Sarah Meyers

Want to buy or wear a balaclava this winter but not sure of the cultural implications of doing so? Is wearing a balaclava considered a form of cultural appropriation or not?

Well, here is your guide to this delicate topic:

Are Balaclavas a Form of Appropriation?

Wearing a balaclava isn’t a form of appropriation as it is a head covering that is meant to keep you warm during the winter months – however there is a bigger conversation surrounding the privilege of wearing such coverings in public spaces.

Can Anyone Wear a Balaclava?

There are no restrictions to wearing a balaclava. This item of clothing originated in Eastern Europe and can be considered a core part of the clothing culture there.

Nevertheless, Balaclavas don’t have cultural symbology. They are simply associated with such countries due to the extreme cold experienced during the winter months.

Due to this anyone, from any country, race, or ethnicity can wear a balaclava without issue.

If this is the case, then why have there recently been so many conversations about culture?

It is a complicated answer…

The Balaclava vs. Other Head Coverings

The Balaclava has recently become internet famous and is now the must-have accessory for the winter months.

The balaclava is all over social media, TikTok, in particular. You have young people modeling Balaclavas, showing others how to knit one themselves, and how to create an outfit around it.

In essence, the balaclava has become widely accepted now.

This rise in popularity has caused many people of the Muslim faith to muse about how unfair it is that balaclavas as seen as acceptable. This is despite the fact that many women who wear hijabs and other head coverings continue to face discrimination and even harassment.

In fact, in certain countries and cities, hijabs are banned in public. However, there aren’t any such restrictions about wearing a balaclava outdoors.

The reason that the balaclava has drawn ire is that the balaclava has European roots while the Islamic faith is associated with the Middle East and African countries.

The fact that the balaclava is accepted, and that the hijab is not, is a clear sign of racial favoritism. Due to this, many people are outraged that Caucasian individuals can wear a balaclava in public without any backlash while they can’t do the same while wearing a balaclava.

The Privilege of Wearing a Balaclava

There is also the fact that it is a privilege to wear a balaclava without facing any issues in public. After all, the balaclava is a head covering that covers most of your head and sometimes even part of your face.

This is sort of like a hoodie does. The problem that in many countries, brown or black men wearing hoodies is a sign that they are dangerous, in a gang, or likely to hurt someone else. These myths have been perpetuated despite the lack of evidence.

There have been instances of black and brown men being shot by the police and even members of their community simply because they have been wearing a hoodie.

However, when someone who is Caucasian wears a balaclava, they are not faced with the same kind of suspicion.

This is another reason that balaclavas have been coming under fire. It is not that there is anything wrong with this item of clothing. Instead, it has more to do with the fact that it is an accessory of privilege. It is only people who look a certain way that can wear the balaclava without issue.

Should You Wear a Balaclava?

Of course, what you are probably interested in is whether or not it is alright for you to wear a balaclava in public.

Yes, it is as it has no real cultural ties to a particular nation or belief system. That being said, it is important to be aware of the privilege that you have to wear a balaclava.

It is also a good idea to be aware of your own attitudes towards people wearing hijabs and other cultural head coverings. If you see them being discriminated against or harassed either in public or online, it is best to stand up for them.

After all, they don’t enjoy the same privilege as you to wear whatever they want in public.

The other thing you may want to do is to wear the balaclava as it was intended – as a way to stay warm in the winter months. Do this as opposed to wearing it as a fashion accessory.

Is Wearing a Balaclava Cultural Appropriation?

No, wearing a balaclava isn’t a form of cultural appropriation and is largely seen as a type of clothing that protects you from the cold weather – however, wearing a balaclava when hijabs and hoodies for people of color is a contentious topic does create a system of privilege.

Think headbands are cute but want to be sure that you are making an ethical decision before buying one? In particular, you may be wondering if headbands fall under the umbrella of cultural appropriation.

Here is everything that you need to know about contentious styles so that you can avoid any style issues in the future:

Is Wearing Headbands Considered Cultural Appropriation?

This does all depend on the hairband – most hairbands are culturally neutral and so, can be worn by anyone – however, turban headbands, wraps, and scarf headbands are typically associated with certain cultures and may be considered to be problematic by some.

What Type of Headbands May Be Fall Under Cultural Appropriation?

These days, there are more headband styles ever before. However, what you may think is a cute new style may actually have been around for quite some time.

The only reason that you may not have seen it before is because it has only been recently introduced into mainstream fashion.

