Embroidery History

By David John Jordan

In cultures around the globe, embroidery has held a special place for a long time. While no one knows its origins, examples have surfaced from China that seem to be as old as some books of the Bible. Ancient Egypt has their own examples of embroidery and more evidence has been found in Japan, South America, and the Middle East.

Embroidery is a folk art and has been a symbol of prestige around the world and has survived as such for many years. This isn't all of them, but here are some ideas of embroidery throughout the globe.

Medieval Europe held embroidery in high esteem as it was used by nuns to record history. The Bayeaux Tapestry is 20 inches high and 250 feet long and contains embroidered pictures of the Norman Invasion of Britain, the Battle of Hastings and William the Conqueror. While called a tapestry, it is, in fact, an embroidered cloth

Mothers in Mongolia, called Kazakhs, begin working on the wedding presents of their children when they are babies. These gifts are embroidered wall hangings that cover the walls of their tents in order to hide the wooden lattice framework as well as giving some insulation and something nice to look at.

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. - 32371

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