Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

In biblical times the dress of the Jews was similar to that of neighboring peoples, and during the Hasmonean period Greek and Roman costumes became prevalent among the Jewish upper classes. Later the wearing of fringes (tzitzit) on four corners of a garment differentiated Jews from gentiles. From the Middle Ages Jews were often forced to wear the JEWISH Badge or other distinctive clothing. In north Africa the prohibition of bright colours in Jewish dress resulted in the evolution of the black robe and skull-cap. But in eastern Europe the wearing of fur-trimmed hat (streimel) and a long kaftan reflected local customs. In certain Mediterranean areas, Jews wore Spanish fashions introduced by Sephardi exiles in 1492. ... log in or subscribe to read full text