Eternal Threads: Sacred Weavings of Bhutan
What Is Ancestral Wisdom?
Ancestral wisdom is the heart and soul of countless cultures around the world. Passed down through generations, the Sacred Weavings of Bhutan connect us to our roots and shape our sense of belonging. We can find some of the most beautiful expressions of ancestral wisdom in the Sacred Weavings of Bhutan.
Consider all the mother figures in your life.
- Did they ever pass an extraordinary piece of wisdom onto you?
- Did they ever explain something their mother or grandmother taught them?
- Did you feel a special pull to carry on the tradition?
This is ancestral wisdom. It binds the past and the present, like a little thread tied to your heart, connecting you to your ancestors, your cultural heritage, and all of Earth.
Sadly, many of us have lost touch with ancestral wisdom in this modern era. However, there are still places where ancestral wisdom is deeply intertwined in everyday life. One of those unique places is the Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan.
How Bhutanese Weaving Preserves Ancestral Knowledge through Eternal Threads
When I first visited the Himalayas at age 18, I recognized ancestral wisdom all around me. Decades later, I returned in 2023, and I was especially captivated by the sacred artform of Bhutanese weaving, known as thazgo.
I witnessed women, young and old, weaving together on backstrap looms, sharing stories, singing songs, reciting prayers, and sharing the village news.
Suddenly, I felt my spirit transport back in time to centuries before. I could see their ancestors in their midst, engaged in the same weaving ritual.
The complexity involved in the sacred weavings defied my understanding. And to think, women passed this technique down by word of mouth for generations, without any written records.
Many textile experts agree that Bhutanese weaving is among the most sophisticated and time-consuming in the world. Women who work the loom for 10-12 hours may only produce a few centimeters of fabric due to the pattern’s complexity.
In Western society, people can only find textiles of this quality in museums.
Yet, Bhutanese weaving is more than a prized skill; it’s an offering of love.
Bhutanese Eternal Threads Carry Loving Energy
Hingtham (roughly meaning, ‘heart-woven’) refers to those weavings intended for relatives and friends. Traditional gho or kira, the garments for Bhutanese men and women respectively, can take over a year to make. Friends and families give them as gifts at special occasions, to bring the wearer eternal peace and a brighter world.
Furthermore, Bhutanese people strongly associated the sacred weavings with Buddhism and spiritual devotion.
Bhutanese people hold master weavers in high respect and believe they have noble minds, as repeating the thread cleanses your spirit.
For example, the Buddhist principle of non-violence prohibits harm to any living creature, so Bhutanese silk production involves wild silkworms that can escape before harvesting, ensuring their survival.
Why We Partner with Bhutanese Weavers at Earth Wisdom Collection
As I realized the details of the process, I was overwhelmed with respect and adoration for the women weavers. Their rich tapestries reminded me of the delicate thread that connects all of us to our ancestors, our cultural heritage, and the sacred rhythms of life. Naturally, I felt the call to connect more people to the weavings while preserving their sacred knowledge from vanishing into the shadow of globalization.
Today, I am immensely grateful to collaborate with Bhutanese women weavers for Earth Wisdom Collection. Ancient knowledge and wisdom is at the root of every piece of clothing. My wish is for these embroidered garments to be passed down, lifting the spirit of families for generations to come.
What is your personal experience with ancestral wisdom? Share in the Comment Section below. And subscribe to receive new updates, so you can join more heart-centered conversations on future blog posts!
