Star of Bethlehem Quilt circa 1845 & Susan Muaddi Darraj's friendly annual reminder that this symbol you see everywhere this time of year is *not* a snowflake.

Stars of Bethlehem Palestinian Embroidery

Sunbula Bethlehem Star coin purse- Traditional 'Bethlehem Star' motif adorns this handy coin purse. Made by women artisans from small villages in the Bethlehem area.  https://www.sunbula.org/

Embroidered Cushion Cover - Star of Bethlehem- The Bethlehem Arab Women's Union (BAWU) was founded in 1947 as a first aid center to care for refugees from Al-Nakba (Palestnian catastrophe at the creation of the state of Israel). Located in ... Read more

Star of Bethlehem Quilt, ca. 1845 (American)

&

Susan Muaddi Darraj

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My friendly annual reminder that this symbol you see everywhere this time of year is *not* a snowflake. 

 

It is the 8-pointed Bethlehem Star , a tatreez (embroidery) symbol that has decorated Palestinian artwork for centuries and was brought to Europe via the Crusades. 

 

Of the hundreds of motifs that are featured in tatreez, the Bethlehem Star is one of the oldest and most enduring. It represents the Star that guided the Three Kings on Christmas night.

 

Christmas started in Palestine, but it won't be celebrated there this year as Palestinians mourn the 20,000+ souls that have risen.

 

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter: @SusanDarraj

Also, here's an article I wrote that lists books and other resources: https://www.middleeasteye.net/.../palestine-traditional...