It could be said that since it was the birth of a baby as a gift to mankind that gave rise to Christmas, then children should also and always be the primary focus of the season.

Individual families will say they have always put children first and parents will sacrifice seeking their desires at Christmas to make sure their children are satisfied. And although adults also look forward with much anticipation to the Christmas season, the frenzy that accounts for all the shopping and preparation during the Christmas season is really for the benefit of children.

From a financial perspective, the extensive shopping done at Christmas is really of benefit to businesses. But what really drives the maddening shopping activity is a desire by parents, relatives, friends and acquaintances to play Santa Claus, mainly for children. Within families, children are usually the ones who individually receive the most gifts. And it’s deservedly so because their wide-eyed anticipation, excitement and pure joy when they open their Christmas presents gives everyone an indescribably happy feeling.

Along with playing Santa Claus and secretly getting gifts for children, adults also use the Santa story for all it’s worth as an effective means of discipline. As soon as the fall season approaches, children will begin to hear warnings about their behaviour and the consequence of Santa Claus not leaving any toys or presents like the wonderful ones they received in the prior year. And when the Santa Claus story is not being used to help to get the best behaviour from children, it is simply pure fun to delight them by telling them stories about Santa Claus, his elves and reindeers to simply enliven their imagination.

The story of Santa Claus is even useful for older children who may just be starting to unravel the mystery of Santa Claus. The stories that tell of different places where Santa Claus actually lives can be a starting point to go on an imaginative journey around the globe and become a geography lesson to learn about those places.

Children are also central to Christmas because the many grand displays of Christmas scenery, colourful lights and sparkling ornaments really target the attention of children. So, if children were not so important at Christmas time,then it is quite possible that many of the traditions that make Christmas what it is would not exist. As an example, Valentine’s Day and holidays related to Easter have a much different mood and atmosphere. Children aren’t the focus in celebrations for those special periods.

Christmas is also an important period for the toy industry whose clients are naturally children. Although the industry is part of the big retail picture and therefore seeks to boost sales during the Christmas season, there is also a deeper meaning for children. Toys are important to entertain, to educate, to help children develop their imagination and to develop coordination and other skills in children. Toys can also help children to play together and learn to share.

The toy industry is therefore important at Christmas time in introducing new products that are integral to the development of children. When children become totally captivated by a new toy at Christmas time, it may help them to learn anew skill or provide new knowledge all in a fun and captivating way that will make it more likely that whatever is learned will be remembered.

Children are also the focus of Christmas celebrations because it is important to create fond childhood memories of the season. These memories are created not by children necessarily receiving a lot, but by enjoying everything about the season.

The story of Jesus with the moral of sharing, giving and doing kind deeds for others can also help to build a good character and set a moral foundation that teaches children to have empathy and compassion during the Christmas season and all throughout the year.

Jayne Waldorf has been an internet marketer for over two years.If you would like more information on Christmas or to see some great Christmas products please visit Jayne at her Waldorf Christmas Web Site Today

The early prosperity of Bordeaux and the fame it enjoyed under Rome’s rule was quickly destroyed when it was invaded. The city was blasted by the Alans, Ilerulians, Sarmatians, and Vandals in 406, which left the city in ruins.

The destruction

The invasion of the city by the Barbarians left Bordeaux in ruins. The invaders continued on their way into the south where they hit Spain. Unfortunately, this was not the last that Bordeaux heard of them. The city was left to the Visigoths in an attempt to spare Italy, and the Visigoths were not kind to Christians. The Christians were persecuted, leaving the churches empty.

Reclaiming the city

Bordeaux was run for nearly a century by the barbarians—a stark contrast from the wine experts that now make up the city, hawking their Petite Sirah (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Petite%20Sirah/). Toulouse was made the capital of the kingdom, but Bordeaux was occasionally used to hold court. However, King Clovis of France ended up defeating them at the Battle of Vouille in 507.

He claimed Bordeaux, and made it into the main city of Aquitania. After Clovis died, the country was plunged into several wars, between the descendents or foreign invaders. This continued until Dagobert reestablished the kingdom of Toulouse. Unfortunately, it did not remain a kingdom for long, but became a duchy until 696 when it became an independent state.

Invasion of the Saracens

This lasted until 731, when the Saracens invaded the country as far as the Loire. They were eventually defeated by the duke of Aquitania, Eudes, and his ally Charles Martel. Martel then ransacked the provinces as a way to punish the son of Eudes for attempting to retake towns.

Afterwards, there was a war between Pepin and Waifer, which lasted after Waifer was assassinated by Pepin’s men. This put Aquitania under the control of Charlemagne, who made it into a kingdom for his infant son after seeing his army, led by his nephew Roland, be destroyed at Roncevaux.

