Know Your Paisley

Almond motifAmong the countless things I’ve learned in the past year, here’s an unexpected one: the origin of the paisley pattern!

According to my local sources, the story of paisley starts right here in our valley, where for many centuries local artisans were known for weaving soft, warm shawls from the wool of mountain sheep.  The shawls, traditional winter wear for both men and women, attracted the attention of early European travelers and became fashionable in Europe in the eighteenth century.

The shawls were distinctive both for the quality of the wool, which became known as cashmere, and for the design motif called badam, or almond.  Take a look– it isn’t hard to recognize the stylized almond design.  Almond orchards abound in this region and we’ve just enjoyed watching them bloom. Almond garden

To continue the story, some enterprising British had the idea of copying the shawls on their own soil, rather than importing them from India, in order to maximize profits.  The first shawl factory was set up in Scotland in the town of… Paisley!Almonds  Thus the almond motif was plucked from its Indian roots and transplanted for the benefit of chilly European consumers.

Almond shawlHere’s a challenge: Where in your home does the paisley pattern show up?  Sofa cushions?  Bath towels?  A skirt, blouse, or necktie?  Use that as a reminder to pray… for the mountain shepherds, the shawl weavers, and the shopkeepers like the one who sold me this shawl.  And for me, as I head out the door, my shoulders draped in almonds.


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