Significance of Waist cloth
The term Waist cloth encompasses various meanings in different cultural contexts. In South Asia, it is a garment used by a jackal to aid in a boy's rescue. In Ayurveda, it is known as Kativeshtana, the lower garment in traditional attire. Within Theravada Buddhism, it refers to cloth worn by Bhikkhus, including pieces for sitting and part of their robe. Additionally, in Indian history, it is linked to a transformative act of a young man turning into a tiger.
Synonyms: Loincloth, Dhoti, Belt, Girdle, Waistband
In Dutch: Taille doek
In Finnish: Vyötärö kangasta
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Waist cloth'
The waist cloth in Buddhism serves multiple interpretations: it's a traditional garment reflecting cultural context, part of Bhikkhu robes, a sitting cloth linked to behavior, and a piece made from torn materials, emphasizing simplicity and humility.
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A garment worn around the waist, typically by monks, indicating simplicity and renunciation.[1] (2) A garment worn around the waist, which is similarly directed to be made of torn pieces for the Bhikkhus.[2] (3) The lower part of the robe worn by Bhikkhus.[3]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) Cloth pieces worn by the Bhikkhus that they used to sit on, which were mentioned in the context of improper behavior.[4]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) An item of clothing used by the brahmin, indicating cultural context and the means of concealing the jackal.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Waist cloth'
In Hinduism, Waist cloth, or Kativeshtana, is a significant garment representing traditional attire, symbolizing cultural identity and modesty within the religious context. It forms an essential aspect of ceremonial and daily clothing.
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) A significant garment referred to as Kativeshtana, serving as the lower part of traditional attire.[6]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A traditional garment worn around the waist, often used in various cultural attire.[7]
The concept of Waist cloth in local and regional sources
Waist cloth serves as a crucial plot device in the narrative, functioning both as a distraction in a rescue scenario and as the transformative item that a young man discards before becoming a tiger.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A piece of clothing taken by the Jackal to distract the men and enable the rescue of the boy.[8]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The piece of clothing the young man stripped off before transforming into a tiger, which he later swallowed.[9]