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Where The French Braid Gets It’s Name From

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Many women across the world enjoy wearing French braids, and most of them probably assume that the style originates from France. However, as strange as it sounds, the term “French braids” is somewhat of a misnomer, because these braids are not in any way Gallic. The story behind this hairstyle’s origin is a fascinating one, so let’s take a closer look at how French braids came to be.

Where Did It Come From?

Perhaps surprisingly, the modern French braid can be traced back to North Africa. For centuries, the inhabitants there have worn the gathered, triple stranded plait with pride. Algeria’s Tassili n’Ajjer mountain peaks offer the first evidence of this style. Up in these mountains, there is stone artwork portraying females sporting rowed braids, which is nearly sixty centuries old. Over the next ten centuries, this hairstyle also featured on Celtic soldiers, on ancient Greek art (especially the well known kouros statues), and on the beautiful, courtly Sung Dynasty women.

Documented Proof

American commentators often believe that this style first came to prominence in 1871, following a short excerpt in Arthur’s Home Magazine. Here, an impatient husband instructs his wife to make haste and wear a new jumper he sent her. Then, he tells her to style her hair in the “new” French braid.

However, this does not account for why such a popular hairstyle, embraced by countless people over the centuries, has the name “French braid”. Maybe it is due to the fact that France is commonly associated with the high life and fashion trends. Perhaps people would have assumed that any elaborate braid was Continental, even if it really wasn’t. Similar to French architecture and French food, the appeal of France tends to revolve around its’ sophistication and artistic flair.

Undoubtedly, people will carry on using the term “French braid”. But, however you describe them, it is worth remembering that this hairstyle ranks among mankind’s most loved and oldest fashion inventions. Remarkably, there are just as many people sporting this look now, as there were in ancient Greece. Although they don’t originate from Paris, there is no question that gathered braids are as recognizable and historically significant as the Eiffel Tower.


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Check Out These Quality Instructions On Self Help

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Personal development is a great subject to get interested in. With proper training and a little research, anyone can set goals for improving themselves and see impressive results. This training and research need not be intensive or time-consuming, though. Just reviewing a few quick tips like these can help boost the effectiveness of any personal development routine.

If things are not working out exactly as you had planned, maybe it’s time for a change. Take control of your future and do something you have always wanted to do. For instance, if you’ve dreamed of being a flight attendant, or a waitress in an expensive restaurant, then do it. Giving yourself the control to make a change will immediately work to improve your attitude, you will be amazed.

Try designating an area of your home as a landing strip. This area should be for dropping off stuff that you don’t organize right way when you get home. Usually, coming home from shopping or working leaves you exhausted and you just want to drop stuff and relax. By keeping everything in one area, you are not making a mess and you can easily organize it later.

Break down large goals into manageable steps. Many times our goals are lofty, which is a good thing. However large goals can seem unattainable, causing you to become daunted and lose motivation. Before you start any large project or goal, break it down into smaller steps. Get as detailed as you can. Soon you will be well on your way to success.

A personal development routine that is well-underway can benefit from additional learning just as much as one that is just beginning. In the same way that good personal development is a continuous process of improvement, a good routine can always be refined and made even better. Tips like the ones presented here can help with that refining process.