The History of Tie Dye

The counterculture movements of the American 60s and 70s are entwined with the tie dye history. The counter to the 1950s was categorized as a counter to the strict social guidelines imposed by the period. They were hip for change.

Their symbol was tie dye, a physical version of the chaos, freedom, and vibrancy that they hoped to encourage in their lifestyle. It goes back much further. Tie-dye is a symbol for peace natural yoga wear and anti-materialism. It doesn’t hold the same cultural impact that it did in the past. The history of tie-dye and what inspired it can be found here.

Tie Dye History: Rejecting the Past

Tie-dye is a cultural invention.

There were strict guidelines in the 1950s. People who fought the war became parents without knowing how. They became fathers after fighting Germany.

Their parents had strict rules that were even more strict. The 1950s were a time of strict social norms and enforced family values. For many others, peace was an illusion because of the prosperity created by this. The children of the parents came of age in the 1960s.

The 1950s and their parents’ upbringing were associated with violence, conformity, and materialism. The counterculture movement sought to defy these factors. They did it both in their literature and lifestyle choices.

But where does tie-dye come in?

Creation of Tie-Dye: Freedom in the Abstract

Tie-dye dates back thousands of years to India. The fabric could beplucked before dying. Tie-dye encouraged rituals like wakes and weddings. It symbolized luxury through its randomness.

The technique was used for more decorative purposes in the 700s. The cornerstone of the hippie appropriation was this.

The movement pleaded for individuality and the randomness of tie-dye was symbolic. The materials were readily available and anyone could participate, rejecting the homogeneity of the past with their own ideas of love and peace. The popularity of Woodstock and the rock movement soared.

The Takeaway

A modern social movement appropriated an invention from early history. Tie-dye can be seen in the classroom as well as in the streets.

The freedom of the movement and the creativity of the future are represented by the randomness of each design. The generation that wanted to avoid their parents values was brought to mind by the bright colors. Tie-dye is used to reject the past, fight the system, and look toward a more individual future.