Palestinian Embroidery Art

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.