Embroidery has held a special place in cultures around the world for thousands of years. While its origins are unclear, there are surviving examples from China, which are estimated to have been created as early as the 5th-3rd century BC. Evidence also points to the presence of embroidery in Ancient Egypt, the Middle East, pre-historical Japan and South America.
Amazingly, this folk art has survived through the years and has been a symbol of prestige. Here are a few examples of embroidery in the world.
The importance of embroidery in Medieval Europe is evident in the Bayeaux Tapestry, a significant historical documentation. Depicting the exploits of William the Conqueror, the Norman Invasion of Britain and the Battle of Hastings, it is actually an embroidered cloth, not a tapestry, and was probably sewn by nuns. Approximately 20 inches high and spanning 250 feet, it is both a record of history and an example of the high status given to embroidery at that time.
In Mongolia today, Kazakh women begin working on elaborate embroidered wall hangings when their children are very young to serve as a future wedding present. Kazakhs live in tents called 'ger', and use the hangings to line the inner walls, hiding the wooden lattice framework from view and providing insulation plus cheerful and colorful decoration.
The Kazakh women use a hand chain stitch technique while using a special bradle tool. They select a traditional design with bright geometric patterns. One panel is always blank to give honor to the Muslim belief that only God can make something perfect and complete. Each hanging is individual and unique because they embroider names, dates, and symbolic protections while all along keeping them a part of ancient tradition.
Young girls in the Qiang nation of China are taught from a young age to embroider that they may master it by the time they get married. Their embroidery skills determine her intelligence, diligence and dexterity. Most embroideries are to bring luck to its recipient. A cigarette case will be embroidered for the love interest of a young unmarried woman. She may also embroider two birds flying harmoniously to symbolize lasting unity and love. The elderly might receive embroidered symbols of health and longevity while children may receive protection from evil spirits and images of flowers symbolizing healthy growth. - 32537
Amazingly, this folk art has survived through the years and has been a symbol of prestige. Here are a few examples of embroidery in the world.
The importance of embroidery in Medieval Europe is evident in the Bayeaux Tapestry, a significant historical documentation. Depicting the exploits of William the Conqueror, the Norman Invasion of Britain and the Battle of Hastings, it is actually an embroidered cloth, not a tapestry, and was probably sewn by nuns. Approximately 20 inches high and spanning 250 feet, it is both a record of history and an example of the high status given to embroidery at that time.
In Mongolia today, Kazakh women begin working on elaborate embroidered wall hangings when their children are very young to serve as a future wedding present. Kazakhs live in tents called 'ger', and use the hangings to line the inner walls, hiding the wooden lattice framework from view and providing insulation plus cheerful and colorful decoration.
The Kazakh women use a hand chain stitch technique while using a special bradle tool. They select a traditional design with bright geometric patterns. One panel is always blank to give honor to the Muslim belief that only God can make something perfect and complete. Each hanging is individual and unique because they embroider names, dates, and symbolic protections while all along keeping them a part of ancient tradition.
Young girls in the Qiang nation of China are taught from a young age to embroider that they may master it by the time they get married. Their embroidery skills determine her intelligence, diligence and dexterity. Most embroideries are to bring luck to its recipient. A cigarette case will be embroidered for the love interest of a young unmarried woman. She may also embroider two birds flying harmoniously to symbolize lasting unity and love. The elderly might receive embroidered symbols of health and longevity while children may receive protection from evil spirits and images of flowers symbolizing healthy growth. - 32537