War again

Louis took over the kingdom of Aquitania and passed it on to Pepin. Pepin founded many abbeys, and after his death, the country was again torn to pieces by war. It was attacked by the Normans in 844, ransacking the city. They were eventually pushed back to the bases, which they burned.

Eventually, the Normans left the country after receiving a tribute from Charles the Bald. Bordeaux was then governed by Louis, the last king until 877 when he became the king of France. After that, Aquitania became a duchy, though it often neglected its obligation to pay homage to the king.

Enriching the church

With so much war and troubles of the nation also came pilgrimages and other tokens of repentance. Many of the warriors thought that they could have their war crimes forgiven by giving to the church, and so they spent the last of their days in the churches, some even living as monks. There are still monks that make up a sufficient percentage of the population in Bordeaux. Not everyone walks around sipping their Pinotage (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Pinotage/) in the vineyards.

Bordeaux has seen much of its history in a state of war and suffering. With the exception of certain serfs who were attached to the land, all men were required to fight and die for their country. This left many of the cities like Bordeaux struggling to recover after the major battles. Those that remained often left their wealth to the church, certain that the end of the world was rapidly approaching.

Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in travel, leisure, and the history of wine making. For a great selection of varietals such as Petite Sirah and Pinotage, please visit http://www.wineaccess.com/.

People are becoming more conscious about the products they’re buying and how these products are made. That’s why manufacturers are creating styles crafted from sustainable resources. From sport shirts to fleece to accessories, eco-friendly products are a welcome alternative that are designed to work in harmony with nature. When you purchase a product that is organic, recycled or produced in an environmentally friendly manner then you have voted with your dollars and helped create a demand for alternative products. Eco Friendly products is a fledgling part of the apparel industry it will take time to make it to the mainstream in a more profound way, but as time goes on more products will be available for the environmentally conscious consumer.

Eco Friendly Clothing is all the rage these days and with the goings on in the world, economy and our daily lives eco friendly apparel makes sense. Organic clothing and recycled clothing are nice ways to treat out earth in a friendly manner and at the same time be fashionable and hip with your friends. The styles available range from plain white t-shirts, polo shirts and hats made of bamboo, and apparel created with recycled plastic bottles. As with anything there are downsides to eco friendly clothing such as it a little more expensive for consumer, but when compared to the upside the argument for more organic clothing is strong. I am quite sure as this catches on the prices will come down.

Eco Friendly Apparel is designed for healthy, active lifestyles and people who care about the environment and society enough to be conscious of the impact their clothes have on the rest of the world. Each of us leaves a footprint behind while we live our lives on planet earth and it is truly thoughtful to try to leave it as you found it. We as a species have a long way to go concerning the health of the earth. Just think that every little act does count and it does add up over time. We can reverse the downtrend in the degradation of humanities greatest possession – planet earth.

Made from natural and fair-trade materials like soy, organic cotton, bamboo, and leather-alternatives, clothing and accessories are eco-conscious, socially responsible and stylish at the same time. Be kind to our planet - buy eco friendly clothing.

Types of clothing

Bamboo fabric is created from the bamboo pulp. It does not need chlorine to bleach it and it can be dyed easily with minimal water requirements. Fabrics that do not dye easily are often treated with harsh chemicals and much more water, so an organic fabric that dyes easy is generally better for the environment.

Organic cotton is much more environmentally friendly than the traditional variety as it uses no pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides during the growing cycle. There are many growers of this crop, and the number is steadily increasing.

Recycled Fleece has many benefits for the environment and economy. Benefits include lessening of our dependence on oil (foreign oil), reduces discarded clothing, and is generally thought to create less air, water and soil contamination. When a polyester garment reaches a landfill where they incinerate some of the garbage, polyester will create toxic emissions that will pollute the air – recycling of these garments reduce that toxic emission. Major sources for recycled polyester are discarded plastic bottles.

Jason Duke has been involved with the apparel industry for a little over 2 years. Organic clothing is a new and exciting part of the apparel industry and is being promoted because our planet is needful of friendly manufacturing processes and less waste. Check out some Eco Friendly Apparel

If you want a truly unique bridal dress on your wedding day, you can look for inspirations from the wedding attire of different cultures. You can veer away from the traditional white gown, the trendy strapless bodice, the long veil, and the seed pearls and embroidery of your peers’ wedding gowns. Of course, you will need a certain unorthodox spirit to carry out your inspired bridal dress plus a husband who will cater to your whims. If he is of the culture you borrowed your inspiration from, then better for you!

