|thumb|right|A [[Hairwork|hair wreath]] from the 19th century with a lock of hair in the center, in the collection of [[The Children's Museum of Indianapolis]]]]
A '''lock of hair''' is a piece or pieces of [[hair]] that has been cut from, or remains singly on, a human head, most commonly bunched or tied together in some way. A standard dictionary definition defines a lock as a tress, curl, or ringlet of hair.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dictionary.com/browse/lock|title=the definition of lock|last=Dictionary.com Unabridged|website=Dictionary.com|access-date=2017-06-17}}</ref>
A '''lock of hair''' is a piece or pieces of human [[hair]] that are usually bunched or tied together in some way. A lock of hair can be on a person's head, or have been cut from the head. When attached to the head, a lock of hair generally refers to a tress, curl, or ringlet of hair.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dictionary.com/browse/lock|title=the definition of lock|last=Dictionary.com Unabridged|website=Dictionary.com|access-date=2017-06-17}}</ref> When cut from the head, a lock of hair may be kept for its symbolic value.


==Symbolic value==
==Symbolic value==
[[File:Locks of hair of Percy Bysshe Shelley and of Mary Shelley (19th C) - BL Ashley MS 5022.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Preserved locks of the hair of [[Percy Bysshe Shelley|Percy]] and [[Mary Shelley]], now in the [[British Library]].]]
[[File:Locks of hair of Percy Bysshe Shelley and of Mary Shelley (19th C) - BL Ashley MS 5022.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Preserved locks of the hair of [[Percy Bysshe Shelley|Percy]] and [[Mary Shelley]] now in the [[British Library]].]]
Locks of hair carry [[symbol]]ic value and have been utilized throughout history in various [[religion|religious]], [[superstition|superstitious]], and sentimental roles.
Locks of hair often carry [[symbol]]ic value and have been utilized throughout history in various [[religion|religious]], [[superstition|superstitious]], sentimental and romantic contexts. Examples include:
* A traditional belief maintains that owning a lock of hair from another's head gives one power over that individual, in the same manner that owning a piece of clothing or image of an individual grants the owner such powers.
* A traditional belief maintains that owning a lock of hair from an individual's head gives a person magical power over that individual.
* Historically, giving a lock of one's hair to someone has been considered a sign of love and devotion, especially before an impending separation. It is still a popular trope in fiction, particularly the romance genre.
* Historically, giving a lock of one's hair to someone has been considered a sign of love and devotion, especially before an impending parting. It is still a popular trope in fiction, particularly the romance genre. Such locks are intended to be kept by the recipient as a [[souvenir|memento]].
* During [[ancient history|antiquity]], [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] girls who were about to be married offered locks of hair to [[Jove]] (Jupiter) in his forest god aspect, [[Virbius]] (Virbio).
* During [[ancient history|antiquity]], [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] girls who were about to be married offered locks of hair to [[Jove]] (Jupiter) in his forest god aspect, [[Virbius]] (Virbio).
⚫
* An ancient and worldwide (e.g. China, Egypt, Thailand, Albania, Ukraine, India, Israel, etc.) pre-adolescent custom was to shave children's heads but leave a lock of hair (sometimes several locks) remaining on their heads. Upon reaching adulthood the lock of hair was usually cut off (see [[Rites of passage]]).
⚫
* The scalplock was a lock of hair kept throughout a man's life. Like [[childhood]] locks, the scalplock was also a worldwide phenomenon, particularly noted amongst eastern woodland Native American tribes (see [[Iroquois]], [[Wyandot people|Huron]], [[Mahican]], [[Mohawk nation|Mohawk]]) in North America (see also [[Scalping]] and [[Mohawk hairstyle]]).
⚫
* [[Sviatoslav I of Kiev]] was reported to have worn a scalp lock according to [[Leo the Deacon]], a [[Byzantine]] historian. Later [[Ukrainian Cossacks]] ([[Zaporozhians]]) sported scalplocks called [[oseledets]] or [[khokhol]]. In India this custom remains active but usually only amongst [[orthodoxy|orthodox]] [[Hindus]]. See [[Sikha]].
* In [[Mark Twain]]'s travel book ''[[The Innocents Abroad]]'', he describes [[Morocco|Moroccan]] men sporting scalp locks.<ref>The Innocents Abroad, or The New Pilgrims' Progress, Mark Twain, 1869</ref>
⚫
* The Imazighen ([[Berber people|Berber]]) men of [[Morocco]] had the custom of shaving the head but leaving a single lock of hair on either the crown, left, or right side of the head, so that the angel [[Azrael]] is able "...to pull them up to heaven of the Last Day."<ref>El Maghreg: 1200 Miles' Ride Through Morocco, Hugh Edward Millington Stutfield</ref>
* A common superstition holds that a lock of hair from a baby's first [[haircut]] should be kept for good luck.
* A common superstition holds that a lock of hair from a baby's first [[haircut]] should be kept for good luck.
*An old [[Ireland|Irish]] superstition holds that it is unlucky to accept a lock of hair (or a four-footed beast) from a lover.
*An old [[Ireland|Irish]] superstition holds that it is unlucky to accept a lock of hair (or a four-footed beast) from a lover.
⚫
* In [[Victorian era|Victorian]] times it was common for bereaved [[family]] members to keep locks of hair from deceased [[children]] or family members. These locks of hair were seen as mementos and served to comfort the surviving loved ones. These locks of hair were typically kept in [[locket]]s. Small jars, and other kinds of jewellery including bracelets, earrings, and brooches (see [[hair jewellery|hair jewelry]]) were also used.

