Pilgrimage is a spiritual journey that transcends geographical and religious boundaries,and the pilgrimage scarf,as a symbol of pilgrim identity and a carrier of faith,connects the piety and steadfastness of different civilizations.From the white kimbap worn during the Hajj pilgrimage to the white robes of the Shikoku Pilgrimage in Japan,from the batik prayer cloths of Indonesia to the Virgin Mary cloak of Peru,this small scarf not only holds the inheritance of millennia-old craftsmanship but also carries the spiritual sustenance of millions of believers.Recent exhibitions of related artifacts and cultural events have brought this special fabric back into the public eye.
In the Islamic Hajj pilgrimage,the pilgrimage scarf(called"elam"in Arabic)holds an irreplaceable position.This white fabric,symbolizing purity and equality,dates back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad.The word"elam"itself carries the meaning of"taboo,"representing the sacred state entered by the pilgrim—while wearing this scarf,one must abandon worldly desires and adhere to religious norms,thus expressing sincerity in faith.Unlike ordinary clothing,the pilgrimage scarf for men consists of two unsewn white cloths,one covering the waist to the knees and the other draped over the shoulders.Women,on the other hand,can wear dignified white attire,echoing the core spirit of equality and unity.Its lightweight and breathable material is also suitable for Mecca's hot climate,balancing practicality and religious significance.During the Hajj pilgrimage each year,millions of pilgrims wearing white scarves gather,creating a spiritual spectacle that awes the world.Of particular note is the recent release of the Epstein Papers,which revealed the improper disposal of fragments of the sacred veil of the Kaaba in Mecca(a religious fabric of the same origin as the pilgrimage scarf),sparking strong outrage among Muslims worldwide and highlighting the sacred and inviolable status of such religious textiles in the hearts of believers.
In Buddhist culture,the form and meaning of the pilgrimage scarf exhibit distinct regional characteristics.The Shikoku Pilgrimage route in Japan has a long history,requiring pilgrims to visit 88 temples associated with the monk Kukai,and wearing white clothing and a pilgrimage scarf is a traditional ritual.This long pilgrimage route is fraught with uncertainty.Pilgrims stamp their white robes(basically pilgrimage shrouds)with the red seals,images,or Sanskrit characters of various temples,serving as both a memento of their pilgrimage and a protective amulet.These white robes,imbued with the devotion of their journey,are ultimately treasured by believers,used to honor elders,or even as offerings for the deceased during burial,thus perpetuating the goodwill and blessings of the pilgrimage.
Besides the two major religions,similar textiles bearing pilgrimage shrouds exist in the religions and folk customs of many parts of the world.In Indonesia,batik-dyed prayer cloths from the early 20th century were regarded by believers as symbols of blessing and protection.The distorted,Arabic-like patterns on the fabric,believed to originate from the Shahada(declaration of faith),though made by artisans unfamiliar with Arabic,were still imbued with the spiritual significance of warding off calamities and protecting peace,and were often used as shrouds in religious ceremonies or funerals.In Puno,Peru,15 historical cloaks of Our Lady of Candlemas were recently exhibited for the first time.These nearly century-old fabrics have been part of local tradition since the 1830s.Every year during the Feast of Our Lady of Candlemas,devotees choose one to drape over an image of the Virgin Mary.This non-religious exhibition allows the public to experience firsthand the faith and cultural heritage behind these"pilgrimage fabrics."
From hand-woven natural fibers to innovative modern techniques,from religious rituals to vibrant carriers of regional culture,the evolution of pilgrimage cloaks has never strayed from the core themes of"faith"and"tradition."It is not merely a garment or a piece of fabric,but a medium for believers to communicate with their faith,a common language for expressing piety across different civilizations.Industry experts say that with increasingly frequent religious and cultural exchanges and heightened awareness of cultural relic protection,more historical stories and craftsmanship behind pilgrimage cloaks will be discovered,allowing this cultural heritage,carrying devout beliefs,to continue to transmit goodwill and strength in the new era.