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Embroidery is sometimes called the
national art of Palestine. The earliest forms of embroidered cross
stitch in the Holy Land were around the 11th Century. Traditional folk
embroidery was an art, with patterns, colors and types of stitch
passed on through generations. Designs and thread were inspired by the
natural environment in respective regions as well as rug designs in
mosques and gold thread and symbols from the robes of church men. Some
colors were derived from dyes from berries and flowers; others were
pure silk threads from Lebanon and Syria.
As with most important symbols,
embroidery art is very important to the identity of the Palestinian
culture. Each region has its own unique design and pattern. Indeed,
one can tell where a Palestinian woman lives, just by the colors and
pattern of her traditional dress.
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