Facts that may change your opinion on linen

Flax is an ancient crop. And it is not surprising at all that linen is mentioned in the world’s most ancient scriptures. It is often that linen material was the "hero" of famous historical events in the world!

10 Facts about flax and linen

• The preservation of Egyptian mummies is achieved not only through the application of special treatments. As it turned out, the bodies of the rulers were wrapped in bandages of ancient linens before burials, which in a special way protected them from rapid decay. 

• The shroud of Christ was woven of linen.  

• The special part of the military outfit of Alexander the Great was sewn from a coarse woven linen fabric. Due to its unique properties, linen performed the role of armor, protecting his body like a shell.

• In ancient times, flax linen clothing items were valued incredibly high, almost literally as high as gold. The value of flax fabric items was determined as follows: the linen product was weighed and the same weight of gold was paid.

• The "Linen book" of the Etruscans, created in the 7th century BC., exists up until this day.

• The ancient chronicles mention an expensive gift presented to Athena of Rhodes - pure linen fabrics, each thread of which was woven of 400 fibers.  

• Soldiers in ancient Rome wore clothes made of flax linen fabric, it could have been seen on the members of the Romanov family and military men during the reign of Peter I. 

• In Rus (historic Russia), natural linen fabric was very common and accessible. Flax was grown everywhere. That is why the culture of the Slavs emerged festivals dedicated to flax. For example, the day of "The Seven Maidens" was celebrated on the 7th of May and was dedicated to the beginning of flax planting.

• Many Slavs believed that sewing flaxseed into their clothes could protect them and their loved ones from the evil eye. And if flax seeds were poured into the shoes, the shoes were believed to last much longer.

• The newlyweds would be spending their wedding night on linen bedding sets. Newborns were being wrapped in linen fabrics. It was a custom to believe that this is how people are given strong health, and all the ailments are receding.