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​Folk Beliefs Among Kolyai Rug Weavers: Insights into Tradition and Superstition

Los Angeles Home of Rugs on Apr 30th 2024

In the Kolyai region, nestled within Persian Kurdistan, the art of rug weaving is steeped in tradition and folklore, with weavers adhering to a set of deeply ingrained folk beliefs. These beliefs, passed down through generations, shape the rituals and practices surrounding the craft, adding a layer of mystique and superstition to the weaving process.

Timing of Weaving: Commencing the weaving of a rug at night is believed to bring ill fortune, earning the ominous moniker of "falling in the night." This superstition underscores the importance of auspicious timing in initiating the weaving process.

Friday Superstition: Friday, traditionally considered a day of significance in many cultures, holds particular weight for Kolyai rug weavers. Starting the weaving process on a Friday is believed to prolong the completion time, adding a sense of heaviness or delay to the project.

Saturday and Friday Nights: In contrast to Fridays, Saturday and Friday nights are regarded as opportune moments to resume rug weaving. Weavers believe that rugs started on these nights will be completed more swiftly, symbolizing lightness and efficiency in the creative process.

Tuesday Omens: Tuesdays are viewed with suspicion among Kolyai rug weavers, as starting or continuing the weaving process on this day is believed to invite misfortune. This superstition reflects a cautious approach to selecting auspicious days for engaging in creative endeavors.

The 13th Day: The 13th day of every month holds particular significance in the Kolyai region, marked by the avoidance of rug weaving activities. Weavers refrain from weaving, cutting, buying, or selling carpets on this day, attributing it to inauspicious energies that may disrupt the weaving process.

Protective Measures: Weavers take precautions to safeguard their work from malevolent forces, refraining from placing weaving tools near the rug at night. It is believed that supernatural entities may interfere with the weaving process, either aiding or hindering the weaver's efforts based on their intentions.

Pregnancy Precautions: Pregnant women are discouraged from weaving rugs, particularly from sitting behind a rug during the weaving process. Folklore warns that doing so may result in the child being born with deformities or disabilities, reflecting deep-seated concerns for maternal and child health.

These folk beliefs offer insights into the cultural nuances and spiritual significance attributed to rug weaving in the Kolyai region. Beyond the technical aspects of craftsmanship, these superstitions underscore the interplay between tradition, spirituality, and the creative process, enriching the cultural tapestry of Kurdish heritage.