Concept in Definition ABC

The word headdress is one that serves to designate all the elements that are placed on the head with a purely decorative function and esthetic. The headdresses that man has used throughout history have varied greatly, some of them being really very simple while others have called the attention for his complexity and size. Headgear may be made to cover a part of the head (for example, one side of the head), as well as the entire surface; some of them cover the ears, forehead and other parts of the face. Unlike hats, which are more functional elements, headdresses are always related to aesthetics and decor.

Throughout history, the human being has always used headdresses and various ornaments on his head in order to complete his outfit. The headdresses have also served to indicate hierarchies, establish functions, positions and others. Since the times of Ancient Egypt we can find incredible headdresses and elements that decorated the heads of the wealthiest people and that represented their hierarchy and importance.

Some cultures, such as Ancient Greece, were interested in rather simple and delicate headdresses, while in many eras of western history headdresses were made with bird feathers exotic, flowers, fruits and other natural elements. In some situations, the headdresses became so large that they ended up deforming the neck of the wearer, in addition to becoming completely annoying and impractical.

There are specific situations in the present in which the presence of headdresses is common. Examples of this are wedding parties, fifteen years, beauty pageants, acts of all kinds, etc. The different headdresses can today be much more complex in terms of design but much easier to carry and enjoy than in other times.