The Indian Sari

You have seen a sari worn by Indian beauty queens like Aishwarya Rai. You cannot deny how these flowing garments emphasize feminine grace and attributes while leaving plenty to the imagination. Add in colorful threads and embellishments and you have one head-turning dress!

For Indian weddings, the traditional colors are red and white that symbolizes fertility, wealth and purity. Instead of an all-white bridal dress, you can inject touches of red - a ribbon or hem embroidery perhaps. If you want to take it one step further, you can design a sari-inspired wedding gown. You would have dispensed of stiff petticoats and restraining corsets and just be comfortable during the wedding ceremony and the reception.

The Irish Blue

The traditional Irish bridal dress is blue, which symbolizes purity. Lest you think that it should be green since it is the color of Ireland, it is actually considered bad luck for the bride to wear green. (Thus, if invited to an Irish wedding, avoid wearing green, too)

You can wear a blue-hued dress, if you want. Better yet, you can always use the finest Irish lace in your wedding gown. Not only do you go haute couture, you also have an exquisite dress on your wedding day!

The Scottish Tartan

Fortunately for you, The Scottish bridal dress is traditionally white or cream. However, you can add touches of tartan to your dress - tartan ribbons on your bouquet, tartan trimmings, tartan shawl, or a tartan waist sash. This livens up an otherwise all-white ensemble with tradition particularly when your family or that of your husband’s has Scottish origins.

Or if you do not want a tartan, you can always have Celtic knot work embroidered on your wedding gown to symbolize eternal love. At the very least, you have ancient patterns with meanings instead of the customary flowers and leaves.

The Hispanic Heritage

If you are of Hispanic heritage, the tradition about wearing something borrowed takes on a different meaning. Your wedding dress might very well be the wedding dress of your mother and your grandmother, with a few revisions to suit your bodily measurements. This reflects your pride of family, a trait highly valued in Hispanic societies.

The Spanish traditional wedding gown represents a radical departure from the customary white of Western weddings. The Spanish bride wears a black gown and a lacy mantilla veil to symbolize her devotion to her husband until death. If you choose a Spanish-influenced gown vis-…-vis color, you do not need to despair. You can sew in ribbons of yellow, blue and red into your lingerie or infuse touches of these colors into your gown.

Of course, when you do choose a foreign influence as inspiration for your bridal dress, do not make the mistake of turning it into a hodgepodge of clashing ideas. You want a timeless appeal with a traditional touch to your wedding gown!

For a perfect wedding, find ideas for your wedding favours and wedding cakes as well as your perfect bridal dress at BestforBride.com today!

Toronto funeral limousine is part of limousine services offered in the Greater Toronto Area, which the many companies have introduced to accommodate its customers as they transport loved ones who have passed on. The company has professionally trained staff who specialize in car services to offer chauffeured services to those who have lost a love one and need them to travel in style. These services are offered not only in the cities of Toronto but also in the greater Toronto area. The death of a family member is a trying moment for most people. It is more trying if the person dies when they are overseas or in another state. Not only is transporting the body costly, but it is also mentally strenuous to make all the arrangements to the last detail. That is why it is wise to get a Toronto funeral limousine to help transport the body of the loved one. These companies take upon themselves all the hassle of getting the body from the airport to the morgue or the place of burial.

The funeral limousine companies have a fleet of limousines, which have several different features to ensure comfort and style when traveling. The limousines have GPS tracking devices or units, which are among the most recent investments. The limousine companies deliver the highest and fastest level of service, which is among the most courteous and dependable limo services available in the Greater Toronto Area. No matter what plans a family has in transporting a lost loved one the funeral limousine offers one of the best environment and mood. The Toronto funeral limousine has features such as fiber optic lighting, leather interiors and privacy partitions to ensure the family travels in style.

Luxury limousine service offers a wide variety of vehicles that accommodates groups of any size and delivers the best transport care and service. Limo prices vary and Toronto funeral limousine range from cheap limousines to pricey exotic limousines. Choosing a limousine for a funeral service is not sufficient to make the event memorable. There are several assorted Toronto funeral limousine models, which are available as part of limousine rentals. Choosing the right one for the event guarantees an elegant and stylish farewell. When combing the cities of Toronto, Ontario, Mississauga or even the Greater Toronto Area, for limousine companies, it is important to consider not just the cheap limousine rentals but also the executive limousine services that offer chauffer services. This would be necessary when being used to transport the body of a departed.

If it is the first time that a family is hiring a Toronto funeral limousine and they are not sure about the best model choice for the event, then limousine services in Toronto have guides on variety of limo models that are for rental. Some of the limos have simple interior designs but ensure smooth travel and accommodate different number of people. A Lincoln town car is a perfect example of a convenient limo. It can be used to carry the body of the lost loved one and ensure a respectable farewell.

