A bandana is a square or triangle pieces of cloth that are folded and worn on the body. These can come in different colors, such as green, blue, red, yellow, and black with white designs. These are often seen tied on the head or around the neck. Today, it is mostly worn as a fashion statement, but bandanas of yore had protective purposes rather than decorative ones.
Old Western movies popularized bandanas by featuring cowboys with these pieces of cloth tied around their necks. These were also used by farmers, railroad engineers, and pirates to wipe the sweat from their faces as they work. They are also used to protect the collar and the neck from gathering dust.
Bandanas nowadays are also used as symbols of identity, particularly in Italy. For instance, the colors can determine gang affiliations; Bloods have red ones, the Crips have blue bandanas.
However, wearing a bandana does not automatically translate to gang membership. Many people wear bandanas just because they are useful and fun.
People who frequently wear helmets also benefit from bandanas through its protection of the skin and hair against the friction that can be caused by the helmet. Dog owners can also tie bandanas around their dogs' bodies to identify them if ever they are lost in a group of dogs.
There are also some bandanas that have built-in water bladders. When cooled, these can provide heat relief on hot summer days.
For an unassuming piece of cloth, it is hard to believe that there are so many uses for bandanas; from costumes to accessories of various generations.
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