2swimornot2swim

     Looking through the vast Library of The Costumer's Manifesto, an article on swimming caught my eye.   It states that swimming is important inorder not to drown, but it is a private affair amongest family members only, and to cover up immediately when leaving the water.   One must teach their children that skin is sacred and therefore should be covered. If this is not instilled at an early age, it will cause much grief in the teen years. The uncovering of children from infancy allow the chances of dating, teenage pregnancies, drugs and all sorts of bad things to befall your child. Religions have and will continue to dictate many norms for its followers. As it has been during the Byzantium and Early Medival period, religion was a huge part of ones life, and unbelievers or amoral behavior was greatly frowned upon, shamed or killed. Covering-up because the body was apt to sinning, was instilled in childhood.   Swimming was frowned upon, due to fears and superstitions.
     The style of bathsuit I found to illustrate my point, is the suit by Wendy's Modest Dress. A site of modest clothes for modest people. It is a modest suit with a drawstring tunic, elastic neck and sleeves with bloomers. Colors should be subdue, the fit should not be tight or of thin material, as not to attract attention or leers. This same suit is echoed in the painting of a lady of 1283 ce. She too is wearing bloomers and a tunic. Other similar aspects between Early Medival and Islam of today is in regards to women. Coverings, veils, wimples, long tunics with pants, cloth from head to toe, dwelling in cities of ladies, property of a man, living strict and censored lives. It is like looking at living history.
     I have dressed in traditional fashions depending on where I am traveling. I cover my heair and wear clothing that covers more skin such as sarees, tribal skirts, tunic and pajamas. Whatever the local ladies are wearing. I do this out of respect for their beliefs and modesty. When I am at home, I do cover my hair with colorful scarves from time to time, and I did where a uniform when I was in school. I know I have a great deal of freedom to just choose how I am going to look, but "I" chose.