Funeral LimousinWhether it be a luxury sedan or one of our larger limos, our service will be unmatched by anyone in the industry. visit: http://www.torontolimousineservices.com

The marked depreciation of urban real estate, farm lands, and bond values called for the rearrangement of the investment portfolio of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.

President Ecker, with his long and varied experience in this field, addressed himself to the solution of this problem, made particularly difficult by the continued decline in opportunities for the profitable investment of insurance funds. Money was accumulating in the treasury because it was almost impossible to find proper investment channels.

Under these conditions and with a consciousness of civic responsibility, Mr. Ecker turned his attention to the field of moderate rental housing. At the age of 70 he launched a building program unprecedented in social character and magnitude, to provide homes for persons of medium income in New York City.

He located a large tract in The Bronx, guided the planning of adequate buildings and services, and saw step by step the fulfillment of his hopes in the completion of a model community, Parkchester. By the early 1920’s, 36,000 people lived there, a splendid contribution to the moderate priced housing program of the city and the Nation.

Similar housing developments were undertaken under Mr. Ecker’s direction both in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and later in Alexandria, Va. Such building programs, without precedent in the United States for a private company, were recognized by national and private agencies as an important contribution to the housing problem in the period of war emergency.

At the same time, they served as an excellent investment field for the company. During the period of financial depression there were criticisms of every business; and the business of life insurance, homeowner’s insurance (http://cheap-insurance-rates.com/home/), and even automobile insurance in general and the Metropolitan specifically were not exempt.

Notwithstanding the splendid record of the major companies, various movements for investigating the life insurance business and health insurance providers (http://cheap-insurance-rates.com/health/) were initiated in Washington. In 1938 the Congress of the United States responded to a message from President Roosevelt and included among the subjects to be investigated by the Temporary National Economic Committee certain investment phases of the business of life insurance.

The investigation was assigned to the newly created Securities and Exchange Commission. Those responsible for gathering evidence to submit to the T.N.E.C. lost no opportunity to seek out material for criticism in the business and directed much of their attention to the Metropolitan. The company took a firm stand in behalf of its policyholders and presented voluminous documentary evidence to show that it had conducted its many activities in the public interest, and that its size had not involved any abuse of economic power—that its position as investor of trustee funds as prescribed by Statute precluded such power.

Nor had its size interfered with its effectiveness as a social organization. In fact, the company had increased in initiative and in service as it had grown. After the conclusion of the hearings, the comment of the Chairman of the T.N.E.C. was that the life insurance business had come through with flying colors.

The failure of the effort to find serious fault with the administration of life insurance in general is best evidenced by the character of the recommendations which were made by the Temporary National Economic Committee. These, for the most part, had to do with a number of suggestions as to modifications in the practice of State supervision. The impression made on the public by these hearings is to be measured by the fact that, during their progress and after their close, the amount of new insurance written by the companies and the lapse rate were exceedingly satisfactory.

This was particularly marked in the case of the Metropolitan, which in 1941 reached the total of more than $25,000,000,000 of insurance in force, issued more business in both the Ordinary and Industrial Departments than in several years past, and achieved in both departments the lowest lapse rates on record.

But if the insurance companies came through this Federal and other investigations unscathed, it must not be supposed that this business has been without its trials and tribulations. No human institution has ever sprung into perfection, like Athena from the head of Zeus; and the life insurance business has had its growing pains.

Early last century, life insurance companies and private health insurance, http://cheap-insurance-rates.com/health/raleigh.cfm, including the Metropolitan, were launched as purely competitive business ventures with the profit motive well in the foreground, entirely in keeping with the aggressive, individualistic spirit of the times. Naturally, contracts at the beginning were not as liberal as they are today. Agents frequently were poorly trained and did not fully measure up to the responsibility of their calling. As a result, insurance was sometimes written in amounts disproportionate to the family income, haphazardly distributed, causing high lapse rates and excessive expense and loss.

Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in life insurance, homeowner’s insurance, and private health insurance. For free quotes on homeowner’s, renter’s, health, and automobile insurance, please visit http://www.cheap-insurance-rates.com/.

Nobody saw it coming, but Ugg Boots have certainly taken the world by storm and become a huge fashion craze. Everybody whose anyone is wearing them! Austrailians know that Ugg means “ugly” but these woolly sensations are still everywhere. Wondering exactly how Ugg Boots are made and just what makes them so comfortable?

