A Sicilian Tradition: Embroidery as a Dowry

June 20, 2023 2023-06-20 12:48
A religious statue -- Sicilian Tradition

A Sicilian Tradition: Embroidery as a Dowry

A Sicilian Tradition: Embroidery as a Dowry

Rooted in Heritage

Embroidery has long been an integral part of Sicilian tradition, deeply rooted in culture and heritage. This art form holds immense significance, especially in the context of dowries and the importance of the family. Sicilian embroidery showcases the skill, creativity and cultural identity of the island’s inhabitants and artisans.

Passed down through generations, it serves as a powerful symbol of love, devotion, and the preservation of familial ties. Let’s delve into the rich history of embroidery in Sicily, exploring its role in dowries and how it embodies the cherished bond within families.

The tradition of embroidery in Sicily traces its origins back centuries. Sicily’s north coast has been referred to as the island’s very own Silk Road, running from Palermo to Messina. Everyone from the Phoenicians to the Greeks, the Romans to the Arabs, and the Normans to the Spanish have all at some time laid their claim to the island; their influences are clear to see.

Representing a fusion of diverse cultural elements, Sicily’s cultural heterogeneity has produced an incredibly distinct, and well preserved, art form. It flourished during the medieval period, when the art form found its place in both ecclesiastical and secular settings.

Its Role in Marriages is Integral to Sicilian Tradition

In Sicilian culture, the dowry has played a crucial role in the institution of marriage. It consists of various items, including embroidered linens, clothes, and household textiles. Embroidered dowries were meticulously crafted by the bride or her female relatives, serving as a tangible representation of love, dedication and a demonstration of the bride’s skills. Each piece carried personal meaning and the amount of embroidery in a dowry symbolised the family’s wealth and status.

Sicilian Tradition: The Wedding

The most common items found in Sicilian dowries were sheets, pillowcases, tablecloths and decorative linens. Intricate motifs, such as stylised flowers, birds, geometrical patterns, and mythological figures, were meticulously stitched using vibrant threads.

The embroidery techniques employed included punto antico (antique stitch), punto a reticella (reticella stitch) and punto a giorno (openwork stitch). The Sfilato style, where threads are drawn back through, is perhaps the most famous and requires incredible mathematical precision, more on this style here. These stitches brought texture and depth to the designs, enhancing their visual appeal.

A Symbol of Sicilian Tradition and Family Heritage


Embroidery in Sicily holds deep significance as a symbol of family heritage. The craft was passed down from one generation to the next, with mothers teaching their daughters the intricate techniques and patterns. As young girls, they would practise their skills under the watchful eyes of their experienced relatives, ensuring the continuation of the family’s embroidery legacy.

Embroidered linens were treasured heirlooms that connected generations. They represented the love and care poured into each stitch, becoming cherished keepsakes that bridged the gap between past and present. These linens were often used during special occasions and religious celebrations, where they formed the backdrop of family gatherings and festive feasts.

Additionally, embroidered pieces were used to mark significant life events. Baptismal gowns, communion dresses, and wedding veils were intricately embellished, carrying the family’s history and blessings into these milestones. Such items became tangible reminders of the family’s roots, preserving memories for generations to come.

How MANIMA Strives to Protect this Tradition

Unfortunately in recent years this tradition isn’t as strong as it was, due in part to the changing socioeconomic situation of women across the world, particularly in Italy. Craftswomen are now working mostly out of the public eye, with many moonlighting to make ends meet.

More so now than ever before craftswomanship offers a real chance for economic revival in Italy. Female employment is at a record high of 70% in Southern Italy, due to a lack of academic and professional training. With over two million female artisans, empowering their work is an important economic driver in the fight against unemployment.

At MANIMA we want to empower their work. We want to preserve the tradition of embroidery in Sicily. We want to regenerate their incredible industry, valuing them the way they deserve to be.

Embroidery in Sicily stands as a testament to the tradition of dowries and the enduring bond of family. Its intricate designs and skilful craftsmanship have woven together generations, creating a rich tapestry of Sicilian culture and heritage. Through the delicate artistry of embroidery, Sicily’s families have preserved their stories, love, and devotion, showcasing the beauty and significance of this ancient craft. Today, Sicilian embroidery is cherished for its cultural value and revered as a link to the island’s past.

by Will Scott

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[…] and were often displayed during special occasions and religious festivals. Moreover, the role of embroidery within dowries was particularly significant; it was an expression of wealth and devotion. Women would spend […]

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