Fly-Whisk

Cultural Benefits

Not sure what a fly-whisk is, find out more.

Culturally in some countries, there are additional benefits (to the intended usage of disturbing flies) associated with having a fly-whisk. These are as a sign of authority and a sign of spirituality:

A fly-whisk can be a common part of formal dress regalia, social class or military rank.

Africa

Many African presidents and tribal chiefs (e.g. Kenya) carry a fly-whisk as a badge of authority to symbolize their rank.

Egypt

Shopkeepers used a fly-whisk during summer to keep flies away from their produce and are now seen as a mark of authority for merchants.

Nepal

A Fly-Whisk is a traditional part of the royal regalia of the King.

Thailand

Part of the traditional regalia for all royals, the whisk is made of the tail hairs from the extremely rare albino elephant.

The British Empire

In the bygone days of the British Empire, many officers took the cue from these local customs (and other armies) and used a fly-whisk for practical reasons which became a sign of their authority. This was also taken up by British governmental officials residing in these hot countries.

A fly-whisk can often be seen as an accoutrement of deities and monks in Buddhist, Daoist and Hindu cultures.

China

Buddhist monks often carry a fly-whisk, as a symbol of brushing away mental anguish such as ignorance.

India

Buddhist monks are often depicted in art with a Fly-Whisk, also known as a Chauri or Chowrie, for swishing away troubling mental afflictions and other delusive thoughts.

Japan

Symbolizing the sweeping away of ignorance and other mental afflictions, fly-whisks or Hossu as they are called, are frequently carried by Buddhist monks.

What is it?;  Usage;  An Historical Incident;  Suppliers.

More accoutrements for a Gentleman? Click here.