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World Keffiyeh Day: From Regional Tradition to International Holiday

World Keffiyeh Day is celebrated on May 11th. The Palestinian Keffiyeh (aka “Shemagh” / “Kufiya”) has been a symbol of Palestinian identity and resistance for decades; you might have seen this iconic headwear recently in a protest demonstration by the student demanding a ceasefire. What’s a keffiyeh? It’s not just a trend or symbol related to Gaza. Keffyah has a rich history filled with sacrifice and struggles.

The Keffiyah has a deep history in Arabic culture as a male head scarf and has become a symbol of Palestinian resistance to occupation since the Arab Revolt in Palestine in 1936. This uprising against British rule included demands for independence, and at that time, most of the armed resistance took place in the villages.

Since the militants covered their identities with the Keffiyeh, a traditional Palestinian scarf, it became connected to the revolution. The revolutionaries ordered men to wear the Keffiyeh to demonstrate their support for the rebels and to keep the British from telling the combatants apart.

History of Keffiyeh Origin

The Keffiyeh, a traditional Middle Eastern headdress, has become a powerful symbol of Palestinian identity and resistance since the establishment of Israel in 1948, which displaced many Palestinians. Initially used to distinguish Palestinian soldiers from their Jordanian counterparts in the 1950s, the black and white Keffiyeh grew to symbolize Palestinian resilience and solidarity.

Keffiyeh Sales Soar!

Recent global awareness of the Palestinian cause has surged, particularly in universities, leading to a significant increase in demand for Palestinian-made keffiyehs. Since October 2023, sales on platforms like Amazon have risen by 75%, and the Hirbawai keffiyeh factory in the West Bank has seen a 50 to 70% increase in demand, benefiting the Palestinian economy.

Supporting Palestinians can be done through spreading awareness, urging ceasefires, donating to authorized charities, and supporting Palestinian businesses. By learning about the Keffiyeh’s history, advocating for Palestinian rights, and purchasing Palestinian products, individuals can contribute to the resilience and strength of the Palestinian people. World Keffiyeh Day is a powerful reminder of the ongoing Palestinian freedom and justice struggle.

Read the full article here: https://rajaeen.com/blogs/palestinian-heritage/world-keffiyeh-day