Observations placeholder
Symbolism - Korean mystic shamanism – Costume: Topknot
Identifier
027146
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
A topknot is a small bunch of hair, either coiled round or plaited, or worn as a bun, at the top of the head. It has been used symbolically by a number of mystic groups, principally [though not exclusively] in Asia and the Pacific.
The symbolism combines that for hair and the crown. It is a way of showing in a more practical way than actually wearing a crown, that your crown chakra has been opened - you are spiritually open on a permanent basis.
Most men’s Korean symbolic costume hides the topknot under a hat, and by being under a hat one does not actually know whether the person has a topknot or not. In other words, one’s spirituality is not displayed, which is how it should be.
On the other hand, the height of the hat might be a none too subtle indicator!
