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The symbols of the Iranian carpet are rooted in the beliefs, cultures and past of the Iranians. In fact, Iranian carpet weavers introduce the most important elements of this country’s identity by weaving it on the carpet. Therefore, if we understand the meanings of each of them correctly, we will better understand the originality and beauty of Iranian carpets.
The symbols of Iranian carpets are divided into three categories. This classification includes symbols of plants, animals, and buildings and monuments. In the following, we will introduce each of them:
A significant number of Persian carpet symbols are plant motifs. Because they evoke the meaning of life and vitality. It also has a high position in the ideals and beliefs of Iranians. For this reason, all kinds of gardens and orchards have been an integral part of Iranian homes, and this feature is also reflected in Iranian carpets.
The image of the tree and its types has always been one of the main symbols of Iranian carpets. This symbol represents the combination of sky, earth and water. It also has common roots with other cultures.
The symbol of the cypress tree has a deep cultural origin in Iranian culture and art. This tree has always been a mediator of evergreen symbolism of immortality. Examples of it can also be seen in Persepolis Apada Palace. In the post-Islamic era, this symbol became a decorative role called the idol. In fact, the idol is the head-to-toe that shows the culture of humility and modesty of the Iranians.
The lotus flower is a symbol of decency, peace and life. This flower grows in the swamp and is always facing the sun. It also has a long history in Iranian art and culture and can be seen in many ancient monuments. In addition, the followers of Zoroastrianism considered this flower sacred.
The symbol of the lotus flower found its way into the art of carpet weaving during the Safavid period. It also changed over time. One of the changes of this symbol in this period has appeared in Shah Abbasi flower.
The tulip is also one of the symbols of Iranian carpets, which is usually woven in cheerful colors. This flower is a symbol of bliss and happiness and a sign of growth and beginning again.
The use of animal symbols in Persian art dates back to the millennia BC. These symbols include human motifs, animal motifs such as lions, fish and birds. The use of animal symbols has also been common since the Achaemenid period. In addition, the use of animal symbols generally conveys to the viewer the concepts of life, effort, and being alive.
The lion symbol is found on the Pazyryk carpet, which is the oldest carpet in the world. Also, this symbol is woven in many Iranian carpets to this day. Especially in the carpets of Fars province and its neighboring areas, there are prominent images of lions.
The symbol of the lion has had various cultural meanings in different historical periods. So that in the Sassanid rule, it was a symbol of the glory of the kings and in the Islamic period, it was an expression of their dignity and the dignity of great people. Similarly, during the Safavid rule, it was known as a symbol of the Shiite religion, which later changed to the symbol of the lion and the sun.
The fish has been one of the symbols of the cult of love. For this reason, this symbol is present in many temples of this religion. Because according to the ritual of love, the sun is born in water and comes out of the water by two fish. This religion has also been very popular in eastern Iran. As a result, the symbol of tangled fish is more visible in the carpets of this region, which is called the Herati design.
Simorgh as a legendary bird has always had a prominent presence in Iranian art and literature. The image of this bird is found on carpets with a hunting pattern. It can also be seen in Shahnameh designs. Most importantly, this legendary bird is known in the collective memory of Iranians as an ideal and eternal phenomenon.
The peacock is a symbol of the bird of paradise in Iranian culture. It is also a sign of immortality and pride. In addition, the followers of the Zoroastrian religion considered it a sacred bird. It should be noted that the image of this bird can be seen in carpets with garden and hunting designs.
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Geometric patterns are a significant part of Iranian carpet symbols. Examples of them can also be seen in Iranian architecture. In general, it can be said that from the past to the present, the art of architecture has been one of the sources of inspiration for Iranian carpet weavers. Because architecture is the origin of the emergence of symbols in Iranian art.
The cross or wheel of the sun is a very ancient symbol among the symbols of Persian carpets. It is interesting to know that it is also known as the Aryan Cross. There are also traces of it in the temples of the seal of worship. In addition, this symbol has been widely used in post-Islamic Iranian architecture. Most importantly, in Persian carpets there is a symbolic reference to the center of the sun.
The four-piece drawing is in the shape of a flower with four petals. Also in Iranian culture, it symbolizes the four elements of water, wind, soil and fire. In addition, at various times, people believed that the image symbolized the four seasons. Most importantly, many nomadic hand-woven carpets are decorated with the image of this symbol.
This design consists of placing two or more squares on top of each other. It also has many applications in Iranian architecture. Especially in the buildings of the Sassanid period, many examples of this symbol can be seen. The most important of them are Bostan Arch and Ctesiphon Palace. In addition, in the post-Islamic period, it was widely used in plastering and tiling mosques. Similarly, this symbol is known in Iranian carpets as bergamot, which is woven right in the center.
Decoding the symbols of Iranian carpets is a way to understand its value and beauty. Therefore, it is recommended to read this article to get acquainted with these symbols.
