Since ancient times, embroidery not only served to decorate clothing and household items, but also performed a magical function. Special ornaments and patterns, which existed even before the advent of the first writing, have been used for centuries to convey information. They replaced texts, and by deciphering the signs, one could read spells, songs and entire fairy tales. Those who knew how to read and interpret the symbols could learn a lot about a man in a suit decorated with multi-colored stitches that formed images of animals and birds, the firmament, the sun, and protective gods. Elements of clothing and accessories were embroidered using various techniques; not only special designs were used, but also decorative seams. Each of them served for additional decoration or to create a pattern and had a special meaning, like all other elements of the ornament.
The first signs of cross stitch
The code encrypted in the stitches was most often used for protection and served as a talisman against evil spirits, attracting good luck, or was used to make wishes come true. For example, wedding dresses and outfits among different peoples always included symbols of fertility, and hunters decorated their clothes with signs that, according to legend, conveyed to them the strength and power of the beast. Among them were simple geometric shapes, for example, a rhombus, which resembled the fangs of a wild animal, or horizontal lines, meaning the ground.
Embroidery has always been a painstaking task and required a lot of time. But it was not considered entertainment, but an important matter. Elegant clothing could not be considered as such if it did not have embroidery. The symbols were carefully selected and filled with sacred meaning. All the time, people paid attention to especially strong ones, connecting special drawings with events in the world around them. This is how signs in embroidery appeared. Gradually, rules and traditions were formed, beyond which needlewomen no longer went. Ornaments and plots expressed the connection between gods and people, and several signs, arranged in a special way, served as spells. Signs in cross stitch still exist today. Usually they are associated not with symbols, but with a certain plot.
introduction
Greetings, reader-creator or sister-craftswoman! I greet every brave young man and every beautiful coastal maiden who opens the pages of this book!
This collection is dedicated to Slavic protective symbols, which our wise ancestors from ancient times painted on their homes, cut out and drew in any other way on household items, and also embroidered on clothes, hats and other decorations.
The book is intended for a wide range of readers interested in Slavic symbolism and the topic of amulets, which have helped people since time immemorial to live a more prosperous and harmonious life, protecting them from evil and bad influences.
However, I ask you to keep in mind that I do not at all pretend to have any academic knowledge of the culture, pantheon of gods and history of the ancient Slavs.
I ask you to remember this and be lenient. All the data I present in this book was originally collected for personal use. Collected over several years from various books, articles and open sources on the Internet.
I am a simple woman who loves to embroider, who has made it easier for herself to create and now wants to convey information convenient for practical use.
further, so that they can serve for the benefit of everyone.
Personally, throughout my life I have developed a special relationship with cross stitch, so all the symbols in the book will be presented in the form of a pattern for embroidery using this technique. They can be used for the purpose of making embroidered jewelry yourself, applying protective embroidery to clothes and other items.
Let every woman also have every opportunity through protective embroidery to create a powerful energy cocoon for all her family and friends. So every family and every clan will be strong, which means the whole people, the whole country, and our Mother Earth will be strong.
Now, of course, it is difficult to say for sure whether some of the signs I presented in the book were invented by contemporaries or actually have an ancient origin, but archaeologists actually found many of them on ancient tools of labor and everyday life. Also, many different solar symbols have been preserved in samples of embroidered products, which are stored in museums around the world and date back even to the nth years BC.
The full meaning of many symbols also causes controversy in the modern world - it is difficult to say to what extent one or another of them is correctly interpreted, taking into account the lost ancient culture.
Taking all this into account, I collected in this book only those protective signs whose names and protective properties, it seems to me, I understood myself. Or rather, while collecting information about them, I found the least amount of contradictions. The result is a total of 73 characters.
I also ask you to take into account that the collection does not include more than 20 symbols, which I myself have not yet fully understood, but which I have encountered in some sources. These are the following signs: Ognevik, Yarovrat (Solon), Rasich, Svyatoch, Spiritual power, Bogodar, Istok, Znich, Valkyrie, Narayana, Inglia, Berezha and others. I would be grateful to anyone who can reliably enlighten me regarding their meaning, design and origin. My contact information is listed at the end of the book.
