Traditional uses of bedding to keep cool in hot weather

Linen is a fabric obtained from the fibers of the flax plant. Linen is descriptive of yarns spun entirely from linen fibers. It is strong, durable, and resists rot in wet climates. It is one of the few textiles that has a greater resistance when wet than when dry. It has a long “staple” compared to cotton and other natural fibers. Flax plants grow abundantly along the banks of the Nile River.

The collective term, “bedding”, is still used generically to describe a class of uniform and woven bed, bath and kitchen textiles. The name (linen) sticks because linens were traditionally used for many of these items. In the past, the word “linen” also referred to lightweight undergarments such as shirts, shirts, collars, and detachable shirt cuffs, which historically were made almost exclusively from this fabric.

The ancient Egyptians made their own clothing according to their environment and nature. Egypt has a very hot climate, so the Egyptians wore light clothing. They began to wear clothing made of linen during the hot weather.

Flax plants usually have small leaves; blue flowers and stems about two feet tall. The flax is pulled from the ground, not cut. This work was done mainly by Egyptian men. The best strings were made from flexible, half-ripe stems. If the stems overripe; they were used to make mats and ropes. The flax stalks were soaked for several days and then the fibers were separated. The fibers were then beaten until softened. The resulting fibers were spun into yarn. The thread was then woven into a linen cloth from which the garments were made.

As mentioned several times in the Bible; Linen has been used as a cool, comfortable fiber in the Middle East for many centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romans highly valued it as a commodity. Traders are believed to have brought flax to northern Europe, where it has been cultivated for many centuries.

Linen was used as currency in ancient Egypt. Egyptian mummies were wrapped in it because this fabric was considered to be the symbol of light and purity. Linen was also considered a status symbol. Wearing it projected a display of wealth. Some of the cloth, which was woven from hand-woven threads, was too fine for the hot climate.

Flax has been cultivated for its extraordinary fiber, flax, for approximately five millennia. The spinning and weaving of linen is shown in wall paintings from ancient Egypt, as early as 3000 B.C. The fiber was processed into high-quality white cloth, finer than any cloth woven today.

Today, linen is considered a luxurious and expensive textile. It is produced in comparatively small amounts and amounts. Many products are made of linen, including aprons, towels (swimsuits, bath, beach, body, and bath towels), bags, napkins, sheets, tablecloths, runners, chair covers, men’s and women’s clothing, etc.