Evening Shawl in Crochet and Lace
One of the most notable fashion accessories that have survived through the years in this very dynamic and constantly changing world of the fashion industry is the silver and black evening shawl. Great fashion wonders can be woven by this simple piece of cloth that is used primarily to cover parts of the body or clothing, worn around the neck, or wrapped around the head.
Some may understand it’s use only as a fashion accessory but have not realized the cultural and even religious implications that the wearing of shawls have for other people and cultures. This article tries to provide a brief introduction into this area to give people a basic understanding of what shawls are and what they represent.
What Does the Shawl Represent in Various Cultures:
The word “shawl” has been in use by the English-speaking world sing the 1600s to refer to the cloth wraps used during these periods. The term was derived from the Persian word “shal” and from the Sanskrit term “sati” which basically means cloth. The use of the crochet shawl originated from Persia using their advanced knowledge in creating fine clothing and textile, usually from wool and from any other exquisite materials including silk.
It was also at this time that shawls are used for decorative or adornment purposes, aside from their functional use, and was designed to be lightweight and very fine. It was at this period when light shawls made of silk, called kerchiefs, were in common use. Smaller versions were also held by the hand and were used to wipe the face, thus giving birth to the term handkerchiefs.
In some cultures, the use of shawls represents nobility and was also used by the aristocracy and the upper classes. In India, the type of colors and designs in how shawls are prepared vary according to the region where the person is located and their religion. The shawl also have religious significance such as the over garment or “jilbab” requirement by muslim women, and the fringed shawl called “tallit” by the Jews. By the eighteenth century, silk shawls, kerchiefs, bandannas and the silk squares called taffeta neckcloths were imported from India by the Dutch East India Company and marketed throughout Europe. Large shawls or kerchiefs made from linen called fichu were stylishly worn by women during these periods and were used to cover the neck or the head, with the ends tied in front of the chest.
The Uses and Purposes of Shawls:
The shawl has been used for centuries functionally as a tool for giving warmth or insulation from the cold, particularly to cover their bodies as they move from one place to another. They were also used both as an evening wrap and as a fashion statement using designs and materials that were both stylish and elegant. Most people who would be ask as to what does the shawl represent would probably give a similar answer.
Shawls can be used as a replacement for an evening coat particularly during formal events, as they can enhance a fine dress or evening gown better than a coat could. These hemmed fabrics were specifically designed to be worn together with the dress or suit, aside from the functional purpose of giving warmth particularly during cold evenings or open air promenades.
Shawls can also be used to cover the neck or the head. It can be in square, triangular or rectangular form and is used as a headband or as a wrap-around scarf. The term kerchief, which is used to name the lace shawl for this purpose, came from the French word “couvre-chef” which basically means “head covering”. Other functional uses for the shawl is to cover the body, face or the head from the elements particularly during windy or dusty conditions, just like what the cowboys or the boys scouts do.
Tags: evening shawls | evening shawls | cashmere shawl | cashmere shawl | crochet shawl | crochet shawl | evening shawl | evening shawl | prayer shawl | prayer shawl | lace shawl | lace shawl | silk shawl | silk shawl