Persian Rug Symbols, a Representation of Cultural Contents
Persian rug symbols are rooted in the culture and beliefs of Iranians through history. In the other word, Iranian rug weavers introduce the most important identity symbols in this way. If you know the meaning of each symbol, you reach a better understanding of the beauty of Persian rugs.
Persian rug symbols are divided into three categories including plant, animals and monuments. In the following, we introduce each of the symbols.
Plants, the Most Important Persian Rug Symbol
A considerable number of Persian rug symbols are plant motifs that evocative of life and happiness. Plants also have a high importance among Iranians’ beliefs so that gardens were an essential part of Iranian houses in the past.
Tree of Life
The image of tree has always been an important Persian rug symbol. This motif represents heaven, earth and water; and have common roots with other cultures.
The symbol of cypress originates from Iranian culture and art, and represents immortality. Some examples of this tree are found in Apadana, one of the palaces of Persepolis. In the post-Islamic eras, this symbol change into a decorative motif, called paisley. The curved shape of paisley symbol represents the modesty culture of Iranians.
Lily, a Persian Rug Symbol
Lily is the symbol of dignity, peace and life. This flower, which grows in swamp and always faces the sun, has a long history in Iranian art and culture. You can find the image of this flower in many Iranian monuments. In addition, the followers of Zoroastrian religion consider it as a holy symbol.
The symbol of Lily found its way to the rug-weaving art in the Safavid era. By the passage of time, it reshaped and appeared in Shah Abbasi pattern.
Tulip, the Symbol of Happiness
Tulip, usually woven with vivid colors, is a symbol of happiness and reminder of a new start.
Animals, a Persian Rug Symbol
The history of using animal symbols in Iranian art dates back to the millenniums before Christ, and were common particularly in the Achaemenid era. These symbols include lion, fish and birds; and represent life, diligence and liveliness.
Lion, the National Symbol of Iranians
The symbol of lion exists in Pazirik, the oldest rug in the world, and many Persian rugs. The image of lion is especially seen in the rugs woven in Fars Province and the neighboring regions.
Lion symbol has had different meanings in different historical eras. For example, it represented the power of kings in the Sassanid era, and the dignity of religious leaders in the Islamic era. Similarly, it was known as the symbol of Shi’a religion in the Safavid era, which changed into Lion and Sword later.
Fish, a Persian Rug Symbol
According to Mithraism, a religion that used to be common in the east of Iran, sun is born in water and taken out by two fishes. That is why fish motifs exist in many temples of Mithras. As a result, the symbol of fish, also known as Herrati Rugs, is applied widely in the rugs woven in the east of Iran.
Birds Motifs, from Persian Myth to Persian Art
Simurgh, as the mythical bird of Iranians, has always had a special position in Iranian art and literature. Hunting scene rugs depict this bird as a symbol of Shahnameh patterns.
Iranians consider peacock as a bird of paradise that symbolizes immortality and pride. It is also a holy bird among the followers of Zoroastrian religion. The image of this bird is observed in both hunting scene and garden rugs.
The Influence of Iranian Architecture on Persian Rug Symbols
Geometrical figures are applied noticeably as a Persian rug symbol. You can also observe these shapes in Persian architecture as an inspiration source of Iranian weavers.
Chalipa or Aryan Cross, the Symbol of Sun as the Center of Universe
Chalipa, also known as sun cross and Aryan cross, is an ancient Iranian symbol having remained in Mithra temples. This symbol was also widely used in post-Islamic architecture. In Persian rug, it refers to the sun as the center of universe.
Chahar Pareh, a Persian Rug Symbol
Chahar Pareh Symbol is in the shape of a flower with four petals, which represents water, wind, soil and fire. At a period of time, people believed that it was the symbol of four seasons. This image is depicted on nomadic hand-woven rugs.
Rotating Square or Khamsa
This pattern, formed by placing two or more squares on each other, is practical in Persian architecture, especially Sassanid-era monuments. The most important monuments featuring this pattern are Taq-e Bostan and Tisfoon Palace. In the post-Islamic eras, this symbol was applied in mosques’ plasterworks and tiling. Similarly, rotating square symbol was applied at the center of some Persian rugs, known as Toranj (literally, means bergamot).
