What the Heck is World #KeffiyehDay?

It seems like our calendar keeps filling up with days to commemorate, and it's getting harder and harder to keep up. If you're anything like me, you're probably skeptical, thinking they're just another day for companies to make money off greeting cards and presents. Although this may be true for many of those days, we here at Muslim Girl are taking World Keffiyeh Day (#KeffiyehDay) pretty seriously because the message it sends--and the show of solidarity--is extremely important.

So, what is World Keffiyeh Day, you ask? It's a global movement to bring awareness and show solidarity with the Palestinian cause and struggle, and was strategically scheduled on May 11th to prepare us for Al Nakba (the day of calamity in 1948) on May 15th.

Initiated by the Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights at Concordia University in Canada, the commemoration has spread globally, and is used to educate the world about the ongoing occupation of Palestine.

Now that we understand what the day is about, you may be wondering what exactly is a keffiyeh?

The Keffiyeh is a gender neutral checkered scarf that you'll usually see in either red or black, depending on what region of the Middle East you're in.

The Palestinian keffiyeh is black and white, and most recently has been a popular fashion piece worn by the general public.

This day allows those who understand the significance the opportunity to shed some light on its significance - so if you're wearing it as an accessory rather than a statement, now you know. You're welcome.

This day allows those who understand the significance the opportunity to shed some light on its significance--so if you're wearing it as an accessory rather than a statement, now you know. You're welcome.

Recently, an amazing non-profit organization, Impact Aid, provided some of our staffers keffiyehs in order to promote this day, as well as shed some light on this woman-run organization developed to uplift single women in the Middle East in need of assistance. They provide monetary, emotional, and professional sustainability to women in need living in the Middle East. Thank you, Lisa Jaradat and Sam Sherif for your contribution. And thank you for empowering women.

Check out the slideshow to learn why the Muslim Girl team thinks #KeffiyehDay is important, and why they rock their Keffiyehs.

Remember, the keffiyeh is more than just a garment. It's not a fashion statement; it's a political statement. It unifies us and empowers us. It says to the world, "We are one with the people of Palestine." It says, "We stand against injustice. And, it says, "We will never forget."

How will you rock your keffiyeh on World Keffiyeh Day?

Written by Maysoon Khatib; this article originally appeared on Muslim Girl.