Natural silk threads - production features and basic properties. The magical properties of the red thread

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Even in ancient times, fabrics made from natural silk threads were highly valued. Only very we althy representatives of the nobility could afford such a luxury, because. in terms of value, this commodity was on a par with precious metals. Today, interest in natural silk fabrics is only growing.

History

There are many legends about the appearance of the first silk threads. The facts confirm that their manufacture began in antiquity about 5 thousand years ago. During archaeological excavations conducted in China, silkworm cocoons were discovered, as well as inscriptions made on tortoise shells and animal bones: “silk fabric”, “mulberry tree”, “silk”. Fragments of the fabric itself were also found in the tombs.

China is considered to be the birthplace of natural silk. For many years, local residents kept the technology of its manufacture a great secret. And only with the development of foreign trade was it mastered in Korea, India, Japan and other countries.countries. The secrets of manufacturing reached Europe only in 550. Despite the fact that today silk threads are produced in many countries (India, Korea, Japan, Brazil, Uzbekistan, etc.), China is still the largest supplier.

Production

In the process of making silk threads, which consists of several stages, the silkworm is used. Breeding it is a very painstaking business. The female silkworm lays up to 500 eggs. They are collected, sorted and placed in special incubators with a certain temperature and humidity. After about a week, dark brown larvae up to 3 mm in size are born. These little caterpillars are transferred to the stern whatnot, consisting of several shelves, where they are fed with mulberry leaves. A month later, when the size of the larva reaches 7–8 mm, its development is completed. Caterpillars are placed in boxes, where they begin to create around themselves a dense network of thin silk thread - a cocoon. This process takes about four days.

Then the finished cocoons are collected and, dipped in boiling water, the fiber is carefully unwound. To obtain long silk threads for further fabric production, this fiber is twisted and then wound into skeins. This is the so-called raw silk. It has a matte yellowish color. After processing with special glue, the thread becomes shiny. The resulting yarn is sent to weaving shops, where it is dyed and fabricated using various weaves.

Properties of silk thread

Produced silk thread todayis of high quality and is a huge success due to its special features.

It is easy to color, absorbing all the richness and brightness of the paint. The resulting color tends to shimmer, changing shades under different lighting conditions. It is one of the most durable materials, as strong as steel wire of the same diameter.

Natural silk thread has a chemical composition similar to hair or wool. It tends to have a positive effect on human he alth. A fabric made of silk threads is able to adjust to the temperature of the human body, supplementing it with the missing warmth. Clothing made from it relaxes and soothes, people suffering from any allergic reactions feel quite comfortable in it.

Red silk thread as a talisman

This amulet, which protects against the evil eye and all sorts of troubles, has been used by people since ancient times. When silk, equal in price to gold, was available only to the rich nobility, ordinary people could afford only a small thin thread. She was considered a very powerful amulet. However, people have not stopped believing in the magical abilities of such a thread even today.

In order for it to begin to fulfill its protective function, you need to follow some rules. A red thread is tied into 7 knots and always on the left wrist, because. It is from this side that negative energy penetrates. This procedure should only be done by a person who is trusted. At the same time, a specialprayer. Such threads are now offered in many specialized stores at prices ranging from 150 to 200 rubles apiece.

How to distinguish natural silk thread

Today, in the age of technology, a lot of artificial materials are being created, which can be quite difficult to distinguish from natural ones. The production of yarn is no exception. However, there are many ways that you can easily recognize natural silk threads.

First of all, this is determined by combustion. Artificial silk begins to melt from the fire and at the same time emits the smell of burnt paper. When burning, natural threads do not smell very pleasant and, when burned, form a lump, which easily crumbles when squeezed with fingers. The difference is that in the light the artificial fabric simply shines, while the natural one shimmers beautifully. It also heats up faster and retains heat longer. Do not forget about the special strength that natural silk thread has.

The price today is no longer a benchmark for determining naturalness, because many types of silk are quite affordable. 100 meters of thread can be purchased for 50 rubles.