Respecting Traditions
Linen is one of the most biodegradable and stylish fabrics in the fashion field and it is considered to be one of the most luxurious fabrics in the world. Despite that it has been known in Asia and the Mediterranean coast for more than 9,000 years, for Lithuanians, it has a very special meaning.
Not accidentally February 3rd is called Linen Day in Lithuania. Linen has always been one of the most necessary and valued items in ancient Lithuania. It is believed that linen flax has been grown in Lithuania for about 4,000 years. On this day linen was consecrated and placed on the altar as a sacrifice for a better harvest. A consecrated strand of linen flax was put around the green twig of a spruce or juniper tree, as a symbol of life reborn in nature. On the eve of Linen Day, people were putting linen seeds into two bowls. The seeds were poured at the noon in the first one, and in the evening in the second one. Back then people would see which one would grow earlier and which one would release more beautiful greenery. That’s how they know at what time – noon or evening, to put seeds in the fields. There are many more ancient Lithuanian beliefs about linen and its properties. Linen was considered sacred flax and was used in funeral rites; it was believed that its seeds have many healing properties and can help with stomach pain, asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis, pneumonia. It is known that seeds are rich in calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamins C, E, B. Omega-3 acids protect the body from excessive cholesterol, can help to regulate blood pressure.
Today Lithuanian linen is valuable all over the world. It happened, that Lithuanian weather is naturally perfect for growing the linen flax. The best fibres are obtained when it is grown in cooler and cloudy weather as these plants are very sensitive to the amount of moisture in the soil and its fluctuations. Linen flax grows slowly, is very selective for weather conditions, and the final extraction process is about three times longer than cotton. Consequently, linen flax will never be grown and extracted massively or at high speeds, which makes it even more valuable. According to the data published by the Agricultural Information and Rural Business Centre, in 2020, 788 ha of flax crops were declared in Lithuania, which we are very proud about.
With all our love for linen, one of the oldest textiles known to a man, and with respect to the traditions, we are proud to say that all the Linen Couture products are handmade with love and attention to detail.
References: