Friday, April 27, 2012

Xulf, hair

A long plait snaking down her back, swaying seductively in time to her movement, the free end bouncing off her hips. She turns around, draws her hair over her face, and gives a wide-eyed stare from above her “xulf”. If Bollywood is to be believed, long, lustrous hair is the ultimate fantasy of the Indian male. 


When I was growing up, it was commonplace to see women with hair extending way past the hips. Indian women wear their hair much shorter now- it is rarely longer than waist length. But even in its shorter, straighter, more chemical avatar, "xulf" rules.
_____
There are words, and there are words. Some words can be easily translated, others need to be described.  In April, I’ll attempt to capture the Soul of 26 'Indian' words in a  drabble of exactly 100 words.

4 comments:

Chuck said...

I have always like long thick hair on a women. Kudos to Xulf.

Anonymous said...

Natasha - There is something about long hair that is just so essentially feminine. And going beyond that, for many women, even those with short hair, it is an important part of what makes them feel womanly and beautiful.

martine said...

Hi, just browsing the A to Z challenge list. Have very much enjoyed reading back through your entries, fascinating and informative
best wishes
martine

Marjorie said...

Is the "X" pronounced like a "Z"?

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