Muslims worldwide make an annual pilgrimage to Mecca called Hajj. The word ihram has two meanings. One refers to the robes worn by men during the pilgrimage; the other refers to the state of purity that pilgrims are in after declaring their sacred intentions and donning the garments. The ihram robes, outward symbols of the pilgrims' purpose, are plain and white, formed from unsewn pieces of cloth. (Women don't wear the robes and instead wear unadorned, conservative clothes.) While in the pure state of ihram, pilgrims are required to refrain from shaving, cutting their hair, wearing cologne or perfume, fighting, killing animals or having sexual relations.

Tyra Damm

SOURCES: Los Angeles Times; SoundVision.com; BBC News