Maatir Blogs

When you go to the store to grab a handful of items, you may find yourself reaching for a plastic basket. In the days without them, artisans had to make their own baskets. This longstanding tradition of basket weaving can be seen all over world. Basketry Historians have a tough time tracking down the exact origins of basket weaving. This is because natural materials biodegrade easily over time. We do know that it is the oldest as well as the most widely spread handicraft.  The oldest recovered basket was discovered in Faiyum, Egypt. It dates back to about ten to twelve thousand years old based on carbon dating. Other evidence that people have been making baskets since the beginning of time are the imprints in the clay people used when they started making pottery.  India in particular has a very rich culture when it comes to basketry. Each region takes a slightly different material and approach to crafting their baskets. Some things they have in common is the intricacy of the ...

Taking a walk-in nature brings many of us a few moments of peace as we admire the beauty all around us. In Asia, one plant in particular has seemingly risen to a higher level than the rest. The lotus, native to India, Eastern Africa, and Southeast Asia, has been deemed sacred by many cultures. Common Symbolism The lotus flower has come to represent lots of different things. The most common tie is to the concept of spiritual enlightenment. Like the lotus, we must emerge from murky water and show the world the best of us.  Other interpretations of the symbolism are personal growth, new beginnings, and purity. Slow and steady for the win. The lotus grows one petal at a time, reminding us that reaching Enlightenment takes gradual steps. Every day really is a new day. The flowers bloom in the morning and close up at night. It shows us visually the cycle of rebirth. Lotus flowers rise from muddy waters everyday and yet they are clean. Symbolism for Hindus Hinduism specifically adds o...