Dreads in the hippie subculture

How did dreads become associated with hippies? To me it seems they are especially associated with the more feral, traveling kind. I don't know how much it has to do with Bob Marley, because while I know lots of people who listen to him, the people I associate most with hippies and with dreads are Rainbows and nomads, which does not seem especially attached to rastafarianism.

I'm truly curious about this.

I am assuming, in rainbow especially, that it has something to do with the ease of travel and care of dreads?

It's just interesting, because when you look at pictures of hippies from the 60's and 70's you rarely see dreads (although I have seen them occasionally). I wonder when it began, and why.

 

Maybe also as more and more people went seeking whatever they were seeking in India they came into contact with locks?

 

That was my other thought, and it seems very likely to have a bigger role than rastafarianism for sure. Good point!

 

Most dreaded people I encounter wouldn't fit into the 'hippie' definition. At least not the real definition. But nowadays anyone with a peace sign is a hippie, so I don't know. But that's a whole nother subject.

 

I guess I'm speaking more personally, the first introduction to dreads I really had was at a rainbow gathering. So I was just wondering how dreads came to exist there.

Would you say the people who have dreads would consider themselves hippies, or *think* they are hippies, even if you don't believe they fit in the category?

 

I think dreads universally symbolize the quest for spiritual enlightenment. The style goes with most nomads because most hippy kids hit the road to experience life in its most simplest form which is for most an enlightening process. Plus they are easy to maintain while on the road. Dreads in India symbolize wisdom...so its possible that back in the 60's when people started flocking to India for answers that they not only came back with some eastern sage but the hairstyle to rock it as well! In most places around the world, dreads symbolize different things, but the meaning usually has a spiritual purpose. The rasta meaning is probablly the most literal meaning of the hairstyle. Rastas sport their locks with pride to show their dedication and love to the conquering lion [dreads are like a lions mane]. The conquering lion has biblical significance but ultimately symbolizes God. Anywho, Im ramblin now...sorry. Hope that helps?

 

Dam....:sifone:

 

<------- not a hippie.... I have always loved dreads...always wanted dreads....turned 35 and said Im f'ing doing it. Not very spiritual I suppose. I am a headbangin, bass playing, chain smoking, binge drinking, steak eating, asshole. So...guess some would look at me maybe assume that I am since I am growing dreads...but nope....far from it!!!! Im here for the great advice..have been learning alot!!!!!!

 

i want to grow dreads but then , i like the idea that i can still braid my hair , i tho do find enlightment in studing and doing and anylysing symbols beuase i have have noticed symbols are in every culture

 

Hey Callie, I'm in Lexington!

 

well having been going to rainbow 21 years i can say many dreads are born at rainbow just cause of the lack of mirrors
many travelers let theyre hair dread just cause its easier and hair care on the road isnt a primary concern
then there is the spirituality of the gatherings
dreads are a part of most spiritual practices and a gathering that embraces all spiritual paths is a likely place to find manty dreading for spiritual purposes (wether rasta or other)
then theres the fact that some of thye kids dont remember where they left theyre clothes..let alone theyre combs

much of the lifestyle leads towards a tendency to dread wether intentional or not

 

haha, this is soo true.

 

Well in my city I've notice a few skater boys that had nice natural or messy uniformed dreads, some alternative music-lovers (fans of ICP, Korn, Slipknot) had greasy waxy dreads, and a few hip hop lovers (of Latino and African American decent) seemed to have regular uniformed dreads. I've never been to rainbow so I can't comment on that scene. But I haven't encountered anyone who could be considered a hippie sporting dreads.

 

well you should get your ass to rainbow then
it will blow your mind

 

Unless it comes to Massahcustts I can't go, lol.

 

As soon as I pass my test (taking it in Feb.) I'm driving to one in Europe in my bug
For me, 50% of the people who I meet love them and don't question the influences for them, the other 50% are narrow minded people who believe we are all closet Bob Marley fans or smoke a serious amount of Marijuana, I personally haven't met the stereotypical hippy with dreads yet.

 

You have a bug.
I'm so jealous....

 

Hey Advanya!!!!!! My frozen neighbor!

Also I am a HUGE fan of KoRn and Slipnot...and Im not waxy....well not anymore

 

ytthe gatheriungfs come to mass oftenb or thye region anyway
but you cant limmit yourself or u miss out
believe me its worth the trip jno matter how far
think about this every year people walk from coast to goothers ride bikes thousands of miles
some come by mule driven stage coach (yes its true)
there is absolutely no reasion u cant get there if u try..even wiuth no money u can get there
theres rideshares that make it easy..
somewtimes ppl have even gotten together and chartered planes
there was a group that would sail to the international gatherings in a fleet of sailboatrs
in europe theresx the annual peace caravan that goes all over europe passing through the gathering(s)
in america at least 1/3 hitchhike to the gathering
it is so easy to get there no matter how far
last year it toiok just 3 minutes to find a ride on craigslist
at times ive had my choice between more then 50 possible rides..several of which didnt want a cent contributed
our philosophy is we're going home to be with family so why not bring as much family home with us as we can
we tendto stuff vehiclkes with 1 more person and a dog then should fit
and every trip to a gathering is an adventure all its own

dont wait till it comes to mass because u may be waitting years and misdsing out on so much (and probly weill only be a regionasl there not a national so isnt quite the same experience a national will be)

planb aghead on being there and u will find a way to make it