Lock of hair
A lock of hair is a piece or pieces of human hair that are usually bunched or tied together in some way. A lock of hair can be on a person's head, or have been cut from the head. When attached to the head, a lock of hair generally refers to a tress, curl, or ringlet of hair. When cut from the head, a lock of hair may be kept for its symbolic value.
Symbolic value
Locks of hair often carry symbolic value and have been utilized throughout history in various religious, superstitious, sentimental and romantic contexts. Examples include:- A traditional belief maintains that owning a lock of hair from an individual's head gives a person magical power over that individual.
- Historically, giving a lock of one's hair to someone has been considered a sign of love and devotion, especially before an impending parting. It is still a popular trope in fiction, particularly the romance genre. Such locks are intended to be kept by the recipient as a memento.
- During antiquity, Roman girls who were about to be married offered locks of hair to Jove in his forest god aspect, Virbius.
- A common superstition holds that a lock of hair from a baby's first haircut should be kept for good luck.
- An old Irish superstition holds that it is unlucky to accept a lock of hair from a lover.
- In Victorian times it was common for bereaved family members to keep locks of hair from deceased children or family members. These locks of hair were seen as mementos and served to comfort the surviving loved ones. These locks of hair were typically kept in lockets. Small jars, and other kinds of jewellery including bracelets, earrings, and brooches were also used.
Use in hairstyles
- Childhood lock:
- Scalp lock:
- Polish plait:
- Lovelock:
Notable Examples
- A lock of Beethoven's hair, cut from his head in 1827, was auctioned in 1994 through Sotheby's of London. Research on the hair determined that the composer's lifelong illness was caused by lead poisoning.