Fisherman Sweater and Aran Islands Sweaters, and Aran sweaters in particular, are known for their warmth, beauty, and timelessness in terms of fashion. This has made Aran sweaters a cold weather staple in virtually every part of the world. But there is another, deeper, and oft times hidden, meaning behind the ornate stitches which make the Aran sweater famous. The Aran Sweater gets its name from the islands off the west coast of Ireland from which it is said to have originated. Known for elaborate and intricately detailed stitching techniques, Aran sweaters are rumored to have been more than just protection from the harsh winter winds for the fishermen and farmers who originally sought their warmth while toiling the land or fishing at sea. Each stitch of an Aran sweater is said to have its own unique meaning, representing a blessing, a wish for good luck, or that they represent the clans from which each stitch originated. Some have even rumored that one could tell a lot about a family just by looking at their Aransweaters, and many historical references indicate that various families or clans developed their own unique stitching patterns to represent them on their Aran sweaters. Some even say one could identify the body of a lost fisherman by the weave of his Aransweater. While there has been some debate on the actual meaning of the most common Aran stitches, most of which were handed down from generation to generation as guarded family secrets, there are some which are generally agreed upon. •
Cable Knit: This stitch is supposed to represent the fishermen’s ropes, and is worn in hopes for luck and a good catch.
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Honeycomb Stitch: Represents good luck and prosperity
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Tree of Life: This signifies the many stages of life. They are sometimes also related to religious affiliations to represent the soul’s journey to salvation.
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Braided Stitch: The braids show the intertwining threads of life weaving together.
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Diamond Stitch: This stitch can represent both success and wealth, or it is said to signify the fishermen’s nets. It can also represent the farmer’s fields.
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Lattice Stitch: This stitch is also linked to the fishermen’s nets or baskets, and represents hope for a good catch.
The accuracy of these traditional symbols is not for certain, however. The original stories of the stitch meanings were said to have been passed down through the generations amongst the island families, lending plenty of room for embellishment or slight variations in the retellings of the Aran sweater story. Still others maintain that the Aran sweater stories are nothing more than creative works of literature. The most common origin of the Aran sweater meanings involves a writer namedHeinz Keiwe, who is credited by skeptics as having invented the symbols behind common Aran knitwear in an article he wrote in 1934. These stories were then taken and expanded upon by additional writers through the years since then, each adding his or her own spin on the legends.
Which story is accurate? That’s hard to say for sure. History does point toward some cultures and tribes using knit patterns and other clothing related symbols to communicate ideas or to recognize family members. However, the exact origins of the Aransweater stitch meanings and their origins is a matter of speculation. While fans of the Aransweaters may never know the true story behind theseAran patterns, the element of mystery behind their origins has made Aran sweaters even more popular in recent years. Much of this has to do with the stitches themselves as an art form, as the Aransweaters are often quite elaborate in design, making them easy to appreciate for their aesthetic appeal alone. But, much of their appeal also stems from the ambiguous meaning behind their legendary stitches, and the symbolism each individual chooses to attach to them.