Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2017

Publication Title

Journal of Children's Folklore

Volume

38

Pages

7-26

Abstract

In this essay, I introduce the theoretical framework of hairlore, discussing its challenges when applied to the hair of infants and very young children. I contextualize the ritual of upsherin, reviewing its history, describing contemporary applications, and discussing variations of the practice. Finally, I offer an analysis of upsherin, considering its role in the shifting relationship between mother and son, as well as in the maintenance of a gendered Orthodox symbol set, and discuss the possibility of egalitarian parallels for young girls. I ultimately argue that upsherin is ripe for adaptation by liberal Jewish communities in its celebration of Jewish core values.

Comments

The Children's Folklore Review provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.

Original Publication Citation

Milligan, A. K. (2017). Hair today, gone tomorrow: Upsherin, Alef-Bet, and the childhood navigation of Jewish gender identity symbol sets. Children’s Folklore Review, 38, 7-26.

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