April 03, 2005
The Mystery of Silk
Two to Three Thousand years ago Chinese people were producing silk. They had unraveled the mystery of taking this natural resource and creating a wonderful fabric. This fabric was so special that the secrets of its production were protected by an imperial order of death. What motivated Chinese people 3 thousand years ago to spend the time to develop the process of making this fabric? Wouldn’t they have been consumed with the process of just securing food, shelter, safety let alone developing luxury textiles.
The answer lies in our constant search for eternal life. Chinese people were good students of nature. They noticed that in its life the silk worm started out from very humble beginnings. It grew and aged then spun its own cocoon. Then it seemed to die in this casing of silk thread only to reemerge as a more magnificent winged creature. This was an illustration of ascendence to heaven. They believed that by wearing these silk threads they too could guarantee an ascendence to heaven. The process to unravel these threads and process them into a fabric was thus pursued.
Silk was only available to the wealthy elite but it bosomed into a fine art. Ironically, it would also be part of the downfall of the empire. Silk, tea and spices caused a trade imbalance with the United Kingdom. The imbalance was so great that British silver was being lost. In an effort to create a market for goods that would equalize this imbalance, the British introduced opium from India. The Emperor was so disgusted with this drug that was addicting the Chinese people that he closed trade with the UK. This closure resulted in the Opium Wars that led to the eventual colonization and removal of the Chinese Royalty from power. This ancient craft that started as an observation of nature, became a high art and treasured possession, was so coveted that wars were fought for its possession.
I find it amazing that the search for silk is another reflection of our search for eternal life. I believe that God has left this desire for oneness with Him throughout so many things in life. The simple beauty of nature makes us pause and reflect on His creation. This same study of nature led to the observation of the silk worm. The soft feel of silk takes on a new meaning to me these days when I consider its past and how it can be another symbol of our desire to know God.
Posted by at 4:25 pm
I have the coolest husband ever.You’d think I would be jealous that he’s a much better writer than me, but it just makes me love him more.
eml
Erica () (URL) - April 05, 2005 at 04:18 am
