Date: Mon, 18 Jul 94 17:53:06 ECT
From: Robert Alan Harris <BB05196@BINGVMB>
Subject: KKK, robes and names
I have heard two fairly credible explanations of the etymology of the
name "Ku Klux Klan," one of which may help to explain why they wore the
robes they did.
First, the name might have come from the sound that a shotgun makes when
it is being cocked.
Second, the name might come from the Greek word "kuklos," for "circle."
Of course we have all seen pictures of the Ku Kreeps standing in circles
around a burning cross, etc.
If we can accept this second explanation it is not a far reach to see the
klan robes as some kind of weak imitation of the ancient Greek toga.
Finally, there is a utile explanation for the robes: they hide the
body shape of a person who might be engaging in illegal activities
(and who might feel guilty about engaging in those activities).
Robert Harris
bb05196@bingvmb.cc.binghamton.edu