Re: paisley
Posted by Catherine Cartwright Jones on January 30, 2000 at 23:11:38:
In Reply to: paisley posted by Zoe on January 30, 2000 at 22:32:34:
There are a number of designs grouped together and called "Paisley" in
English .... They are from different sources and have different
meanings.
The oldest paisley type patterns, from about 2000 BCE are date pollen
cone patterns from Assyria. These were symbols of wealth and
fertility. These are typically spikey around the edges.
Another type of paisley is the "buta" or flame shape, from Anatolia
and the Caucasus. These are typically smooth around the edges.
Another is from China, and symbolizes a lotus seed pod, and was a
symbol of female fertility and many children. This has little
semicircle bumpies around the edges. That one dates at least from 900
CE.
Another is the Bodhi leaf shape, and is a symbol of the tree under
which Buddha recieved enlightenment. This has smooth edges.
The most recent paisley is the unripe mango paisley, that symbolizes
virginity. That dates from about 300 BCE.
All of these patterns have been merged and mixed about in textile
patterning and in henna patterns, until at present day, they are
mostly just a pretty thingie to adorn cloth or hands.
I have a .gif file of paislies for henna artists.... email me if you'd
like it free.