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The Origins of Flax and Linen
What is flax?
Flax plants grow to about 30 to 100 cm (12 to 40 in) in height and have shallow
taproots. Because the stems contain the fibre, the taller varieties
are used for linen production. The seed flax has shorter stems and is more
coarsely branched. The blossoms of the more common used varieties range in
colour from pale to deep shades of blue.
Origin of Flax
Flax has been used for cloth from around 10,000 years
ago.The remains of linen fishing nets, clothing
and unworked flax has been found in Switzerland, in the ruins
ofStoneAge lakeside houses.
Flax was used in ancient Egypt, tomb paintings show
scenes of sowing, harvesting, spinning and weaving as well as depicting flax.
Only the noble people and the Pharaohs wore cloths of linen.
The bodies of the pharaohs in linen bandages, and placed in
the tombsof the pyramids.
The bible refers to linen many times e.g.:
"She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
"*
*Proverbs Chapter 31: verse 2, NIV bible
Annual Flax, was cultivated in the Middle East region for around 5,000 years,
and still grows wild in the regions around the Persian Gulf, the Caspian
andBlack Seas. The ancient Greek and Romans also wore linen cloths, theRomans
in addition made linen paper.
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