Genuine Ugg Boots are made from the highest quality materials, including sheepskin hide. You can buy knockoff Ugg Boots almost anywhere, but only the real deal provides the comfort and durability promised by Ugg. If they are not made in Australia then they are not authentic. Ugg Boots are just not made in China, so don’t be fooled. Buying Ugg-style boots that are not genuine will leave you with boots that are far inferior in quality. Translation: uncomfortable and smelly.

Warm in the winter and cool in the summer, genuine Ugg Boots are made from Australian double-faced sheepsking, usually Australian Merino Sheepskin. The highest quality around! Saving a couple of bucks will get you some synthetic fiber that’s not the same.

Some folks wonder if any animals are harmed during the making of Ugg Boots. The short answer is, the sheep is slaughtered. BUT, that sheep was going to be slaughtered for meat to feed people—it is never actually slaughtered to obtain the sheepskin. Sheep farmers obtain a secondary profit for selling the hides in addition to the meat. So, understand that the making of Ugg Boots doesn’t directly harm the sheep.

Sheepskins have to be preserved properly before they can be processed into boots. Tanneries use large vessels called paddles, that hold anywhere from 3,000 to 15,000 liters of salt water and slowly swish the skins around inside. This is a gentle process that takes about 10 days to get the hides properly tanned and ready to be cut for Ugg boots.

Step 1. Tanning/ Processing

The first step in tanning or processing of sheepskin is “Soaking,” which takes about 16 hours to complete. During this process, the skins are thoroughly rinsed in cold water to remove any excess salt or dirt from the wool and pelt. This soaking process is done overnight in a vat of fresh cold water.

The next step in the tanning process is called “Fleshing.” This part of the process uses a fleshing machine which removes any excess fat and muscle tissue from the underside of the sheepskins. This part of the process is essential for allowing more rapid and complete penetration of chemicals in the later stages of processing, particularly during the pickling and tanning stages.

After Fleshing comes “Scouring.” This 30-45 minute segment of the process uses surfactants at high temperatures (around 38 degrees Celsius) and takes care of removing dirt and lanolin (grease) from the wool.

“Pickling” of the sheepskin then takes about 16 hours. Before the sheepskin can be tanned, they have to be ) pickled. Pickling means soaking the skins in a solution of acid and salt. Adding salt prevents any potential swelling of the skins because of the acid. It’s important to lower the internal pH of the skins to somewhere between 2.8-3.0, which will allow the tanning agent to properly penetrate the skin.

The 16-hour “Tanning” step involves using chromium salts which form cross-links with the collagen, thereby helping to stabilize the skin structure and preventing putrefaction or rotting. This step is performed at room temperature, around 25 degrees Celsius, and around a pH of 2.5-3.0. Once the tanning agent (the chromium) penetrates the skin, the process is stopped, and the chrome is fixed to the collagen by raisng the pH to 3.6 using sodium bicarbonate and heating the skins to between 35-40 degrees Celsius. In doing so, the shrinkage temperature of the skin is raised to anywhere between 60-100 degrees Celsius.

Next comes “Wool Dyeing” or “Fatliquoring.” This takes anywhere from 3-4 hours to complete. After the skin is tanned, the wool may be dyed any of a variety of colors. Wool dyeing needs to be done at about pH 4.5-6 and at 60-65 degrees Celsius. Special “pelt reserve agents” must be added to keep the wool dye from staining the pelt. Once the dye is stable, the pH is lowered to about 4.0 to fix the dyes to the wool, and fatliquor (emulsified oil) is added to the solution. Fatliquors are part of leather manufacturing that help to lubricate the collagen fiber and allow them to move flexibly and freely once the skin is dried. This is what makes the leather feel soft.

Drying of the skins then takes 4-24 hours. Forced air dryers are used with the skins stretched across a frame. Drying occurs at 50-80 degrees Celsius.

Drycleaning must then take place over the following 4-24 hours. Either a white spirit (high boiling petroleum fraction) or perchloroehtylene is used to remove any natural fat or grease that remains in the skins.

Following final removal of the pelt grease, “Pelt Dyeing” or “Syntanning” comes next. Back in the paddle (the soaking vessel), the pelts are dyed in cooler temperature dyes (less than 30 degrees Celsius). This minimizes staining of the wool. After the pelt dyeing is completed, syntanning involves using synthetic tanning agents to make the pelts added fullness and firmness. Finally, the skins are dried once more.

Step 2. Finishing

After the lengthy tanning process is complete, the final finishing is done so the skins may be used to make Ugg Boots.

The skins must be conditioned to approximately 20% moisture content. Staking is the process by which the skins are softened and stretched, and a “nappy” surface is added to the pelt.

