Traditional patterns used in Palestinian embroidery are designs of geometric shapes, but also include designs which were most familiar to Palestinian women as impressions of their daily surroundings. These patterns symbolize good health, hope, prosperity and protection, among other attributes of positive beliefs. Depending on the region in Palestine, the patterns included representations of cypress tree, bunches of grapes, apple tree, cauliflower, cock, pigeon, rainbow, roses, birds of paradise, flower pot and extensive other such representations. Geometric designs were given such names as ‘foreign moon’, ‘cow’s eye’, ‘mill wheel’, ‘crab’ , ‘moon with feathers’, ‘old man’s teeth’, ‘bachelor’s cushion’, ‘the baker’s wife’, ‘old man upside down’ and other such creative and often humorous names. The pictures shown here include most of the traditional patterns:
