Ancient Ideas of Eastern Civilization

 

Eastern Traditions & Culture

Ancient Ideas

In the vast expanse of Eastern traditions and culture, there lie ancient ideas that have withstood the test of time, shaping societies and individuals in profound ways. These concepts have permeated the fabric of Eastern civilization, contributing to its captivating allure and mystique. Let us embark on a journey that delves into some of these intriguing ancient ideas, shedding light on their significance and relevance in the modern world.

1. Yin and Yang: The Balance of Opposites

One of the most fundamental concepts in Eastern philosophy is the notion of Yin and Yang. Representing the delicate interplay between opposing forces, this concept emphasizes the harmony and balance necessary for a fulfilling existence. Yin, symbolizing the feminine, passive, and dark aspects, finds equilibrium with Yang, representing the masculine, active, and light facets. This interconnected duality extends beyond the physical world, permeating into various aspects of life, such as relationships, health, and even the natural environment. Understanding the essence of Yin and Yang encourages us to seek balance and embrace the interdependence of polarities in our own lives.

2. Karma: The Law of Cause and Effect

Karma, a cornerstone of many Eastern belief systems, introduces the potent concept of cause and effect. This principle suggests that our actions, whether positive or negative, have consequences that extend beyond our immediate circumstances. Karma teaches us that our present experiences are influenced by past actions, while our future is shaped by the choices we make today. This ancient idea serves as a timeless reminder to cultivate mindfulness and compassion, reminding us to consider the ripple effect of our actions in creating a better world for ourselves and others.

3. Zen: The Art of Mindfulness

Originating in Japan, Zen is a philosophy woven into the tapestry of Eastern culture that champions the art of mindfulness. It encourages individuals to cultivate a heightened state of awareness, embracing the present moment with unwavering attention and acceptance. Through practices such as meditation and contemplation, Zen enables us to transcend the incessant chatter of our minds and connect with the essence of our being. By immersing ourselves fully in the present, we can find inner peace, clarity, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

4. Five Elements: The Building Blocks of Life

Deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy, the concept of the five elements - wood, fire, earth, metal, and water - offers a unique perspective on the world's dynamics. This ancient idea postulates that these elements are not only physical substances but also represent different qualities and energies manifested in nature, human beings, and various aspects of existence. According to this belief, each element interacts and influences one another in a continuous cycle, contributing to the ebb and flow of life's rhythms. Understanding the interplay of these elements can guide us in achieving harmony and balance within ourselves and our environments.

• Wood: Symbolizing growth, flexibility, and expansion.
• Associated with spring, new beginnings, and the liver in traditional Chinese medicine.
• Fire: Representing passion, transformation, and illumination.
• Associated with summer, joy, and the heart in traditional Chinese medicine.
• Earth: Signifying stability, nourishment.
• Associated with late summer, abundance, and the spleen/stomach in traditional Chinese medicine.
• Metal: Embodied in strength, clarity, and precision.
• Associated with autumn, introspection, and the lungs in traditional Chinese medicine.
• Water: Reflecting adaptability, fluidity, and wisdom.
• Associated with winter, reflection, and the kidneys in traditional Chinese medicine.

As we explore the profound wisdom embedded within Eastern traditions and culture, we open ourselves up to the trans-formative power of these ancient ideas. By embracing concepts like Yin and Yang, Karma, Zen, and the Five Elements, we can attain a deeper understanding of ourselves, our connections to the world, and ultimately contribute to our own personal growth and well-being. Let us embark on a journey to discover the richness and wisdom held within the vast tapestry of traditions & culture

Designer tip on color scheme

 What to wear ?

Every day we question our self  so here are some ideas:

Just use the old idea of mix & match technique in your wardrobe.also use  the color combination with great care & color scheme you should avoid but use the alternative in the same color with different shade.Here are nice new combination from our designer.

Its always better to check the trends of the year .

*like red & green you think about Christmas but  just wear red outfit with accent of green like shoe or bag.

*Red with khaki green goes well in any type of outfit.

*Same with purple & yellow is not good else you use mustard & dull purple.

*Same with pink & green is not good in dark shade just avoid but use dull pink & dull green.

*Red & white is good  combination.

*Green & orange is also very eye catching.

*Orange & camel also very eye catching.

   

Arabian Horses

In an Arab world horse is a  of symbol of pride, they are some of the most versatile horses on earth. they are excellent in competition disciples, endurance & racing. they are known to be intelligent & excel in riding. Arabian horses have strong bones & good stamina. The prettiest horse in the world has an incredibly beautiful coat they shine in the sunlight & called the Akhal Teke. some say that they come from paradise. White color horses are rare 

 

See the unseen of Bahrain

Lets walk through the beautiful island called " Bahrain" .