Natalya Solntse, May 2020
Visualization of desires
Those who do not believe in mysticism and magical rituals believe that the fulfillment of desires, which are described in reviews of the signs of cross stitch, is explained by the psychological attunement in the process of working on the painting. It’s not for nothing that needlewomen are advised to act consciously, not only in the process of choosing a plot, but also to always imagine in detail what they dream about. Psychologists call these visualization techniques. It helps not only to understand what exactly a person wants, but also to figure out how this can be achieved. While the process is underway, there is time to calmly and measuredly think through all the details, understand all the nuances and obstacles, and then boldly move towards what you want.
Some form of self-tuning, the belief that a dream can come true, also contributes to its realization. Therefore, the call to imagine an already fulfilled desire does not work entirely magically - psychological mechanisms may also be involved. But it is hardly possible to say exactly how it works. Some people believe in mystical power, while others believe in consciously working on their lives. In any case, signs in cross stitch help you tune in and be one step closer to your plans.
Other folk embroidery signs
Folk wisdom concerns not only the symbols and signs depicted in the paintings, but also other things:
- It is better to start embroidering in good, sunny weather, then the work will turn out sunny.
- An unfinished linen should not be placed on the bed, otherwise the process will be long and tedious.
- Pricking your finger while embroidering according to a sign means that there is an error somewhere in the work.
- While embroidering, you should not talk loudly, gossip or think about bad things.
- If you make a wish with the first stitch and repeat it while making the last knot, then it will certainly come true.
- If a thread sticks to your clothes, your gentleman will come soon. Light thread - wait for a blond, dark - a brunette or brown-haired man.
Embroidery for the birth of a child
When a family dreams of a new addition, but for some reason this does not happen, needlewomen are advised to embroider themes related to childbirth. These can be storks with a baby in their beak, children's toys and accessories, images of a mother and child. Orthodox embroiderers often turn to scenes depicting the Virgin Mary with a baby in her arms. Animals pairing with cubs, such as lions with cubs or a rooster and hen with chicks, can also result in pregnancy. The phoenix, together with the dragon, symbolizes the ideal family and is also recommended for those couples who want to have children.
Signs associated with cross stitch can correspond not only to a certain plot. Sometimes specific sets from some manufacturers become the very genie that makes dreams come true for needlewomen. Among these famous embroideries is “Almost Perfect” from Dimensions. The set is small and suitable even for those who have never done this type of needlework. The picture shows three angels with their hands folded in prayer. Two of them have their eyes closed, but the last one does not. In addition, the last angel scratches one foot of the other. Even his halo hangs askew. Those women for whom the cross stitch sign associated with this set worked, often recommend it on the forums of craftswomen. That’s why it is very popular and is one of the most famous from the manufacturer Dimensions.
Some women are interested in whether it is possible to do this type of needlework while expecting a child. What could be the consequences if you embroider a special plot when conception has already occurred? Folk signs do not give a definite answer as to whether pregnant women can cross-stitch. There is an opinion that hard work can affect the well-being of a woman in an interesting position. But evidence for this version is usually not provided. There is only speculation about the embroidery and the peculiarities of the operation of signs in an interesting position. But no one directly prohibits doing handicrafts during this period.
Meaning of colors
A special place in embroidery is occupied by the image of various flowers and trees. Plant motifs personify life in all its manifestations. Each plant embroidered on clothing, household items or religious objects has a sacred meaning.
Through this design of ornaments, needlewomen embroider symbols of longevity, love, passion, wisdom, prosperity, and success. Each event in a person’s life has its own magical pattern.
poppies
The scarlet color of this flower symbolizes blood and family ties. Red poppies on an unmarried girl’s blouse signify youth, beauty, femininity, passion and the desire to get married.
Scarlet flowers and buds embroidered by a married woman on pillowcases and towels indicate that the needlewoman wants to strengthen the marriage union and dreams of procreation.
Lilies
The snow-white flower, personifying purity and innocence, was also used to symbolize the royal or royal dynasty. This symbolism was used both when sewing clothes for high-ranking persons and for decorating attributes of power.
Roses
The Queen of Flowers, created from multi-colored threads, can simultaneously symbolize innocence and tenderness, love and raging passion. It all depends on the shades of the embroidered bud or flower.
Delicate white and pink buds reflect shyness and purity of thoughts. The brighter the colors on the canvas, the stronger the desires and passions reflected on it. Bouquets of scarlet roses, as a rule, are embroidered by passionate, sensual people. And an armful of yellow flowers symbolizes rationality, calmness and the desire for prosperity.
