Palm Weaving Traditions in Italy
by The tradition of palm weaving in Italy originated from the time of Jesus Christ in the Christian religion but is still practiced today especailly around the holiday of Easter.
Most Italians are Roman Catholic with strong traditions and beliefs. One tradition is the tradition of receiving palms that have been blessed as a reminder of Jesus’ path which is a symbol of victory. This is the sixth and final Sunday of Lent. Many people exchange their palms with friends or family members, put palms on the graves of loved ones, and even hang on the door for good luck. Palm weaving, which dates back over a thousand years, is an ancient tradition that manipulates the palms into designs such as crosses, braids, and rose buds. This method of weaving is dieing. Many people have not been taught or took the time to learn the techniques.
Palm leaves were used to soften Jesus’ step as he walked down the path before his crucifixion. Therefore special treatment of palms is taken into consideration. Palms may only be burned or buried because they are sacred signs given by the church. They should be treated respectfully and never thrown away.
The Symbol of the Christian: The Fish
- Cut two lengths of palm 20″. Fold in half. Insert the base of #1 into #2 to form a “V” shape. The right palm strip is always on top.
- Leave the two front strips dangle.
- Taking the back strips, bring #1 around and to the left.
- Take #2, go behind and down through the loop in the center. Slip the right front top strip back in place.
- Continue with #2; loop over #1 and weave into same loop and step 4.
- Turn the fish over taking #2 and bend over.
- Take the bottom strip and go under the 2 remaining strips and roll over and lay along side.
- Take next lower right strip and weave over and under. This completes one side of the fish.
- Flip fish over, take top right strip and lay over as step 7 then weave as step 8.
- Trim ends. You may add pieces for a tail.
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