Dress healthy? How is that, you may wonder… Well yes, in reality there are very old alternatives, which are currently being rescued and which should not have been relegated; different alternatives to our common way of dressing.
In the past, for obvious reasons of “scarcity” in advances and industrialization, what was at hand was used, only elements produced by nature, in this rudimentary way plant fibers such as cotton, fique, jute, linen, hemp among others, people took care of the entire process from planting, growing, collecting and treating these plants that would later be woven fibers converted into fabric, with which they made their clothing.
LET’S GO BACK IN TIME…
At first, clothing items were created to solve the need to cover and protect us from various weather conditions, but later they were used along with colors to give identity; For example, purple colors were exclusively associated with positions of power such as kings and high religious members.
These processes were completely artisanal and made from what they commonly had at their disposal, growing and collecting the plants, macerating them, fermenting them and doing a process in which the fibers were dyed that were later converted into looms and finally into garments, it was a cycle where there was no waste and very little contamination, since after using their clothes for a long time, they were reused by cutting them into small squares to create what we knew as patchwork quilts, in this way the useful life of the clothes was made the most of. fabrics and their colors.
Previously, this way of experiencing colors was sacred, since great cultures such as the Nahuales of Mexico, the aborigines of Peru and Ecuador had a great connection with nature to worship their gods, they were expert experts on plants and their healing properties. and dyeing, but with the passage of time these culturally rich traditions and processes have been lost and modernized in synthetic and polluting ways.
From the vestiges of information that now remain, it has been possible to rescue those that have been used:
- pigments from mushrooms,
- Algae,
- Flowers,
- barks,
- berries,
- Clays and some insects.
Toxic substances were also used to change the pH of the dyes and thus obtain color variants; ash and even urine were used. Currently, this sensitivity to color is being returned to, and the creation of color with elements that nature provides us is being recovered in a simpler way; All of these processes are fully adaptable to dye our garments without toxic agents; It is still a long and patient process like all natural processes, this allows us to return to the old ways of life, respect and proper management of resources.
Compared to synthetic dyes, natural extracts are not harmful to health as they do not contain petroleum-derived components, and a wide range of shades can be obtained from pastels to solid colors. They are also ecological and easily degraded by composting the plant matter. remainder of the extraction process.
In addition to the variety and exclusivity of its colors, many factors come into play, it is impossible to repeat an exactly the same tone; The climate, location, season, harvesting, process, among many other variables, influence each tincture, thus giving a unique and unrepeatable character.
Natural dyeing process
The natural dyeing process is completely artisanal and spiritual, it was believed that dyeing garments with plants when they came into contact with the skin transferred their medicinal and healing properties, which is why at Nahual we are trying to rescue this culture of color, which more Beyond a transformation it is an intuitive awakening, of constantly experimenting, of relating to what surrounds you; sensitize yourself and embrace its results, especially giving it the necessary time for its metamorphosis and constant change; A garment dyed with nature comes to life, it never stops evolving, surprising you and showing you the art of patience on this path.
In essence, a naturally dyed garment is washed very well, it is prepared to receive the color, the plant that will give us its dyeing properties is chosen, with supreme respect asking permission from Mother Earth, (we only use plant elements, nothing of animal origin). , its color is extracted and the textile is submerged to take it for itself. This process has no room for worry since it lasts a long time, it can be days or weeks.
The alchemy of nature is a magical process, you are never certain of the final color and that should be its main attraction, allowing ourselves to be surprised by the results, without demanding more than what it offers us. For us it is very valuable to immerse ourselves in the dyeing world, we connect more with our beloved nature, this is a process of calm, appreciation and love for all the beings that inhabit the planet.