As there are more and more headband styles being released every day, it can be tricky to know precisely which ones fall under the category of cultural appropriation. That being said, there are a couple of styles that you should be aware of.

This includes headwraps, turban headbands, and scarf headbands.

Why Can the Headwrap Be Considered Cultural Appropriation?

This is a very wide headband – one that can cover most of your head and hair. The style comes from the sub Sahara region of African and so has deep cultural ties there.

There is also a more troubling history of headwraps in the US. Enslaved people often wore them to keep the hair out of their face while working in the fields or houses. Due to this, it is seen as quite insensitive for someone who isn’t of African descent to wear such wraps.

Now, it can be rather difficult to know when a headband falls under the category of headwrap. Some headbands are simply quite wide and these aren’t considered cultural appropriation.

However, if the headband covers most of the head and can be knotted at either the top of the head or behind the head.

You should also watch out for ones in very bright colors as these are quite traditional in Africa. Also steer clear of anything that may fall under the category of ‘tribal’ print.

Why Can Scarf Headbands Be a Form of Cultural Appropriation?

Once again, not all scarf headbands may be seen as cultural appropriation. Thin ones, those that mimic vintage driving scarfs, or those that resemble bandanas are all safe for you to wear.

Thicker ones that look like scarves that look like the ones that people in Arab countries and Africa wear, however, will be considered cultural appropriation.

This is because these headbands are considered to be integral elements of these cultures. They may be worn to important or celebratory events.

You should also be careful of scarf headbands that are similar to headscarves worn by people who follow the Muslim, Jewish, and Orthodox Christian faiths.

As these are more religious symbols rather than cultural ones, you may imagine that you can’t be accused of cultural appropriation.

You should bear in mind that these symbols should be respected, though. Not only are they elements of people’s faith, but in many cases are guardians of women’s modesty.

There is also the fact that many women have been bullied for wearing such head coverings and have been bullied for their faith as well.

Therefore, to wear such a thing as an accessory isn’t taking into account that many people have to fight for their right to don their scarf.

Are Turban Headbands Cultural Appropriation?

Then there are turban headbands. If this type of headband is thin and made of a material like velvet, then it should be fine for you to wear.

However, if the width of it is quite thick, it is made of cotton or similar material, and is of vibrant colors, then it may be considered cultural appropriation.

You should also keep in mind to never wear the headband low, over your forehead. This is how people in different African countries wear their turban.

Being Wary of Boho Headbands

You should always watch out for headbands that are referred to as boho. These may be made out of real or fake leather, contain feathers, stones, and other embellishment.

Although boho may seem like a fashion or lifestyle term, this industry borrows heavily from other cultures – Native American, South Asian, African, etc. without any respect for where the styles were taken from.

In a similar manner you should also stay away from any headbands that may have cultural or tribal prints on them.

How Do You Know If Your Headband is Culturally Appropriating?

If you live with in a diverse population, then take note of the various headbands that people from all over the world wear. If you notice that a certain demographic wears a particular style, it is better to skip it.

Of course, you can also reach out to people who are a part of these cultural groups and get their opinion on it. This will give you a clearer idea of whether or not it is a good idea for you to wear it, particularly out in public.

You should also do some research into the various headbands that you would like to buy and wear. Understanding where they came from can give you insight into whether or not they are suitable options for you.

Never blindly follow a style simply because you see it online everywhere or because it is in high end fashion magazines. Both magazines and fashion houses have been engaging in cultural appropriation for a long time so they are not the best sources.

Can Headbands Be a Form of Cultural Appropriation?

You are safe with most fashion headbands but there are certain styles like headwrap hairbands, turban hairbands, and scarf headbands that may be considered cultural appropriation if you choose the wrong design – you should also think twice about boho headbands.

From Instagram to fashion magazines, it seems like henna is everywhere these days and you may want to dip your toe into the trend. Since henna is associated with specific cultures, though, would it be considered a form of cultural appropriation if you did?

Here is what you need to know about how henna fits into various cultures and whether using it is a form of cultural appropriation:

Is Henna Considered Cultural Appropriation?

Using henna on your body or getting a henna ‘tattoo’ isn’t a form of cultural appropriation as it is seen more as a process of adornment – however, you do need to be careful of the kind of designs or patterns that you get using henna.

Why is Using Henna Not Considered Cultural Appropriation?

