According to the Book of
Genesis, during the prelapsarian time, the
first male and female, namely Adam and Eve, were “naked and not ashamed”. This
suggests that both Adam and Eve were in an established state of primeval
innocence prior to their departure to a state of guilt and knowledge or the
so-called “Fall of Man”. When they disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit
from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they immediately felt ashamed and
realized that they were naked. Upon knowing that they were not clothed, they soon
sewed fig leaves together so as to cover themselves.
It is conclusive for us to say that
in the premises of the holy scriptures of the Abrahamic religions the first
clothing was made just by enclosing leaves together in stitches. Although, this
is not an empirical basis for knowing exactly when the first clothing was
really made, we can infer that Adam and Eve’s primary purpose or motivation for
making the “first clothing” was to satisfy their feeling of shame from being
naked. With this extrapolation, we can make use of this main idea to exhaust
specific reasons on why people wear clothes.
The context of nakedness differs on
where the term is being used. But technically, nakedness is the condition of
not wearing or not covered by any clothing. There are many aspects on the
concept of being naked when considered in different dimensions. But, despite
this fact, the definition of nakedness still holds and does not change
completely.
Archaeological evidences suggest
that the first clothing was made from animal skin which is in direct opposition
with the “first clothing” made by Adam and Eve in the scriptures. Preserved
prehistoric cave paintings of people wearing animal hides and headpieces were
discovered with the oldest depictions found in the caverns of France. The
development of clothing is said to be correlated with the migration of people. Scientists
believed that humans are only able to thrive in the cooler regions by
developing clothing out of materials within their environment. Only then they
are able to colonize thus the first civilizations were born. Protection against
the climate is a vital factor for their survival because as stated earlier, one
motivation for the development of clothing is the physical protection from the
harsh environments. So to speak, naked in this context means unprotected or
susceptible.
The Mesopotamian civilization
flourished in a humid climate. Clothing for warmth was superfluous but clothing
for protection against the sun was useful. In colder places, however, people
would wear thick clothes made out of fur for warmth. In sportswear, we use
different sports gear to protect ourselves by reducing the impact of accidents
and further avoiding any injuries. In conclusion, people’s wardrobe depends on
the geographical location and climatic conditions of their environment.
Some historians are convinced that
the primary function of clothing is to ward off harmful powers and evil spirits.
This theory has led to another explanation of the development of clothing which
is psychological protection. Different cultures and ethnicities all around the
world have different practices on how to defend themselves from superstitions
of calamities and bad luck. They adorn their bodies with jewelries, tattoos, and
other garments that they deem useful in protecting from the unseen forces.
These traditions have been rooted from the most ancient times and are still
being held until now.
Culture affects the clothing of an
individual. Consequently, clothing has played an important role in the identity
of each culture. Different cultures have conventions on what to wear and what
not to wear- on what is appropriate or modest and what is naked or immodest for
them. We define modesty as the standard of a society or culture concerning the
part of the body to be concealed or covered. There are different ways on
expressing modesty depending on the norms of the culture you belong to.
However, the idea of modesty is dynamic. The concepts of modesty of certain
societies change over time. For example, the thought of what is appropriate
clothing in 19th century Philippines differs from what is deemed
appropriate in 21st century Philippines.
Clothing is also worn for ornamental
or adornment purposes. Adornment is used for displaying or suggesting an aspect
of one’s individuality in a society. Some people adorn themselves to attract
and win admiration from the different sexes. In other cultures, this is done to
assure oneself a sense of belonging in his social group. Others wear clothes
for adornment to enhance their aesthetic appearance with appealing clothes and
accessories and body modifications.
Adornment is also important
especially in meeting different sociocultural needs. This refers to an
individual’s need to belong in a society through social recognition, security,
and acceptance. As another form of nonverbal communication, clothing also demonstrates
the medians of a culture. Furthermore, it indicates a person’s role in his or
her own society. It determines one’s economic position, social status,
identification and rank, ethnicity, gender, marital status, political beliefs,
religion, and aesthetic ideals.
Clothing has meaning. It is a
powerful tool that defines culture and more importantly, an individual. To wear
does not only mean that you are being provided protection, acquiring modesty,
nor flashing a lovely facade of adornment but it also offers comfort and a
sense of satisfaction. It delivers completeness of one’s identity and
individuality. We wear clothes because it is our fundamental need to not feel
naked and be ashamed of ourselves. We wear clothes because we are vulnerable
creatures that by some amazing creation process, has been bestowed upon with
creative juices and are able to “fashionably adapt” to our ever-changing
environment. In all due honesty, I firmly end this article concluding that, in
any angle you see it, to wear is human.
L.A. 
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