Final “Combing,” “Ironing,” and “Clipping” then takes place to remove any tangles, burrs, or grass seeds that may be remaining in the wool. The wool is straightened using an iron to remove the natural crimp. Lastly, a clipping machine creates a uniform wool pile at a desired length (usually 12-15 mm).

Step 3. Manufacturing

A “clicking press” is used to cut individual panels from the skins. After being cut to the right size, the panels are then sewn together using special industrial sewing machines. The soles are then glued to the boot upper, and, finally, the Ugg Boots are ready for you to purchase.

Don VanPelt is a writer for LightningbUUGs.com who has published many articles about Ugg Boots. Read his comments and recommendations about Shopping For Ugg Boots.

Chinese embroidery boasts a very long history. As the “Longevity embroidery” and “Token embroidery” unearthed from the Mawangdui Han Tomb in Changsha, Hunan Province, indicate, it reached a rather high level of development some 2000-3000 years ago. Wang Jia of the Jin Dynasty wrote in Making Good Omissions: “In the period of Three Kingdoms, Madame Zhao, wife of His Lord the chief of Wu, could embroider the map of all kingdoms on a piece of silk fabric, with the mountain ranges, rivers and sees all clearly shown. People of that time described it as superb needle-work.” The said map was perhaps the earliest recorded embroidery in China.

Embroidery, a folk art with a long tradition, has an important position in the history of Chinese arts and crafts. In its long development embroidery has been inseparable from silkworm raising and silk reeling and weaving.

China was the first country in the world to weave silk. Silkworms were domesticated as early as some 5,000 years ago. The production of silk threads and fabrics gave rise to the art of embroidery. In 1958, a piece of silk embroidered with a dragon and phoenix was discovered in a state of Chu tomb of the Warring Sates Period (475-221BC). More than 2,000 years old, it is the earliest piece of Chinese embroidery ever unearthed. Embroidery became widespread during the Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220) and many embroidered pieces discovered date back to that period.

Today, silk embroidery is practiced nearly all over China. The Four Famous Embroideries of China refer to the Xiang embroidery in central China’s Hunan Province, Shu embroidery in western China’s Sichuan Province, Yue embroidery in southern China’s Guangdong Province and Su embroidery in eastern China’s Jiangsu Province.

Xiang Embroidery

Xiang embroidery is well known for its time-honored history, excellent craftsmanship and unique style. The earliest piece of Xiang embroidery was unearthed at the No 1 Tomb of Mawangdui, Changsha City of the Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220). The weaving technique was almost the same as the one used in modern times, which demonstrated that embroidery had already existed in the Han Dynasty. In its later development, Xiang Embroidery absorbed the characteristics of traditional Chinese paintings and formed its own unique characteristics. Xiang embroidery experienced its heyday at the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and in the early Republic of China (early 20th century), even surpassing Su embroidery. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Xiang embroidery was further improved and developed to a new level.

Xiang embroidery uses pure silk, hard satin, soft satin and nylon as its material, which is connected with colorful silk threads. Absorbing the spirit of Chinese paintings, the embroidery reaches a high artistic level. Xiang embroidery crafts include valuable works of art, as well as materials for daily use.

Shu Embroidery

Also called Chuan embroidery, Shu embroidery is the general name for embroidery products in areas around Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Shu embroidery enjoys a long history. As early as the Han Dynasty, Shu embroidery was already famous. The central government even designated an office in this area for its administration. During the Five Dynasties and Ten States periods (907-960), a peaceful society and large demand provided advanced conditions for the rapid development of the Shu Embroidery industry. Shu embroidery experienced its peak development in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), ranking first in both production and excellence. In the mid-Qing Dynasty, the Shu embroidery industry was formed. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Shu embroidery factories were set up and the craft entered a new phase of d

development, using innovative techniques and a larger variety of forms.

Originating among the folk people in the west of Sichuan Province, Shu embroidery formed its own unique characteristics: smooth, bright, neat and influenced by the geographical environment, customs and cultures. The works incorporated flowers, leaves, animals, mountains, rivers and human figures as their themes. Altogether, there are 122 approaches in 12 categories for weaving. The craftsmanship of Shu embroidery involves a combination of fine arts, aesthetics and practical uses, such as the facings of quits, pillowcases, coats, shoots and screen covers.