Yes, henna is primarily used by Indian, Pakistani, African and Egyptian cultures. However, it was first used as a cooling agent.

When henna is applied to the body, it causes the skin to cool and to provide temporary relief. Due to this, people in hot climates and desert areas used to liberally apply it to the palms of their hands and soles of their feet.

This has been going on for over 5000 years!

People noticed that when henna was applied to the body and then left for some time before being washed off, it created a stain. It was then used for decorative purposes.

Eventually, henna – also known as mehendi – was incorporated into important celebrations such as engagements and weddings.

As a result, most people see henna, itself, as a dye. As the dye is not linked to any one culture or religion, using henna on your body is not considered a form of cultural appropriation.

When is Using Henna Considered a Form of Cultural Appropriation?

Well, this has to do with the patterns themselves.

As mentioned, one of the most important times for the application of henna is before a woman gets married. This is a rather common tradition in both India and Pakistan.

The application of mehendi is quite meaningful here. The patterns have cultural significance. It is also customary to hide the future groom’s name among the design.

The groom then must find his name on his bride’s hands once they are married. Sometimes this is done in public, after the main ceremony while in other instances it is done in private to establish intimacy between the married couple.

It is also believed that the deeper the color of the mehendi once the paste is washed away, the deeper your husband’s love for you. And, a long lasting design is meant to depict a long lasting marriage.

If you happen to get such a pattern or take patterns that are typically associated with South Asian, African, or Middle Eastern countries, then this would be considered cultural appropriation.

Keep in mind that although you may think that these patterns are pretty, they don’t have quite the same meaning or power to you. Therefore, to use them in such a manner can seem like you are trivializing what the henna patterns mean to other people.

Is It Always Cultural Appropriation to Wear These Patterns?

This depends on the circumstances. Now, with mehendi parties, it isn’t always just the bride that gets these patterns.

The other women present at the party may also have designs drawn on them. If you are attending one of these parties and are having the patterns drawn on you, then it isn’t considered cultural appropriation.

This is because you have been given consent to have such patterns drawn on you from people who are a part of that culture.

If a friend belonging to an Indian, Pakistani, African, or Middle Eastern culture wants to draw designs for you or simply practice on you, then this isn’t considered cultural appropriation either.

What Henna Designs are Appropriate?

As mentioned, henna itself isn’t considered culturally significant. Due to this, you can use henna to draw a wide variety of temporary tattoos or images on your body.

This can include names, symbols, etc. For instance, stars, hearts, flowers, are just a few examples of what is appropriate to get inked on your body.

You can even get repeating patterns on your body. Just make sure that these aren’t linked to a particular culture or custom to avoid offending anybody.

Understanding the Difference Between Appreciation and Appropriation

Henna is a beautiful way to decorate your body and as it is becoming more and more mainstream, it can be difficult to stay away from using it to draw patterns.

After all, if you appreciate the symbolism behind henna designs, isn’t it appreciation rather than appropriation?

If you make the effort to do your research and learn about henna designs and what they mean to certain cultures, then this can be considered appreciation of a culture.

At the same time, you do need to be aware of your own position. The reason that there is a fine line between appreciation and appropriation is because of who is doing the appreciating.

If you belong to a social or ethnic group that has historically played a role in either dehumanizing or minimalizing other people’s roles in society, then it can be considered appropriation.

This is true even if you have the right intentions behind adopting certain aspects of the culture. Keep in mind, even if you haven’t been directly responsible for marginalizing a group, it doesn’t mean that you can adopt certain aspects of your culture.

This is because of how it can make people who are a part of that marginalized culture feel. If those individuals have been actively bullied in the past for wearing mehendi and then see you now adopting these designs, it is only natural for them to feel resentful.

How to Use Henna Appropriately?

You may want to start off by doing some research into traditional henna or mehendi designs. This will give you an idea of which designs or patterns to steer clear of.

Educating yourself on these designs may provide you with greater insight into their meaning as well and help you to understand why certain patterns may not be appropriate for people outside of a certain culture.

If possible, speak to someone who is a part of Indian, Pakistani, African, or Middle Eastern culture to get their take on their chosen design. Just keep in mind that not everyone will have the same reaction when it comes to cultural appropriation.

And, if you have been given the green light regarding a certain pattern, make sure to respect it. Don’t just see it as an accessory but as an important link to someone’s culture.

You should also be careful of how you post things on social media. Avoid adding any captions or hashtags that may allude to the fact that you are using the henna in any cultural capacity as this can upset a lot of people.

