Embroidery History

Many cultures all over the world have a special place for embroidery. No one knows where it came from, but some embroidery has been found in China that seem to have been made before Christ was born.

There was also some in pre-historical Japan, Ancient Egypt, the Middle East 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. 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 clothIn 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. Selecting a special traditional design of bright geometric patterns, Kazakh women use a hand chain stitch technique with the help of a special bradle tool.

They always leave one panel undone to honor the Muslim belief that only God can create a complete and perfect work of art. By adding embroidered names, dedications, important dates and symbolic protections such as owl feathers, each hanging becomes an individual and unique piece, while still remaining a part of ancient tradition. A young girl in the Qiang nation of China is taught at a young age the symbolism of embroidery. She is to learn this embroidery and have it mastered by the time she is married. When older, her embroidery will determine her diligence, dexterity and intelligence.

The symbolism she may embroider into a piece for her love interest may be on a cigarette case or flying birds to show lasting love.

The elderly may receive pieces that show symbols of health. Children might receive pieces with flowers to show growth or something to protect them from evil spirits.
Want to find out more about Brother embroidery machines , visit the site.

Also see deals on embroidery machine thread .

Trending Articles