Yue Embroidery

Also called Guang embroidery, Yue embroidery is a general name for embroidery products of the regions of Guangzhou, Shantou, Zhongshan, Fanyu and Shunde in Guangdong Province. According to historical records, in the first year of Yongyuan’s reign (805) during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), a girl named Lu Meiniang embroidered the seventh volume of the Fahua Buddhist Scripture on a piece of thin silk 30 cm long. And so, Yue embroidery became famous around the country. The prosperous Guangzhou Port of the Song Dynasty promoted the development of Yue embroidery, which began to be exported at that time. During the Qing Dynasty, people animal hair as the raw material for Yue embroidery, which made the works more vivid. During Qianlong’s reign (1736-1796) of the Qing, an industrial organization was established in Guangzhou. At that time, a large number of craftsmen devoted themselves to the craft, inciting further improvements to the weaving technique. Since 1915, the work of Yue embroidery garnered several awards at the Panama Expo.

Influenced by national folk art, Yue embroidery formed its own unique characteristics. The embroidered pictures are mainly of dragons and phoenixes, and flowers and birds, with neat designs and strong, contrasting colors. Floss, thread and gold-and-silk thread embroidery are used to produce costumes, decorations for halls and crafts for daily use.

Su Embroidery

With a history of more than 3,000 years, Su embroidery is the general name for embroidery products in areas around Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. The craft, which dates back to the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280), became a sideline of people in the Suzhou area during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Well known for its smoothness and delicateness, Su embroidery won Suzhou the title City of Embroidery in the Qing Dynasty. In the mid and late Qing, Su embroidery experienced further developments involving works of double-sided embroidering. There were 65 embroidery stores in Suzhou City. During the Republic of China period (1912-1949), the Su embroidery industry was in decline due to frequent wars and it was restored and regenerated after the founding of new China. In 1950, the central government set up research centers for Su embroidery and launched training courses for the study of embroidery. Weaving methods have climbed from 18 to the present 40.

Su embroidery features a strong, folk flavor and its weaving techniques are characterized by the following: the product surface must be flat, the rim must be neat, the needle must be thin, the lines must be dense, the color must be harmonious and bright and the picture must be even. Su embroidery products fall into three major categories: costumes, decorations for halls and crafts for daily use, which integrate decorative and practical values. Double-sided embroidery is an excellent representative of Su embroidery.

In addition to the four major embroidery styles there are Ou embroidery of Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province; Bian embroidery of Kaifeng, Henan Province and Han embroidery of Wuhan, Hubei Province.

Himfr Ivy is a scholar, focusing his research on Chinese cultures. If you are interested in purchasing China goods, please visit www.himfr.com.

Ancient shoes were classified into three types in terms of material, i.e. grass, cloth and leather.

Cloth shoes refer to shoes made with hemp fiber, damask silk, brocade and so on.

In the Han Dynasty (206BC-23AD), the toe cap of cloth shoe was usually biforked, and the tread was made with linen thread. Such a shoe was called “Shuangjian Qiaotou Fangl

China has a history of silk more than 5000 years, since she first invented the sericulture and silk production. It is silk that built a bridge between China and Europe, then the Silk Road became a symbol of the cultural and economic exchange between the East and the West. So silk is a part of the Chinese civilization, which made a great contribution to the world.

What kind of oriental silk mysteries will be brought to this beautiful country? It is learned that there will be more than 140 pieces /sets of silk textile exhibits collected by ChinaSilkMuseum, of which 80, carefully selected, extremely precious and rare, are relics of ancient China which epitomizes the historical development of ancient silk culture. Besides, woven fabrics and modern brocade add up to 60 pieces / sets, among which, some master embroidered pieces are supplied by the Culture Ministry of the People’s Republic of China.

The exhibition is made up of three parts.

Part I narrates how China and Europe are connected through the route of Silk Road, that is, the silk relics textiles excavated along the Silk Road by land, sea and desert. Chinese silk chronology charts the development of silk in the past 5,000 years with emphasis on Chinese silk history and culture. A group of model weaving looms, ranging from the primitive back-strapped loom, the treadle plain-weave loom, the reclining loom and the mechanical patterning loom act out not only the weaving technology but also how the ancient Chinese made exquisite silk. The precious exhibits, the 5,000-year old components of a primitive back-strapped loom and the silk yarn unearthed in Yuyao county, Zhejiang Province, enable people to understand that the ancestors of the Chinese people began to grow mulberry trees, raise silkworms and weave silk fabrics even then, hence, the long civilization history of China.