As long as you make an effort to steer clear of designs that may be associated with a certain culture, you should be able to use henna without any issue at all.

Is Henna a Form of Cultural Appropriation?

Henna, by itself, is a type of dye and due to this, the use of henna isn’t associated with a particular culture – using henna isn’t cultural appropriation but you should be aware of the patterns or designs that you use as these can be offensive to certain individuals.

Want to get grills for your teeth but don’t want to be accused of cultural appropriation? Well, this is the article to help you out.

Here is an in-depth look at the origins of grills and whether or not they are considered a form of cultural appropriation:

Are Grills A Form of Cultural Appropriation?

No, grills are not a form of cultural appropriation and technically, can be worn by anyone – gold grills have risen and fallen in a variety of countries and cultures around the world – as a result, this aesthetic doesn’t necessarily belong to one group of people.

Did Grills Originate in Ancient Egypt?

Archaeologists initially believed that grills were first worn by Ancient Egyptians. This is because they found teeth on a gold chain in tombs in Egypt.

However, it was later determined that teeth were placed on chains when Egyptians lost them. This was so that the teeth could be placed in the tombs so that people were able to take their teeth into the afterlife with them.

In reality, it was the Etruscans – who lived in what it is now known as Tuscany, Italy – who first began wearing gold in their teeth.

It is believed that it was women who wrapped their gold in teeth. In some cases, the two front teeth were completely removed and then replaced with gold replicas.

This was done to show affluence within society. It was the women’s way of saying that they were rich enough to have soft foods prepared for them to keep in line with their fashion desires.

At some point, however, this look began to become less popular until it disappeared completely.

Why are Grills Not Considered a Form of Cultural Appropriation?

Well, as you have just read, grills didn’t come from an Egyptian culture but rather an Etruscan or early European one.

To add to this, the phenomenon of having gold teeth isn’t restricted to just one country or culture. This is something that has been happening around the world. It has simply been taking place at different times and with varying levels of popularity.

For instance, in the Philippines, ancient Filipino mythology states that Melu, creator of the world had solid gold teeth. In an effort to mimic Melu, followers began to decorate their gold with teeth. This was done as early as 1300 AD.

These were typically found in individuals of higher social and economic classes. Therefore, this was a seen of power, wealth, and status particularly among chieftans.

In many South American countries, you will still find older citizens with gold in their teeth. This came from the Mayan practice where royal families decorated or replaced their teeth with pale jade.

This was a symbol of a promise from the royal family to care for and nurture their people and their lands.

Today, however, people in South American countries wear gold teeth as a sign of success. It is to let others know that they have enough money and resources to wear something quite so ornamental.

The Widespread Use of Gold Teeth

Grills are the evolved form of the original gold teeth. Another reason why anyone can technically wear gold grills is that they have originated in Jamaica, Vietnam, and a host of other places.

Now, in some instances, gold teeth had nothing to do with showing off how well-off you were. Instead, it was about creating teeth that would last.

Gold is one of the hardiest substances around, but is rather easily accessible too. What’s more, it is shiny and pleasing to the eye.

So, when people lost a tooth or had to remove one due to decay, a gold tooth was the most obvious replacement. This is because this was an investment that could potentially last a lifetime!

This practice took place in countries like Jamaica and Vietnam. With migration, though, these individuals with gold teeth moved to America.

Here, it caught on like wildfire for its fashion potential. When rappers and Hip Hop artists began wearing them, it became a cultural phenomenon.

Can Anyone Wear Grills?

Yes, technically anyone can wear grills. And, if you take a look around in society, practically everyone does, regardless of race and ethnicity.

As with the times of old, the people who wear grills or gold teeth tend to be higher up in the socioeconomic ladder as well as celebrities.

Now, this has to do with the fact that well designed grills can be quite pricey and can only be afforded by people who are well off. Furthermore, grills aren’t really allowed in most workplaces so you do have to have a job in a creative industry to wear one.

You are unlikely to face backlash regardless of your cultural or ethnic roots for wearing grills. That being said, you should be aware that it was the rap and hip hop industry that pushed grills to fame.

As such, they are largely associated with the African American community. So, although you can wear grills without an issue, you should be mindful of appropriating any other aspects of African American culture include using AAVE and how you style your hair.

As long as you are wearing grills as a personal fashion statement, then there is no issue here.