Field
Bouquets of bright cornflowers, violets and forget-me-nots symbolize the romance and purity of the embroiderer’s thoughts. These flowers, together with ears of grain, were used to embroider canvases so that the earth would give people fertility.
According to popular belief, towels or pillowcases embroidered in this way will lead to a good harvest of bread and grass. This means that people and pets will be well fed. Such patterns were usually embroidered by peasant women living on subsistence farming.
Signs for married couples and newlyweds
It is not necessary to use tips on plots and cross stitch for some special action. But needlewomen on various forums advise taking into account how the image can affect the atmosphere in the house. It is believed that some embroideries placed in the wrong place can also affect the life of a young family. For example, naked women in a couple's bedroom can lead to cheating.
Signs in cross stitch are also associated with water symbols. A waterfall is considered an energetically negative image, leading to loss of strength and well-being. On the contrary, a fountain is activity and improvement in financial condition. There are different embroidery signs about cross-stitching a mermaid, some associate them with travel by sea, and others with the fulfillment of desires. This symbol is complex, which is why many needlewomen consider it an ordinary picture without any meaning. According to the signs in cross stitch, still lifes, images of various rich dishes and harvests also contribute to abundance. It is best to place such paintings in the kitchen area.
They also say that cross stitch, signs and various discussions of which can be found on forums and in groups dedicated to this topic, can also bring love and harmony to the family. The best way to do this is considered to be embroidering a pair of wolves. These animals symbolize fidelity and are considered a talisman for newlyweds. It is believed that the image of a pair of swans, lovebirds and any other paired embroidery has a similar effect. For example, a kissing couple. Cross stitch “Good Omen” from “Wonderful Needle” is also associated with family happiness. But why the plot is based on shoes in which flowers are planted remains a mystery.
What you don't need to embroider
In the art of embroidery there are both good symbols that promise success and happiness, and bad ones that attract negative energy and enemies. If a needlewoman values her happiness, there is no need to use such drawings:
- Sunset. Despite its beauty, sunset means a breakdown and the end of all good things.
- Waterfall. Water in embroidery is a symbol of energy, but a waterfall means loss of strength, as the liquid falls down.
- You cannot embroider images of naked or dead people - such pictures will not bring happiness and guarantee long-term loneliness and prolonged illness.
- Dried trees symbolize the death of pure thoughts.
Embroidery signs say that by depicting bad or sad drawings, a person dooms himself to what is depicted in the picture.
Embroidery to change living conditions
The appearance of your own home, according to reviews of the signs of cross stitch, can be facilitated by working with an appropriate plot. It is advisable to choose huts and various buildings that are similar to your dream home. Many needlewomen for whom this sign has worked note the external similarity of their embroidery and their future home. But a small image of any home can help change your living conditions.
In signs and various discussions of cross stitch that can be found on handicraft forums, the magical power of another set from Dimensions - Victorian Charm - is often mentioned. The image of this house more often than others leads to the emergence of new real estate or improved living conditions. The peculiarity of this embroidery is that it can be changed by adding your own elements. For example, embroider cats or flower pots in windows.
Flower arrangements and their meaning
The connection with nature in folk art and handicrafts is often expressed through plant motifs. Likewise, you can often hear about cross stitch, the meanings of embroidery and signs in connection with sets depicting flowers. Poppies, beloved by many, are believed to symbolize masculine strength, while orchids symbolize femininity.
A clover with three leaves refers to the Christian concept of the Trinity, while a clover with four leaves means a wish for good luck. Delicate wildflowers and bouquets of them are tenderness and purity.
A special role is given to the peony. Cross stitch, the meaning of embroidery and signs about this flower are usually associated with the search for a man. The image of a unicorn works in a similar way. By embroidering such a picture, a single woman can attract a chosen one and get married. In order for the sign to work, it is recommended to hang the finished work in the house of the parents of the girl who is looking for a groom. A bouquet of peonies can be of any shade.
Sometimes the symbolism of embroidery is combined with the concept of Feng Shui, placing the completed work in special sectors that are highlighted in the house using a special compass. According to this teaching, the image of peonies is best placed in the bedroom or love sector, as it symbolizes passion and carnal love. Therefore, after a happy marriage, women are advised to move the painting to another place, otherwise it will turn from a symbol of love into a harbinger of betrayal.
