Shawls of Comfort and Joy
Symbolism
Prayer shawls are begun with love, woven with prayer. Shawl recipients have said that they have actually experienced being enveloped in the love of God as the shawl surrounds them. At Cole Harbour Woodside United Church we offer the care and comfort of Christ. A prayer shawl is a very real symbol of that profound love, of comfort and of joy.
About the pattern...
Careful thought was given to the pattern for the shawls by its originators. It is a basic 3-stitch seed pattern, selected as symbolic of planting peace, healing, love, comfort and hope into the shawls by the shawl maker for the recipient.
Since the beginning of this ministry many variations on this pattern have been used. Some shawl makers like to modify the edging using novelty yarns or creating borders instead of fringes for those in nursing homes or in wheelchairs. Lapghans are a favorite for gentlemen recipients. Modern colours and vibrant patterns are often seen in the shawls given to children and teenagers. They all carry the same message of care and comfort.
So much more than just yarn…..
When choosing a colour for a shawl, the recipient’s favorite colour may be the choice. However, many shawl-makers select the colour based on the symbolism attached to it. Here is a sample of some of the traditional meanings of colours:
Red – Energy, strength, power determination, love, courage
Pink – Joy, friendship, femininity
Brown – Stability, masculinity
Orange – Happiness, success, encouragement, endurance
Gold – Illumination, wisdom
Yellow – Cheerfulness, energy, joy, confidence
Green – Healing, harmony, safety, hope, protection, peace
Blue – Stability, trust, loyalty, faith, truth, tranquility
Purple – Wisdom, dignity, independence, creativity, mystery
For official shawl patterns, information on the significance of the patterns of three and the colours, please go to the Prayer Shawl Ministry website.
There are also several books available on the shawl ministry. The following books can be found at your local book store or on-line at some of the major book retailers.
Cole Harbour Woodside United Church
15 Bissett Road
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2V 2T1
Phone: (902) 434-7714
Fax: (902) 434-2901
www.chwuc.com
Comments? Questions? To contact us, please send an e-mail.