Fabrics For Black History Month

Here are the most popular African fabrics during Black History Month and what there significance.

Black History Month and Wax Print Fabrics:
Wax prints fabric hold a special meaning in the hearts of African's because they each tell a story to the wearer. You see, in Africa clothes aren't just clothes..the colors, the designs, even the fabrics used are completely unique in that they each have their own history, their own story, their own symbolism. For example, the color purple often symbolizes royalty or prosperity.

Wax print fabrics actually originated in Indonesia and were exported to the Gold Coast and then spread over West Africa into Central Africa. They became extremely popular and over time the Africans customized and personalized their own designs. Today, African wax print fabrics are primarily made in Ghana or Mali, and they have a strong cultural, social and economic importance.

Since there are so many varieties of wax print fabrics, and so many different artists telling their own stories it's hard to interpret each one. The colors often times hold significance as they can represent social standing, age, tribal orientation and marital status. Many times the wax print fabrics use pictures or symbols that promote religious themes, renowned individuals, historical occasions, popular songs and religious hymns. They are also commonly used as a way to state proverbs and metaphors.
Whether you choose to make clothing out of wax print fabrics, or for crafting, you will have something hand-made that is truly unique and truly a reflection of the artist and of Africa.

Celebrating Black History Month with Kente Cloth:
No fabric is more associated with Africa than the vibrant colors of kente cloth. This fabric is instantly identifiable to African culture, and therefore is a big hit during Black History Month. Native to the country of Ghana, kente cloth has a strong spiritual value. It is a royal and sacred cloth worn only in times of extreme importance in Africa. Kente is called 'the cloth of kings' and over time the use of kente cloth has become more widespread.
Kente cloth is easily identified by its dazzling, multicolored patterns of lush colors, geometric shapes, and bold designs. Each color also has a symbolic meaning.

Black - Maturation, intensified spiritual energy
Blue - Peacefulness, harmony and love
Green - Vegetation, planting, harvesting, growth, spiritual renewal
Gold - Royalty, wealth, high status, glory, spiritual purity
Grey - Healing and cleansing rituals; associated with ash
Maroon - Mother earth; associated with healing
Pink - Feminine aspects of life; a mild, gentle aspect of red
Purple - Feminine aspects of life; usually worn by women
Red - Political and spiritual moods; bloodshed, sacrificial rites and death
Silver - Serenity, purity, joy; associated with the moon
White - Purification, sanctification rites and festive occasions
Yellow - Preciousness, royalty, wealth, and fertility

African legend has it that kente was first made by two friends who went hunting in a forest and found a spider making its web. The friends watched the spider for two days then returned home and implemented what they had seen.

George Fabrics and Black History Month:
During Black History Month some of the best-selling formal garments are made of george fabric. George fabric is made of 100% viscose, which is a naturally-derived fabric made by dissolving wood pulp and reforming it in filaments. It is soft and surprisingly comfortable for a fabric that comes from a tree.

What makes George Fabric so popular?
During Black History Month anything embroidered in gold is very popular. Possibly because gold exudes a celebratory, royal look; but also because in Africa gold is a symbol of a bright future, which is what everyone hopes for during Black History Month. George fabric has gold strands interwoven throughout the fabric, and detailed gold embroidery around the hems of skirts, sleeves, head wraps, and many times the neckline. George garments literally shimmer when you wear them because of all the interwoven gold threads. George fabric is made in India, but is exported to Africa in large quantities because it is so popular there, especially for formal events and weddings.