Prayer Shawls: A Gift From The Heart
Prayer Shawls, otherwise known as Peace Shawls, Comfort Shawls, or Mantles, are a means for one person to convey their good wishes, prayers, and thoughts to another person in need.
Made from a variety of colours, such prayer shawls need not just be knitted. They can be crocheted, quilted, or sewn in any other fashion. They can be personalised with the addition of trinkets, charms, feathers, shells, beads, or other items the person making the prayer shawl deems relevant to its creation. However, many prayer shawl makers do choose specific colors depending on the recipient’s circumstances: more sombre moments might mean using deep purple, navy, or black, whereas happier events, such as the birth of a baby, might sway the prayer shawl maker to choose a more jovial color such as yellow, pale green, blue, or pink.
Usually, prior to making a prayer shawl, a little prayer or blessing is said. Often times, scented candles are lit and subtle music played in the background, in order to achieve a calm and peaceful atmosphere. While the prayer shawl maker works, prayers directed at the intended recipient are made. When the shawl is finished, again, a blessing or prayer is said, and the shawl finally handed over, together with much love.
There is no specific occasion for which a prayer shawl must be used. It is equally suitable for giving, wearing, or making during a birthday or marriage celebration as it is for sadder events such as comfort in sickness, a hospital stay, or during a funeral.
To make a prayer shawl it is necessary to obtain all the right equipment before you begin. You will need a set of plastic knitting needles, size 11 or 13, and approximately 555 yards of wool for a smaller shawl, or 740 yards of wool for a larger one. As it is a considerable amount of yarn, it is important to choose a type that fits within your budget. Waiting until there is a sale or purchasing it cheaper from a market can help alleviate the costs as it is better for the entire shawl to be made from the same color and type of wool.
Traditional knitted prayer shawls have a distinct pattern: one row purl, one row plain, repeated until the end. Care should be taken that two rows of the same stitch do not occur.
Although the pattern remains the same, each prayer shawl is a unique work of art, made special by the wishes, kindness, and love woven into it by the person making it.
Anyone who receives one should know that it is a very special honour to be given a prayer shawl.