== Use in hairstyles ==
The following hairstyles make use of lock(s) for symbolic or [[aesthetic]] reasons.
*Childhood lock:
⚫
::An ancient and worldwide (e.g. China, Egypt, Thailand, Albania, Ukraine, India, Israel, etc.) pre-adolescent custom was to shave children's heads, leaving one lock (or sometimes several isolated locks) untouched. Upon reaching adulthood, the lock of hair was usually cut off (see [[Rites of passage]]).
*Scalp lock:
⚫
::The scalp lock describes a hairstyle consisting of a single long lock of hair on an otherwise shaven head. Like childhood locks, the scalp lock was a worldwide phenomenon, particularly noted amongst eastern woodland Native American tribes (see [[Iroquois]], [[Wyandot people|Huron]], [[Mahican]], [[Mohawk nation|Mohawk]]) in North America (see also [[Scalping]] and [[Mohawk hairstyle]]).

⚫
::According to [[Leo the Deacon]], a [[Byzantine]] historian, [[Sviatoslav I of Kiev]] was reported to have worn a scalp lock. Later [[Ukrainian Cossacks]] ([[Zaporozhians]]) sported scalplocks called [[oseledets]] or [[khokhol]].

⚫
::The Imazighen ([[Berber people|Berber]]) men of [[Morocco]] had the custom of shaving the head but leaving a single lock of hair on either the crown, left, or right side of the head, so that the angel [[Azrael]] is able "...to pull them up to heaven of the Last Day."<ref>El Maghreg: 1200 Miles' Ride Through Morocco, Hugh Edward Millington Stutfield</ref> This hairstyle is observed by [[Mark Twain]] in his travel book ''[[The Innocents Abroad]]'', in which he describes [[Morocco|Moroccan]] men as sporting scalplocks.<ref>The Innocents Abroad, or The New Pilgrims' Progress, Mark Twain, 1869</ref>

::In India this custom remains active in the form of the [[Shikha (hairstyle)|shikha]], but is usually only worn by [[orthodoxy|orthodox]] [[Hindus]].
*Polish plait:
⚫
::A [[Polish plait]] (Koltun in Polish, meaning "Knot", but often referred to in English as an "[[Elf]]-Lock") is a lock of matted hair similar to a [[dreadlock]]. Due to a scalp disease ([[Plica polonica]]), King [[Christian IV of Denmark]] (1577–1648) had a Polish plait hanging from the left side of his head, which in an engraved portrait in the [[Royal Collection]] is adorned by a large pearl. His courtiers were said to have adopted the hairstyle in order to flatter the king.<ref>{{cite web |title=RCIN 612170 - Christianvs Qvartvs dei Gratia Daniae, Norwegiae |url=https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/collection/themes/trails/engraved-royal-portraits/christian-iv-king-of-denmark |access-date=1 November 2017 |website=[[Royal Collection]]}}</ref> Due to superstitious beliefs, the Polish plait used to be particularly common in Poland (hence its name). Initially, the plait was treated as an amulet, supposed to bring good health, as the plait was supposed to take the illness "out" of the body, and therefore it was rarely cut off.
*Lovelock:
⚫
::The [[lovelock (hair)|lovelock]] was a popular hairstyle amongst European "men of fashion" from the end of the 16th century until well into the 17th century. The lovelock was a long lock of generally plaited ([[braid]]ed) hair made to rest over the left shoulder (the heart side) to show devotion to a loved one.<ref>{{cite book |last=Hall |first=James |title=The sinister side: how left-right symbolism shaped Western art |page=278}}</ref>

