Rich history and significance of hand-knits for babies.
When choosing the first woollens for your baby, hand-knit and hand-crocheted pieces add a special touch beyond mere clothing. The legacy of handmade woollens goes way beyond history. Hand-knit woollens for newborns in India have a rich history and tradition, deeply rooted in the country's diverse cultural tapestry
Cultural Significance
Hand-knit woollens for newborns in India are often crafted as a symbol of love, care, and protection. The art of Knitting is a skill passed down through generations, creating a sense of tradition and cultural continuity. In Himachal, every household has a minimum of one person who can skillfully knit and crochet.
Handmade as a Family Affair:
Hand-knitting for newborns is frequently a family affair, involving mothers, grandmothers, and aunts who pass down their knitting skills to younger generations. This tradition fosters a sense of familial bonding and shared cultural heritage. Talk to your grandmothers about it, they have been part of that cultural heritage.
Rituals and Ceremonies:
Hand-knit woollens play a significant role in various rituals and ceremonies associated with childbirth.
In some communities, handmade baby clothes are considered auspicious and are often a part of traditional gifting during baby showers or naming ceremonies.
Symbolism Of Blessings:
Hand-knit baby clothes are sometimes imbued with cultural and religious symbols, reflecting blessings and good wishes for the newborn. The act of creating these items is considered a form of positive energy transferred from the maker to the baby. The act of knitting is done while singing many folk tunes and lullabies imbued with significant meaning depicting motherly love and knotting blessings with every single knit.
Community Involvement
In some regions, knitting circles or community gatherings focused on creating baby clothes are common. These activities strengthen social bonds and promote a sense of community. You will see many such communities and circles in the villages of Himachal, Uttarakhand, Jammu, and also in a few regions of Punjab.
Sustainable and adaptability:
Hand-knit woollens align with the growing global awareness of sustainable and handmade products. Many artisans and communities in India are incorporating eco-friendly practices, using natural dyes and locally sourced yarns. While traditional techniques remain prevalent, there's also an adaptation to modern styles and trends, especially in urban areas. Designers and artisans often blend traditional knitting methods with contemporary fashion to create unique and stylish baby garments.
The history and tradition of hand-knit woollens for newborns in India are deeply intertwined with cultural practices, family bonds, and a connection to regional identities. The art of hand-knitting continues to thrive, offering not just warmth and comfort but also a tangible link to India's rich heritage. MUMYU is trying hard to preserve this heritage and to spread awareness about the rich significance of choosing Handknit wollens for babies. Every hand-knit woollen made for babies at MUMYU is a token of love with knotted blessings by mothers and grandmothers who have been knitting the same love for their children for generations.
