C8: Clothes

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In the Garden

One of the most famous Bible stories informs us about the
origins of clothing. While in the Garden of Eden, the serpent
had convinced Eve to eat from the Tree of Knowledge even
though God had warned against it. She gave Adam a bite too.
Immediately, "both their eyes were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made girdles for themselves." (Genesis 3:7) So there you have it. The first thing that Adam and Eve realised when they ate from the Tree of Knowledge was that they were naked and wanted to be covered up. A few sentences later, when God is after them, we learn more: "And the Lord God called to Adam and said: where are you? And he replied: I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid myself." (Genesis 3:9-10) Adam is afraid for two reasons: being clothes conscious is an indication to God that he ate from the Tree that was forbidden, and being undressed was making him feel uncomfortable.

Becoming individuals

What is this story really about and can it comment on our attitude to clothing and fashion? The answer lies in the transition that occurred when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit. Until then, they were not aware enough to care about clothing: "they were both naked... and they were not ashamed." (Genesis 2:25) Like the other animals, they were part of nature. They fitted into their surroundings and felt a natural "home-grown" connection with all the inhabitants of the Garden. Eating from the Tree changed all that. It gave them a sense of self. For the first time, they saw themselves as independent creatures. They had become distinct beings. The Tree gave them the knowledge to see themselves as separate individuals. This self awareness is now so normal to all of us that it's difficult to imagine a time when it was any different.

Becoming separate

The transition to individuality was a great moment. It was when the very first humans realised who they were and that their lives were their own. But it was also a terrifying moment, because along with self awareness comes something else: self consciousness. Knowing yourself means seeing yourself as a separate entity which automatically distances you from your surroundings. Being separate means being different, and that can be painful and embarrassing. Adam and Eve no longer felt an integral part of the Garden. They didn't belong anymore.

Leaving the Garden

The first humans were no longer part of the Garden so they would have to leave. But before they were evicted God taught them how to cope with their new-found individuality: "God made garments of skins for Adam and his wife, and clothed them." (Genesis 3:21) Once again, clothes are the key. Whereas they had made primitive clothes out of fig leaves, God made sophisticated clothes especially for them. God was showing Adam and Eve a way to survive in life. These clothes would make them feel comfortable in both senses of the word. Comfortable, as in warm and protected against the harsh landscape they would be facing, and comfortable too in themselves that they could make this world their home. From being naked and afraid, they would become clothed and confident.

Clothing considerations

So clothes are much more than functional objects. They show how we want to be seen. Our garments are our image. They affect how people feel about us and how we feel about ourselves. How do you feel about the way you dress? Look at these everyday clothing comments:

My clothes say who I am.
I feel so snug in this.
I like to look smart.
I like dressing up, it makes me feel good.
Purple is my colour, it suits me.
That coat is so you!

In light of the Adam & Eve story, all these comments make perfect sense. They are all natural feelings of individuality, confidence and comfort which are expressed by clothing. It is no coincidence that we care so much about what we wear. Our clothes are an important part of who we are, and they have been ever since Eden.

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