White Lily
The tenderness and fragility of the lily flower is equated with girlish innocence, charm and beauty. The image of lilies and a pair of white swans look touching - a sign of pure, sincere love and endless fidelity. The lily is embroidered like a flower, leaves and bud, symbolizing the mystery of the birth of a new life and personifying feminine energy, as a symbol of purity, charm, virgin purity. The line drawing can be complemented by a cross blessing the young family. The image above the flower of a drop prophesies fertilization.
Signs in embroidery to attract love
In addition to peonies and unicorns, those who are looking for a partner are often recommended to embroider scenes that contain images of pierced hearts. But craftswomen say that such paintings must be used carefully so as not to attract ex-boyfriends instead of new love. The heart symbol means a passionate relationship and promotes an early meeting with a “soul mate.” Images of a kissing couple or a masked stranger also, according to embroidery signs, help to quickly find a partner.
Protective chainmail
Scheme: a cross enclosed in a circle. This pattern will repel magical attacks, block energy vampires and protect you from the evil eye and curses. It should be embroidered on the inside of the garment, near the heart.
Use red threads, and the needle must be new. If you are communicating with an unpleasant person or have heard offensive or, conversely, too laudatory speech addressed to you, hold onto the drawing and mentally say: “Your business is in your own body.”
Cross stitch “Lighthouse”: signs
There are special stories that are not tied to a specific topic. Among them is embroidery with the image of a lighthouse. This is a symbol of the road to the goal, direction, help along the way. Therefore, it has become a universal designation for dreams. When purchasing a set with this structure, it is recommended to decide on the goal and, making the first stitch, imagine it in detail. The desired can be anything: a thing, an action or an event. Sometimes on forums they advise not to make a wish at all, but to write it down on the canvas itself with a water-soluble marker or a washable pencil so as not to forget. It happens that embroidery takes a long time, so this precaution will not hurt. When the work is ready, the marker will dissolve without a trace during washing.
Sometimes the image of a lighthouse is also associated with wedding signs, calling it a source of light that attracts a soul mate. When choosing a plot in this case, you should pay attention to the state of the sea. If you don’t want a storm of passions in your future family life, it is advisable to choose those sets where the water is calm. For adventure lovers, there is a rough sea with high waves.
How to improve your health with embroidery
Charms associated with health and well-being often relate to Slavic mythology. These are special ornaments and symbols that are embroidered with red threads on a white background and carry a sacred meaning. But there are also stories that, according to signs, can help improve health. Among them is a pair of cranes. These birds are also associated with family well-being and prosperity. In order to make them a talisman that protects health, you need to add a pine branch or an entire tree to the image. Peach is also a similar amulets. It symbolizes vitality and longevity.
Signs for embroidering paintings-amulets
Amulet paintings in embroidery are in a special position, as they protect a person and his home from bad things and enemies. The following images are considered the most popular and effective amulets:
- Wild animals - an embroidered lion, tiger or dog will play the role of a guard and faithfully defend the territory. At the same time, it is important that the animals do not fight or bare their teeth during embroidery.
- Five bats is a popular embroidery motif. According to superstitions, five mice with wings symbolize five things: health, long life, money, luck and virtue.
- Icons —embroidered faces of saints—are considered the most powerful amulets. It is important that the image in the painting exactly matches the description of the saint, repeating the original.
- Charms for good luck - horseshoes and bells are embroidered to achieve success.
- Charms for health - in this case, the image of a pine tree, crane or turtle will help.
Sound sleep and embroidery
To prevent nightmares from tormenting anyone at night, an amulet that was passed down to European culture from the American Indians is often hung over the bed. This is a so-called dream catcher, a special device made of branches, leather ropes and threads, resembling a cobweb or lattice in appearance. The product is richly decorated with beads, beads and bright feathers. It was believed that evil spirits could get entangled in the labyrinth of threads, which would not allow them to influence the night visions of the owners of the house. A dream catcher embroidered on canvas, according to signs, has similar properties. It scares away nightmares and allows only good and pleasant visions to pass through. The work should be placed at the head of the bed.
