Naga hair braiding and knotting
Braids have multiple different meanings for the Naga, however each braid, knot, and accessory has a deep meaning to both the wearer and the person or people that put the braids in their hair.
A non naga cannot create braids as this would be cultural appropriation, however they are allowed to wear them with purpose if they are honored by a naga enough to collect the accessories needed shows that they are deeply cared for.
Execution
There are various meanings to different braids, however the most important is the accessories when it comes to forging and trading rather than the knots themselves.
rings
Symbolize the Ouroboros, the primary god for naga. Those that are devoted part of The Coil always have a braid with loops
String or ribbons
represent the coils of the snakes body becoming entangled with each other. This is simple and quick for all relationship types. Each family member would have a ribbon dedicated to them, one ribbon per braid.
Runes
Runes are seen as protective symbols to call on specific entities, gods, or forces. Although naga primarily stick to symbols and Entities related to ouroboros, however there is no cultural taboo for polytheism, secular runes, or enities domains.
These are often made of simple stone or bone, however those more skilled or wealthy may obtain metal or gemstone runes.
Beads
Beads depend on what they're made of. Bone for active protection, symbolizing that they are actively ready to fight or be protected should harm come to them. It's either made from animal teeth or the Naga's own for more intimate or personal braiding like a mother braiding her childs hair with his own teeth. It's a promise of her protection to them.
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feathers and fur
Feathers are symbolizing freedom for supernaturals and the fight to stay so. Fur strips often symbolize providing for the clan, family, or individual the fur strips are woven into.
Hair knots are rope where the accessories are added to the rope and interwoven with the braid rather than putting the accessories in the hair. this is for temporary or reoccurring events such as holidays to be worn and past down, or even bartered or disassembled for a new knot.
Components and tools
- Bone
- stone
- Gemstone
- Feather
- Hoops
- Ribbon/string
- Runes
Observance
There are knots for the following occassion:
Courtship
engagement
marriage
A naga mother teaching her daughter the different types of braids and attachments with their meanings.
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