==Notable Examples==
The following locks of hair are notable for their cultural or historical significance:
* A lock of [[Beethoven]]'s hair, cut from his head in 1827, was auctioned in 1994 through [[Sotheby's]] of [[London]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Lock of hair makes its way through history |url=http://www.jewishaz.com/jewishnews/001103/hair.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610014339/http://www.jewishaz.com/jewishnews/001103/hair.shtml |newspaper=Jewish News of Greater Phoenix |archive-date=10 June 2012 }}</ref> Research on the hair determined that the composer's lifelong illness was caused by [[lead poisoning]].
* A lock of [[Beethoven]]'s hair, cut from his head in 1827, was auctioned in 1994 through [[Sotheby's]] of [[London]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Lock of hair makes its way through history |url=http://www.jewishaz.com/jewishnews/001103/hair.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610014339/http://www.jewishaz.com/jewishnews/001103/hair.shtml |newspaper=Jewish News of Greater Phoenix |archive-date=10 June 2012 }}</ref> Research on the hair determined that the composer's lifelong illness was caused by [[lead poisoning]].

⚫
* A [[Polish plait]] (Koltun in Polish, meaning "Knot", but often referred to in English as an "[[Elf]]-Lock") is a lock of matted hair similar to a [[dreadlock]]. Due to a scalp disease ([[Plica polonica]]), King [[Christian IV of Denmark]] (1577–1648) had a Polish plait hanging from the left side of his head which in an engraved portrait in the [[Royal Collection]] is adorned by a large pearl. His courtiers were said to have adopted the hairstyle in order to flatter the king.<ref>{{cite web | title=RCIN 612170 - Christianvs Qvartvs dei Gratia Daniae, Norwegiae |website=[[Royal Collection]] |url=https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/collection/themes/trails/engraved-royal-portraits/christian-iv-king-of-denmark |access-date=1 November 2017}}</ref> Due to superstitious beliefs, the Polish plait used to be particularly common in Poland (hence its name). Initially, the plait was treated as an amulet, supposed to bring good health, as the plait was supposed to take the illness "out" of the body, and therefore it was rarely cut off.
⚫
== See also==
⚫
*A [[lovelock (hair)|lovelock]] was popular amongst European "men of fashion" from the end of the 16th century until well into the 17th century. The lovelock was a long lock of usually plaited ([[braid]]ed) hair made to rest over the left shoulder (the heart side) to show devotion to a loved one.<ref>{{cite book |title=The sinister side: how left-right symbolism shaped Western art |first=James |last=Hall |page=278}}</ref>
{{Wiktionary|Curl}}
⚫
* In [[Victorian era|Victorian]] times, it was common for bereaved family members to keep locks of hair from deceased [[children]] or family members. These locks of hair were seen as mementos and served to comfort the surviving loved ones. These locks of hair were typically kept in [[locket]]s, though small jars, and in some cases other kinds of [[jewelry]], were used. Jewelry could include everything from bracelets, to earrings, as well as various types of brooches (see [[hair jewellery]]).
⚫
* [[Dreadlocks]], commonly called ''locs'' or ''dreads''
* [[Hairwork]], artwork made of human hair
⚫
* [[Goldilocks]], a nursery rhyme character so named due to her golden hair
⚫
* [[Payot]], sidelocks, or earlocks worn by male Orthodox Jews
* [[Ringlet (haircut)]]


==Notes==
==Notes==
Line 36: Line 57:
* {{in lang|en}} [http://www.csicop.org/superstition/library/common.html Common Superstitions]
* {{in lang|en}} [http://www.csicop.org/superstition/library/common.html Common Superstitions]
* {{in lang|en}} [http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/ali/ali153.htm Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms, and Superstitions of Ireland]
* {{in lang|en}} [http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/ali/ali153.htm Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms, and Superstitions of Ireland]

⚫
==See also==
⚫
* [[Dreadlocks]], commonly called ''locks'' or ''dreads''.
⚫
* [[Goldilocks]], a nursery rhyme character so named due to her golden hair
⚫
* [[Payot]], sidelocks, or earlocks worn by male Orthodox Jews.


{{Superstitions}}
{{Superstitions}}

Latest revision as of 17:35, 13 December 2024

For other uses, see Lock (disambiguation).
A hair wreath from the 19th century with a lock of hair in the center, in the collection of The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

A lock of hair is a piece or pieces of human hair that are usually bunched or tied together in some way. A lock of hair can be on a person's head, or have been cut from the head. When attached to the head, a lock of hair generally refers to a tress, curl, or ringlet of hair.[1] When cut from the head, a lock of hair may be kept for its symbolic value.

Symbolic value

[edit]
Preserved locks of the hair of Percy and Mary Shelley now in the British Library.