Are Grills Considered Cultural Appropriation?

No, grills are not considered cultural appropriation as they have origins in Etruscan culture – furthermore, almost every culture at some point or another has utilized gold teeth making it difficult to dedicate its use to just one country, culture, or ethnicity.

Want to buy or wear a poncho but not sure if it is considered cultural appropriation? This post does a deep dive into the significance of ponchos.

Here is your answer to whether or not ponchos are a form of cultural appropriation:

Is It Cultural Appropriation to Wear a Poncho?

Although ponchos may not be cultural appropriation, they are still an emblematic part of South American, particularly Mexican culture – they also hold deep cultural and historical meaning to native peoples of those lands and it can be considered for non-native people to wear ponchos.

The Cultural Significance of Ponchos

It is only natural to wonder why wearing a poncho may be considered culturally insensitive. After all, isn’t this an item of clothing? What significance could it possibly have?

Well, as it turns out, ponchos have a lot more cultural significance than people realize.

For one thing, ponchos have been around for a lot longer than many people believe. In reality, ponchos have been found in pre-Incan sites and are considered around 2500 years old!

What’s more, they have considerable significance as well. The patterns on the ponchos can have various meanings – the diamond shaped design was meant to indicate important people or leaders in the community.

In fact, ponchos were considered so important that they were actually buried with individuals. The fact that family members wanted their loved ones to have ponchos in their afterlife means a great deal.

It is due to this significance that you are better off not wearing ponchos. After all, you will simply be wearing it as a fashion statement while to the people of South America, it is far more meaningful.

Why Can Ponchos Be Problematic?

There is also the fact that ponchos can be especially problematic right now.

The people of South America, particularly Mexicans, have often had an uneasy life in the US. Many faces discrimination, harassment, and live under the constant fear of being targeted by the police, even if they are legal citizens.

For instance, in Arizona, the police were allowed to stop people solely based on their physical appearance to demand immigration papers. This law was used to excessively use individuals from South American countries.

To add to this, when Donald Trump was president, he created a law to segregate children from their families at the border. There was also an increase in raids and deportations associated with South American individuals.

In general, though, there has been a lot of mocking things said and done regarding South Americans, with a special focus on Mexicans.

Their manner of speaking and cultural emblems like the sombrero and ponchos have been worn as costumes, often in a derogatory manner.

Due to these instances, most people from South American countries will not take kindly to people wearing ponchos as a fashion statement.

In many cases, it can be a cruel reminder of the double standards faced by Hispanic individuals.

Is It Ever OK to Wear a Poncho?

What about if you have a lot of respect for South American and Mexican culture? What if you mean no disrespect when you wear a poncho? Is it then OK for you to wear this garment?

The issue is that the painful history between the US, the US government, and the people of South America still runs deep. Therefore, borrowing from these cultures when so much of them are still mocked isn’t a good idea.

To add to this, you should consider where you are getting your poncho from. It is likely that you are buying it from a store found in the mall or even a high-end brand.

Well, these stores and brands may have ripped this design idea from South American cultures, but they have given nothing back. This is a blatant case of cultural appropriation. And, if you buy a poncho from such places, then you become a part of the problem.

How to Be Culturally Sensitive About Ponchos?

It is difficult to know if it is possible to be culturally sensitive about ponchos.

If you would like to wear one, though, it is a good idea to consider the people and the environment around you. It is best to wait until you are in a South American country and even then, discuss the matter with the people in that community.

The other thing to do is to stop buying ponchos from major brands or stores. Instead, look for local designers and crafters that use a handloom to create these designs.

For one thing, you can guarantee that your money is going to the right place and to the people who deserve it. In some instances, it could even mean improving certain communities by helping them to preserve their traditional methods.

It is also a good idea to do some research on ponchos. Speak to the designers about the history, material, patterns, etc. It is only by really understand the backstory of a poncho that you will be able to show due respect when wearing it.

In general, you may also want to consider how you can help individuals in your community and throughout the country by raising awareness to their plight. You should also vote in a manner that will improve the lives of the people around you.

Are Ponchos Considered Cultural Appropriation?

Wearing a poncho may not be textbook cultural appropriation but it still considered bad form – ponchos have a great historical and cultural significance and it can be hurtful to wear them without understanding this – the injustices of South Americans at the hands of the US also makes this problematic.

