Well it depends to how one was brought up by different families.
Jul 01, 2010
Long or Short by: Archie [Moderator]
Hayley,
Thanks for your question and I will try to keep my answer brief.
When I go shoppin at 'George' [Asda] for my darlin in Kenya I am always very aware of modesty for her. Now you may ask why and its because I am aware of the modesty that Cassandra mentioned in her reply to you.
There are certain values that come into play here and let me try to explain:
In the cities anything goes - short skirts and boob tubes are ten a penny. Reason for that I will leave up to you
Outwith the city its different - working folk and what I would term as the heart of life in Kenya continue to dress modestly and with respect to their spouses. Even single ladies will wear clothing that will be respectable when it comes to knee or ankle length. The 'kanga' is a good place to start any research and let me encourage you to look into that. Its multi-functional, its kool and colourful, it can be used as a dress, baby carrier and still maintain the users modesty and stop legs rubbin together as Cassandra mentioned.
So finally Hayley, you have to understand that there is a big gulf between city and country folk and there is always a huge Christian influence which covers all of Kenya.
Kind Regards
Archie
Jun 30, 2010
Modesty by: Cassandra Marie
Hello,
I wanted to address you question. From my travels to Kenya over the last three years I have seen it is not a "have to" thing but more that they want to be modest. Most Kenyans that I have meet are VERY modest. They feel comfortable being in longer dresses and skirts then short ones. Then they are also not have to make sure they are not to high or uncomfortable all of the time. I also have been told that it is a cultural thing.
Not sure what started that deep root but it is there. For example a little one (about 2) that I was working with called me Uncle on the day I wear pants and on the say I wear a skirt I was called Auntie. SO there is something that Kenyans know form a young age about dress and who wears what.
I am not sure if this is a reason or not but Kenya is hot and very dusty in most places. Having longer dresses and skirts covers you from the hot sun and the dust. When working in Kenya I too wear longer skirts. In my opinion it is just more comfy. The longer skirts help form your legs rubbing together (sorry boys for that un-wanted picture but it is so true). So really I think it is about modesty in their culture and being more comfortable to move around then a "have to" thing. As of my last trip a few months ago I saw more and more Kenyan women in pants. Even some of my more traditional friends are wearing them (but only around the house). Hope this helps you find some answers to your question.