Locks of hair often carry symbolic value and have been utilized throughout history in various religious, superstitious, sentimental and romantic contexts. Examples include:

  • A traditional belief maintains that owning a lock of hair from an individual's head gives a person magical power over that individual.
  • Historically, giving a lock of one's hair to someone has been considered a sign of love and devotion, especially before an impending parting. It is still a popular trope in fiction, particularly the romance genre. Such locks are intended to be kept by the recipient as a memento.
  • During antiquity, Roman girls who were about to be married offered locks of hair to Jove (Jupiter) in his forest god aspect, Virbius (Virbio).
  • A common superstition holds that a lock of hair from a baby's first haircut should be kept for good luck.
  • An old Irish superstition holds that it is unlucky to accept a lock of hair (or a four-footed beast) from a lover.
  • In Victorian times it was common for bereaved family members to keep locks of hair from deceased children or family members. These locks of hair were seen as mementos and served to comfort the surviving loved ones. These locks of hair were typically kept in lockets. Small jars, and other kinds of jewellery including bracelets, earrings, and brooches (see hair jewelry) were also used.

Use in hairstyles

[edit]

The following hairstyles make use of lock(s) for symbolic or aesthetic reasons.

  • Childhood lock:
An ancient and worldwide (e.g. China, Egypt, Thailand, Albania, Ukraine, India, Israel, etc.) pre-adolescent custom was to shave children's heads, leaving one lock (or sometimes several isolated locks) untouched. Upon reaching adulthood, the lock of hair was usually cut off (see Rites of passage).
  • Scalp lock:
The scalp lock describes a hairstyle consisting of a single long lock of hair on an otherwise shaven head. Like childhood locks, the scalp lock was a worldwide phenomenon, particularly noted amongst eastern woodland Native American tribes (see Iroquois, Huron, Mahican, Mohawk) in North America (see also Scalping and Mohawk hairstyle).
According to Leo the Deacon, a Byzantine historian, Sviatoslav I of Kiev was reported to have worn a scalp lock. Later Ukrainian Cossacks (Zaporozhians) sported scalplocks called oseledets or khokhol.
The Imazighen (Berber) men of Morocco had the custom of shaving the head but leaving a single lock of hair on either the crown, left, or right side of the head, so that the angel Azrael is able "...to pull them up to heaven of the Last Day."[2] This hairstyle is observed by Mark Twain in his travel book The Innocents Abroad, in which he describes Moroccan men as sporting scalplocks.[3]
In India this custom remains active in the form of the shikha, but is usually only worn by orthodox Hindus.
  • Polish plait:
A Polish plait (Koltun in Polish, meaning "Knot", but often referred to in English as an "Elf-Lock") is a lock of matted hair similar to a dreadlock. Due to a scalp disease (Plica polonica), King Christian IV of Denmark (1577–1648) had a Polish plait hanging from the left side of his head, which in an engraved portrait in the Royal Collection is adorned by a large pearl. His courtiers were said to have adopted the hairstyle in order to flatter the king.[4] Due to superstitious beliefs, the Polish plait used to be particularly common in Poland (hence its name). Initially, the plait was treated as an amulet, supposed to bring good health, as the plait was supposed to take the illness "out" of the body, and therefore it was rarely cut off.
  • Lovelock:
The lovelock was a popular hairstyle amongst European "men of fashion" from the end of the 16th century until well into the 17th century. The lovelock was a long lock of generally plaited (braided) hair made to rest over the left shoulder (the heart side) to show devotion to a loved one.[5]

Notable Examples

[edit]

The following locks of hair are notable for their cultural or historical significance:

  • A lock of Beethoven's hair, cut from his head in 1827, was auctioned in 1994 through Sotheby's of London.[6] Research on the hair determined that the composer's lifelong illness was caused by lead poisoning.

See also

[edit]
Look up Curl in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Dictionary.com Unabridged. "the definition of lock". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 2017-06-17.
  2. ^ El Maghreg: 1200 Miles' Ride Through Morocco, Hugh Edward Millington Stutfield
  3. ^ The Innocents Abroad, or The New Pilgrims' Progress, Mark Twain, 1869
  4. ^ "RCIN 612170 - Christianvs Qvartvs dei Gratia Daniae, Norwegiae". Royal Collection. Retrieved 1 November 2017.
  5. ^ Hall, James. The sinister side: how left-right symbolism shaped Western art. p. 278.
  6. ^ "Lock of hair makes its way through history". Jewish News of Greater Phoenix. Archived from the original on 10 June 2012.

Sources

[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Lock_of_hair&oldid=1262910436"