Interested in purchasing, displaying, or using a mandala but not sure if it is a form of cultural appropriation? If so, this is the article for you. Discover the significance of the mandala and whether or not it is a form of cultural appropriation:

Is Displaying or Using Mandalas Cultural Appropriation?

This all depends on how the mandalas are being used – if you are using or displaying mandalas as a form of meditation, to improve focus, and to bring balance into your life, then it is not cultural appropriation – however, if the mandalas are being used for decoration, then it is disrespectful.

What is the Purpose of a Mandala?

A lot of people are confused about what mandala actually is. So much so that few individuals understand the purpose of a Mandala.

So, what is a mandala and how is it meant to be used?

The mandala is a symbolic diagram. It is meant to be a representation of the universe, a sacred space that functions as the receptacle for Gods as well as universal forces. Each person is meant to mentally enter the mandala and to work towards moving towards the center. In doing so, you experience disintegration and reintegration.

Mandalas are a part of Indian, Chinese, Tibetan, and Japanese cultures. There are two types of mandalas, each representing a certain aspect of the universe.

The garbha-dhatu is where the movement of the individual is from the one to the many. With the vajra-dhatu, the movement is from the many into the one.

In essence, the mandala is a spiritual and mental element of Buddhism. It is an object that is meant to help you focus, find your spiritual center, and to move to a higher plane of spirituality and existence.

The Origin of Your Mandala and How It Ties into Cultural Appropriation

Now, before going into whether or not different forms of mandala utilization is cultural appropriation or not, you must first consider whether your mandala is authentic.

If you have gotten your mandala anywhere outside of Asia, there is a good chance that the mandala doesn’t have the right pattern. In fact, it is largely a commercial or manufactured product. In that sense, it isn’t really a mandala.

Although Buddhism and mandalas have spread outside of Asia, these philosophies have often been twisted by the Western world. Most people in Western countries use it as an identity rather than to practice principles to move to a higher spiritual plane.

Not to mention, Buddhist elements such as the mandala have become heavily commercialized and manufactured in these countries. This is done with the little thought to the meaning or the origination of such symbols.

Therefore, using or keeping a ‘fake’ mandala certainly is a form of cultural appropriation as it shows a lack of the respect for the concept of the mandala.

Is a Mandala Tapestry Cultural Appropriation?

This depends on why you have the tapestry in your home and how you are using it. For instance, if you sit in front of the tapestry each day, clear your mind, and use the tapestry to find your spiritual center, this isn’t a form of cultural appropriation.

This is because you are using the tapestry as it was originally intended – to focus your mind and to improve yourself.

However, if you are keeping the tapestry as a piece of décor or to add an ethnic or boho vibe to your home, then this is a form of cultural appropriation. This is true regardless of whether or not the mandala is authentic.

Keep in mind, mandalas have real significance to people. By treating simply as a decoration, you are disrespecting the value that these individuals have placed on the mandala.

Are Mandala Tattoos a Form of Cultural Appropriation?

The one thing that you absolutely shouldn’t do is to get mandala tattoos. There are a few different reasons for this.

For one thing, you are treating the mandala as a decorative image and, as mentioned, you really shouldn’t do this. Despite the design looking pretty, a mandala is a spiritual image and isn’t meant to be used in any other fashion.

Therefore, when you get a mandala tattoo, you are completely disregarding the meaning and importance behind this design.

Furthermore, the mandala tattoo designs that you find aren’t actually mandala designs at all. Instead, they are geometric patterns that have a passing resemblance to the mandala.

This shows a lack of care to the authentic designs and what they mean – you are simply looking for something that will look good as a tattoo.

Finally, there is an increasing number of mandala tattoos these days. This proves that it is a passing fad for tattoos. In this instance, the mandala is turned into a trend and something gimmicky.

As a result, it is completely disrespectful to those who view the mandala as a sacred thing.

How to Avoid Cultural Appropriation with Mandalas?

First and foremost, do your research on mandalas. Discover what they are, what they mean, and how they are meant to be used.

This will guarantee that you are showing the mandala the due respect.

You should also be careful about where you get the mandala from. Avoid buying it from department stores or Western stores or brands.

Instead, look for mandalas originating from India, China, or Japan. These will be accurate and have greater meaning for you.

Are Mandalas Considered Cultural Appropriation?

If you purchase the proper mandala and use it to help improve your concentration and to move to a higher plane of thought and spirituality, then it isn’t a form of cultural appropriation – however, if it is used as decorative, a trend, or a gimmick then it is appropriation.