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.
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.
Repository 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.
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.