There are various kinds of embroidery patterns being used in the Horsetail embroidery, such as the butterfly pattern symbolling protection of life, fish pattern symbolling the care of nature, bat pattern resembling the pursuit of good fortune… Generally speaking, the designs of these patterns embody a balanced and symmetrical beauty.
The Butterfly Pattern: Blessings of Life
Legend tells of a captivating tale in the Shui region, where the sky once held nine scorching suns, unleashing unbearable heat upon the land. In this time of struggle, a devoted Shui woman took her child to the fields, laying the baby on the ground while she toiled away. However, the relentless sun threatened the baby’s life, until a magnificent butterfly appeared. The butterfly graciously shielded the child from the blazing rays and chased away the bothersome mosquitoes, saving the baby from peril. This remarkable event bestowed upon the butterfly the revered role of guardian for children in the local folklore. As time progressed, the butterfly pattern become widely used by the Shui people in their embroideries as a protective symbol to safeguard them from malevolence and harm.
The Fish Pattern: Care from Nature
In ancient times, the Shui people’s ancestors relied solely on fishing for their survival. It was through the nourishment provided by fish that their lineage flourished. To commemorate the vital role of fish in the prosperity of the Shui ethnic group, the fish pattern is intricately woven into their embroidery, serving as a lasting reminder of the significance and gratitude towards this cherished resource.
The Bat Pattern: Pursuit of Good Fortune
The picturesque Shui region is adorned with numerous caves, where bats find their dwellings. These caves are a popular retreat for the Shui people, offering cool respite in the summer and warmth during winter. The bats have become a familiar presence to the locals over time. The inclusion of bat patterns in Horsetail embroidery is attributed to the phonetic similarity between the Chinese word for “bat” and “fortune” (both pronounced as “fu”). By embroidering bats, people express their aspirations for good fortune, robust health, and harmonious serenity.
The Phoenix Pattern: Symbol of Happiness
The Shui people consider their hometown akin to the graceful feathers of a phoenix, as the distinctive shape of Sandu resembles a phoenix ready to soar. According to their beliefs, the phoenix symbolizes the ancestral origin of humanity, and embodies immortality, faith, hope, and auspiciousness. The phoenix pattern adorns the waistbands of women in symmetrical pairs, serving as an expression of their yearning for love, harmonious families, and enduring happiness.
The Dragon Pattern: Pursuit for happiness and equality
Back in imperial China, the dragon pattern held great significance as a symbol of royal authority and supreme nobility. However, in Shui costumes, the dragon pattern has transcended its royal connotations and become a ubiquitous embroidery pattern, signifying their brave pursuit for happiness and equality.
The Tree Pattern: Gift for Humanity
Legend has it that in a Shui village long ago, a tree emitted sorrowful sounds for several consecutive nights, while its branches and leaves in one direction mysteriously withered and turned black, as if scorched by fire. Soon after, a devastating fire broke out in the nearby village, aligning with the direction of the withered branches. Following the villagers’ efforts to rebuild their homes, the withered branches and leaves miraculously regained their vitality. Nowadays, whenever a child in the village cries incessantly or falls ill, their parents seek solace under the protective embrace of the “sacred tree,” where prayers are offered for their well-being. Invariably, the child’s tears cease and their health is restored. Inspired by this tale, locals incorporate the image of the tree into their embroideries, symbolizing their desire for robust health and a prosperous existence.
The Pumpkin (Flower) Pattern: Ancestor Worship
When Shui ancestors first settled in present-day Guizhou, They agreed that the eldest brother would reside with their parents, while the remaining siblings dispersed to reclaim untamed lands, and the whole family would reunite three years later on the the Duan Festival. As they joyfully arrange the festive feast, an idea emerged—adding to the customary meat, vegetables shall grace the table. Tragedy struck when their beloved grandmother ascended the platform to gather pumpkins, only to meet a tragic fate. Consumed by grief, they steamed the pumpkins and offered them as a poignant tribute to their grandmother’s memorial tablets. Thus, a solemn tradition emerged—on the eve and morn of the festival, pork and lard are forsaken, replaced by the sacred consumption of fish and pumpkin. The pumpkin pattern on the embroidery serves as a symbol for the profound reverence and yearning for their ancestral lineage.
The Pomegranate Flower Pattern: Wish for abundant offspring
Pomegranates symbolize abundant offsprings because they have many seeds. It is one of the most frequent auspicious pattern appearing on Horsetail embroidery, reflecting the desire of local people for a harmonious and prosperous family.
Patterns showcasing Shui language characters
Shuishu, the distinctive script of the Shui people, has been diligently transmitted by Shuishu masters across generations. This remarkable script finds its purpose in documenting the astronomical, geographical, religious, folkloric, ethical, and philosophical facets of Shui culture. By adorning Horsetail embroidery with Shuishu characters, Shui women demonstrate their deep veneration for their native heritage while actively contributing to the preservation of the Shui language. Typically, these embroidered Shuishu characters encompass auspicious meanings such as “寿” (representing longevity) and “吉” (representing fortune).