Part II exhibits the silk textile relics from the early Qin period (306 BC) to the 40s of last century. You can see a Han dynasty brocade (206 BC) with the motif of running animals amidst the misty mountains, an indication of people’s longing for a fairyland. Still another piece called “Persian Samite” which dates back to the Northern dynasties (386-581AD) with its motifs of elephant, camel, winged horse, lion, and hunter in half a dozen colors, clearly indicates the influence of the western regions. Rare animals and gods from the Greek mythology form the major motifs of silk textiles from the 5th-9th centuries. A well preserved silk tabby coat tie-dyed by hand helps us to understand and study the silk production techniques as well as the fashion style in that dynasty. The brocade fabrics, elegant and poised with pearl roundel and floral spray motifs produced in the Tang dynasty not only reflect the prosperity of that dynasty but also the high level of technology in the silk production. The delicate and refined style of the Song dynasty is shown in a suit of gauze coat, trousers and a pair of shoes on display. They are thin, light and graceful. The trousers with its short yet loose legs recapture the fashion style of that time. The silk textiles and clothes after the 19th century on this show are all bright in color, diversified in style and exquisite in embroidery. Beautiful and gorgeous are these magnificent yellow fabrics for the emperor’s robe with dragon motifs, the embroidered coats with red flowers, green embroidered woman’s-wear and slim-figured Qipao of superb handwork.

Part III deals with the rapid advance of computerized digital technology and resultant digital weaving techniques. Brocade embroidery is the most resplendent chapter of the silk history. With the help of color separation and structure design, electronic jacquard and the new- type rapier, digital colorful silk paintings are more vivid in motif and richer in color expression. On the basis of the traditional printing and dyeing technology, printed silk paintings, and silk paintings from wax-resist dyeing and digital ink-jet improved on by contemporary high tech, are enjoying more appreciation among people. Hand painting and embroidery know-how are also nearing perfection with quite a number of innovative embroidery stitches. Dozens of scenic paintings and embroidery art needlework will surely bring you an eye treat.

The Chinese delegation also brings with them a team of fashion show. At the opening ceremony six beautiful girls from China will put on a performance of what the Chinese wear from the Han Dynasty（206BC-220AD）down to the present, a manifestation of the good time of silk in the past 5,000years. The show will last for 3 days. At the same time, the Chinese textile experts will have dialogue with the audience and receive interview by the media ( in English).

In the past 5,000 yeas silk has become an integral part of Chinese civilization and a great contribution to the world civilization as well. Living in silk is one of the pursuits by the people for a better life. It is believed that this exhibition will promote the cultural exchange between the two countries, strengthen their friendship and facilitate the Czech to understand the long history and culture of China.

“A silkworm spins all its silk till its death and a candle won’t stop its tears until it is fully burnt.” This Tang poem accurately describes the property of the silkworm. Despite technological development, a silkworm can only produce a certain amount of silk—1000 meters (3280feet) in its lifespan of 28 days. The rarity of the raw material is the deciding factor of both the value and the mystery of silk.

Legend has it that in ancient times, Lei Zu, the wife of Huang Di , taught people how to raise silkworms and how to extract the silk.

The Warring States Period, the beginning of feudalist society in Chinese history, witnessed a prosperous time. The development of productivity popularized silk and it was no longer a luxury just for aristocrats. The pattern, weaving, embroidery and dyeing skills were all improved as they were influenced by the free ideology of the time, while the silk designs had sense of a free and bold air about them.

The silk products excavated from Mawangdui Han Tomb are proof of the advanced skill and artistry of silk at this time.

Silk production peaked during the Han Dynasty when the manufactured goods were transported as far away as Rome from Chang’an (today’s Xian). The overland trade route was to become famously known as the Silk Road. However, there was also a Marine Silk Road extending from Xuwen, Guangdong or Hepu, Guangxi to Vietnam. An outward bound voyage lasting five months would arrive in Vietnam; it would take another four months to reach Thailand; while a further twenty days would carry the merchants on to Burma. Two months later they would arrive in India and Sri Lanka, from where the silk would be eventually transported to Rome via the Mediterranean. After such a long journey, the price of silk was equivalent to that of gold. Legendary as it seems, tender silk connected China to the rest of the world.

During subsequent dynasties, professional designers created novel patterns and improved the machines.

The Marine Silk Road took supremacy over the land Silk Road following the Song Dynasty extending the trade to Southeast Asia which became fully developed in the Yuan Dynasty. Besides Chinese exports, foreign businessmen also came to China to buy silk and china wares.

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties silk was transported to Europe and America from Manila and this meant that China dominated the world’s silk market until 1908.

Chinese characters including the component “silk” have the intonation of silk or its implication of fine and deep. The richness of color, texture, strength and beauty of silk make it the means to imply something is fine and impeccable. A woman’s raven hair is referred to as ‘black silk’ ; tender feelings are ‘feelings of silk’ and the Chinese word for a lingering and emotive feeling contains the component of “silk”, and even a flavor can be silky and smooth.

Himfr Ivy is a scholar, focusing his research on Chinese cultures. If you are interested in purchasing China silk, please visit www.himfr.com.