Gabchik's Henna, inspired by the symbol "Elbetitsa" and the meanings behind it
Since last summer, I have been developing an idea to combine henna and the symbols from Bulgarian folklore.
The henna on my knees in particular, is inspired by a beautiful fence I saw in a village, called Brusartsi. The symbol behind it is called "Elbetitsa". Its an ancient symbol, which has many variations and I have read several interpretations of its meaning. It is easy to recognize by its base, as it is always two crossing crosses. This is a simplified version.
It can be found in Anatolia and the Balkans from the neolithic and later on the Middle East, following the "Silk road". Here it is embroidered on a traditional Bulgarian dress, called "nosia", which literally means "wear it".
So, what does it mean?
The most common interpretation are the eight directions of the world, the four seasons, connected in one stable center, to show the immutability of life's circle. Regardless of the symbol shape, however, it was often called with names associated with the circle, which gives a hint that it may also symbolize the sun. Studies of the actual word "Elbetitsa" reveal meanings like "it is known, undoubtedly, truth". Some elder people use it with "If it is God's will", "If it is correct" meaning.
There is a specific type of "Elbetitsa" which has the Mother Goddes coded inside it. I took this image from the book "Archaic symbols in the embroidery" by Iren Yamami, to show you how exactly this is done.
On the left, you have an "Elbetitsa", then, on the right it is divided by four. When you look at the separate ornaments, you should be able to see a woman's figure - head, breasts and in the lower-body part there is a child with raised hands. Can you see it?
Because this symbol is so coded, it was able to survive the Christianity and Turkish slavery. Even though the official religion in Bulgaria is Christianity, we still keep our root deep and strong. The nosia is definitely to blame.
I hope you enjoyed this little journey through time. I will be posting more of my inspirations with henna, so follow me in you want to dive in.
Best wishes~
Gabby
Страхотна идея и следователно статия!
Елбецици? :D Cool article, Gab.
Елбетица, ке те пребия!
Oh, I thought it had to do with the woman's breasts :D
It has to do with another sexy female part. The rhombus is often compared with it :)
AAAhhhh. Gotcha ;)
Gabby, check out who's here: @samanthajbarnes