Attracting good luck
Many symbols from the teachings of Feng Shui are also associated with embroidery signs, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. For example, golden carp or other fish, a toad sitting on a coin and a phoenix bird. An embroidered sailboat can attract good luck to your home, but it is important that its bow is turned towards the person looking at the picture. The symbols of the ships in various designs resemble a lighthouse. They denote certain desires, the fulfillment of which requires a happy occasion. But, in some cases, their meaning is associated with travel and favorable changes in life.
Why do the threads get tangled?
Needlewomen who work with yarn or thread have one old sign. Do not tear off too long a thread for sewing or embroidery. Experienced mentors always warn novice craftswomen about this.
There is a simple explanation for this: a large piece of thread, getting tangled and knotted, only interferes with your work. And according to popular belief, such an embroiderer’s whole life will be chaotic.
When the thread freely follows the needle, then the girl’s fate turns out well.
Financial issue
Money and luck are closely linked in the minds of many people. Therefore, it is not surprising that financial well-being and the smile of Fortune can represent the same symbols. For example, the image of a fountain, which has already been mentioned, is associated with wealth and luck in money. Simply, prosperity in the home and sufficient funds for a happy life are associated with a three-legged toad or frog sitting on a pile of coins.
The phoenix and dragon, a talisman for a happy marriage, also attracts money and prosperity to the home. But they don't have to be paired. The dragon, apart from the phoenix, is considered a talisman for a successful business. Most often he is depicted with a pearl in his paws. It is a mandatory attribute, otherwise, according to signs, the embroidery will not “work”. The pearl symbolizes the inextricable connection between the material and spiritual worlds.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the image of the money tree. There must be an odd number of coins on it, otherwise the talisman will work in the opposite direction, reducing the amount of money in the house. The ideal quantity is nine pieces. If there are flowers on the money tree, their number should not be even. The optimal quantity is 3 buds. The peacock is also associated with prosperity, its feathers attract good luck. But it is important to place these symbols in the correct zone, focusing on the teachings of Feng Shui. A horseshoe upside down, a windmill and a grapevine are also symbols of finance and attract money into the house. Images of mountains can also serve to attract good luck. But there should not be any bodies of water near them.
Geometric patterns
A popular type of embroidered pattern among Slavic peoples is the rhombus. National folk embroidery is famous for its image of rhombuses. This is a strong amulet that brings happiness and good luck. The symbol is widespread and used in embroidery of Slavic ethnic clothing.
Ukrainian needlewomen, when embroidering all kinds of significant patterns, often used geometric designs, the meaning of which was made public.
- The Earth and the Sun, supplemented by Water - symbols that give life to all living things, are indicated by symbolic rhombuses, which mean the fertility of the Earth, heated by the heat of the sun.
- The stars represent the solar system and the universe, characterized by order and harmony.
- A rhombus crossed by lines means a field, a plot of land.
- A rhombus with dots in the center - fertility, fertilization.
- The circle is a symbolism of the Sun and harmony.
- The wavy contours are water sources.
- Radiation - prosperity, blessing from heaven, a well-fed life.
Embroidery for success at work
Those who want to change their field of activity or advance their career are recommended to choose a plot where horses are present. But it is important to be careful with the symbolism of such paintings. Embroidering a loaded horse can attract not a dream job at all, but some everyday problems where the embroiderer will begin to get tired. The optimal position for the animal in the picture is considered vertical, when its body is directed upward.
Whether or not to use the advice of needlewomen and embroidery signs is something everyone decides for themselves. But you shouldn’t rely only on crosses on the canvas, located in a special order. You can cross-stitch without following the signs. The fate of everyone and the fulfillment of desires depend not on a magical artifact, but on the conscious efforts of a person. Embroidery only helps you tune in and decide for yourself what you want and what will lead to your plans.
Is it possible to embroider on church holidays?
In the old days, women were forbidden to embroider on Orthodox holidays and Sunday, since this day was considered a rest from work. Nowadays, embroidery is more of a pleasant hobby, so you can embroider on Sunday. This rule also applies to church holidays. If a person does not consider embroidery to be work, then you can calmly visit church and get creative in the evening. If an embroiderer earns her living from this craft, then according to the sign, it is better to refrain from needlework. You can also embroider during Lent, as this process will help you focus on good thoughts.
Embroidery beliefs are part of Slavic culture. By listening to wise advice and signs, you can “weave” your happiness from threads, protect loved ones from troubles and find your soul mate. The main thing is to remember that thoughts are material, and when embroidering, you should think only about good and positive things.
