From a young age, I would see family members wearing keffiyehs. Black and red, on their heads or shoulders, and even used to carry and tie things. I would go to my grandparents' house. My grandpa always had a keffiyeh on. I would walk into the kitchen, and my grandma had used another keffiyeh as a bag. Looking at family picture albums, my grandpas were in the field next to our olive trees wearing keffiyehs. It was a multi-purpose scarf that I never gave much thought to. Walking into school, walking down the street, opening history books, looking at family photos, keffiyehs managed to be everywhere. Every person had a distinct look of pride that impelled me to ask why this fabric was so popular. Curious about its significance at age 5, I began asking questions and understanding its origins from family members who wore it with pride. They explained that the keffiyeh, often associated with Levante identity, symbolizes resilience, ancestry, and harmony, especially in the face of hardship. I realized that the keffiyeh carries profound cultural and emotional weight, connecting Arabs to a shared history and a collective effort for justice and recognition. The keffiyeh, therefore, transcends its functional origins, serving as a multifaceted symbol of heritage, opposition, and unity. A traditional Middle Eastern scarf that carries meaningful cultural, political, and historical symbolism. Different styles and colors of keffiyehs represent different origins and countries; black and white keffiyehs are often linked to Palestinian identity, while red and white keffiyehs are related to other parts of the levant like Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. In modern times, the black and white keffiyeh has become a powerful symbol of Palestinian identity and resistance to occupation. It is often associated with solidarity and the battle for Palestinian rights.
Upon researching this further, I discovered a song by Palestinian singer Mohammad Assaf, Ali Al Keffiyeh. This song finally gave me the proper understanding and story behind the keffiyeh, inspiring me to wear it with great pride, an entire song describing an Arab person's pride when wearing a keffiyeh. The song's name translates to Raise the keffiyeh, compelling people to be confident in their beliefs while standing up for what is right. Mohammad Assaf often sings about Palestine, which has led many people to become activists and be hungry for a free Palestine. Beyond Palestine, the keffiyeh has been embraced as a symbol of solidarity with oppressed groups and resistance movements worldwide. Additionally, more than anywhere else, I've seen keffiyeh being worn here in San Diego. Many walk around wearing it with pride, showcasing their solidarity and awareness of the current ongoing issues the Middle East is facing. They also wear it with the longing to hold onto their heritage. It reflects a message of resilience and collective struggle. When seeing keffiyeh worn proudly, I understood that everyone has a different expression of this textile, highlighting the magnificence of the keffiyeh. Levante Middle East wears keffiyeh in solidarity and remembrance of their past, while in the Gulf of the Middle East, keffiyehs are traditionally worn as a practical garment to protect against sun, sand, and dust.
From a young age, I fell in love with styling keffiyehs and adding them to my daily outfits. To this day, the keffiyeh has globally been popularized as a stylish accessory. The keffiyeh is designed with such intricacy and the intent to resemble the history of the Middle East. The fishnet pattern is a resemblance of the Mediterranean Sea, while the bold lines portray the trade routes, and the olive leaf pattern is a resemblance of the olive trees spread across the Levante. Wearing a keffiyeh gives me a sense of pride, freedom, and liberation. It reminds me of my roots and the freedom my ancestors had to fight for. It symbolizes the decadent history of my people; it stands as a symbol of solidarity with others who are suffering to liberate their countries. It allows me to proudly represent my culture and heritage while I embark on my journey into the world. It gives me strength and confidence to fight for what I believe in. It is more than just a piece of fabric, it's a statement against oppression towards the ongoing fight for freedom and perseverance.
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