The Gregorian
1st June 2008, 04:31 PM
So I never really liked wearing a tie... and I never really saw the point in it... it's just something "you did." So I've asked around and no one really knows WHY "wearing a tie is proper" ... they just do it.
Being a JW, I'm used to this being an unacceptable reason. Most people "just celebrate christmas" without realizing it's pagan roots. So I did some reading:
Turns out neckties have some rather worldly roots, to say the least.
Here's the basics Necklaces have been used throughout history, but the first cloth necklaces originated in rome, when the Chinese terracotta armies were unearthed. These statues that were supposed to eternally Guard the Emporer in the afterlife. But Roman society was smart enough not to put metal things around there necks with which to be choked... so they made little cloth neck-pieces so they could look cool.
This didn't really catch on too much until the 1600's in france, when a group of mercenaries wearing cloth necklaces as part of their uniform found out that the people of paris seemed abnormally aroused by the neck ornaments. They took more pride in their cravats, which drew attention to them, making them more successful in seducing young Parisians.
The wealthy and powerful took note of this advantage and adopted it in their own style of dress, using cravats to flaunt their wealth and prestige (because at the time they were quite intricate and lacy). More people started wearing similar, more simplified versions, and the neck-tie never went away since.
... so it has roots in false religion, was a widely used piece of military uniforms, then used to seduce people by flaunting one's own political and financial might.
Yet... most religions... even the JW's still encourage this piece to be worn.
Of course, the above is a cheap summary of the histories of neck-ties, so it may be a little off... but it remains that there's no GOOD reason to wear a tie, and it has just as many negative roots as so many holidays we don't celebrate. Even today, suits and ties are worn to indicate our means, and therefore, if nothing else, isn't modest.
So what do you guys think? Would it be wise to err on the side of caution and stop wearing ties?
Being a JW, I'm used to this being an unacceptable reason. Most people "just celebrate christmas" without realizing it's pagan roots. So I did some reading:
Turns out neckties have some rather worldly roots, to say the least.
Here's the basics Necklaces have been used throughout history, but the first cloth necklaces originated in rome, when the Chinese terracotta armies were unearthed. These statues that were supposed to eternally Guard the Emporer in the afterlife. But Roman society was smart enough not to put metal things around there necks with which to be choked... so they made little cloth neck-pieces so they could look cool.
This didn't really catch on too much until the 1600's in france, when a group of mercenaries wearing cloth necklaces as part of their uniform found out that the people of paris seemed abnormally aroused by the neck ornaments. They took more pride in their cravats, which drew attention to them, making them more successful in seducing young Parisians.
The wealthy and powerful took note of this advantage and adopted it in their own style of dress, using cravats to flaunt their wealth and prestige (because at the time they were quite intricate and lacy). More people started wearing similar, more simplified versions, and the neck-tie never went away since.
... so it has roots in false religion, was a widely used piece of military uniforms, then used to seduce people by flaunting one's own political and financial might.
Yet... most religions... even the JW's still encourage this piece to be worn.
Of course, the above is a cheap summary of the histories of neck-ties, so it may be a little off... but it remains that there's no GOOD reason to wear a tie, and it has just as many negative roots as so many holidays we don't celebrate. Even today, suits and ties are worn to indicate our means, and therefore, if nothing else, isn't modest.
So what do you guys think? Would it be wise to err on the side of caution and stop wearing ties?