Yearly Yearning For Yarn

An interesting question is why is the spindle and distaff (kądziel) associated with the Sun? In fact, why is the treatment of the flax seed associated with the Sun? The prayers for healthy flax growth are known from various summer solstice (and not only) rituals throughout Europe.

Aside from the obvious agricultural connection with the Sun needing to shine upon the growing linseed (hence linen), the act of making textiles first involved the production of yarn.

Now close your eyes a bit and look at the Sun (or any light) and it should become obvious that Sun rays looks very much like  lines of yarn.

Nowy Targ – courtesy of a local ethno museum

Of course, the word “yarn” also has an interesting etymology which may have something to do with “year”.