We took the journey with our local friends.  

We had visited famous historical places of this island& explore the architectural treasures .

 

Ramadan Kareem

Pakistan Handicrafts

Brass Lamps 

custom decor for Easter 2017

Center piece with rice paper flowers

Passion for kite flying in air -Basant

Basant, a spring festive or Jashan-e Baharan ,spring celebration

                                  Passion for kite flying in air

Heritage  includes events, festivals, celebrations, personalities, cultures, customs, tradition,  language, art, architect, etc. Pakistan has many hertiages attractions  & festivals to celebate through out the year.Basant is one of them.this is a beautiful event with sky flooded with kites. For this occasion men drape themseves in embroidered shalwar kameeze(local dress) with matching ankle-length scarve mostly in yellow color and on the other hand womenfolk apply heena on  their handsand stack their arms with banglesand dress in bright color of yellow or green.

 In early March to welcome the arrival of spring the Basant ( Kite flying ) festival is held in most cities of the Pakistan with the highlight in Lahore . In the subcontinent and China kites have been used in different form since ancient times. From 100 BC to AD 500, kites were used for sending signals and to measure the distance of enemy camps. In AD 930, the Japanese mentioned Shiroshi, meaning paper bird, for the first time. Between AD 960 to AD 1126, kite flying became a popular sport in China. The ninth day of the ninth month was a day when kites were flown to banish evil.

As the month of March approches a air of basant carnival ,stories of kite flying,rooftop soirees,garden parties and flowers blooming everywhere.The ancient eastern city of Lahore marks the beginning of spring with the Basant carnival is most celebrated and watched but whole country also participated.lets go back to the history when nighttime kite-flying in the walled old quarter around the 16th century Badshahi mosque and Lahore fort opens the festival. Ancient mughal palaces throw open their doors for all-night parties to view the kites, illuminated by and then slashing the sky with specail  classical Qawali musicians at parties.now a days same old tradition take place when white paper kites shimmer in the night sky, diving and soaring as rival fliers joust in duels marked by battle cries of Pecha!(twist) and victory shouts of voh kata!(cut off) Bursts of drums and trumpets mark the cutting of a kite's cord.during this season there use to be a lot of rush at kite shops, especially in old Lahore and Karachi  Empress market as children and men gathered to purchase their favourite coloured kites and string. The festival is a part of the country culture. A number of special dishes are also prepared for the occasion. Basant is an event of colors and lights. The dance of kites in lights would be visible to everyone who would look up at the sky. In Pakistani old towns and cities, where there is less open space, terraces and rooftops are often used for the kite competations. It is more colourful in the old city of Lahore where everyone wears yellow clothes and flies kites from the rooftops. People from different cities throng to Lahore, where kite flying begins at dawn and continues until the dusk. Friends, neighbors and visitors battle one another for victory and cries of  triumph fill the air when one cuts the kite string of the another kite flyer. The kites are in a variety of shapes , size and different colours. From huge kites which need three to four people to fly to tiny ones for the kids. So in short one can say that happiness can be found in sharing and enjoying this simple occaision with laughter and happiness .

Hand embroidery

Hand embroidery on tunic using button hole stitch and french knot then add mirror in flower center.

East World Market Studio

East World Market
Studio
hand embroidery using stitches buttonhole & shadow work.

Sequence and crystal work by EWM

Sequence and crystal work done by hand and it’s a very time consuming task but creativity is pass to one generation and to another generation. Artisans work in team of two or four and finish the whole project in a week time. Mostly they create saris, shawls and tunic or kamiz & dupattas (scarf).so order your dress at ewmkt@yahoo.com

Motif from Mughal inspiration

Celebrating heritage through motif designs

Celebrating heritage through motif designs


The legacy continues at East World Market design studio

The traditional crafts are found in every region of Pakistan with rich Mughal style and Islamic art form. With its emphasis on perfect synchronization, perfect balance and correct depicted floral and geometric patterns is predominated in Pakistani designs. It can be seen in different form of architecture to textile. Window and door grills and gates in Pakistan has very distinguished patterns so is the glazed tiles of different motifs found in pre and post historical period of Mughals, Indus civilization, Gandhara Civilization ,Islamic Period and Sikh Period.

Some of the most prominent designs are

Carrey or Paisley motif

This Is a droplet shaped vegetable (mango seed) motif and that also filled with geometrical lines and patterns sometimes it’s also called as Persian pickles. This is a very popular design in other countries also like Iran, India and central Asian countries. Paisley designs are used using gold or silver threads on silk and other textile. In Pakistan, these pattern are widely termed as the Carrey ,it’s the mango sometime also called as Ambia or Ambi.

Jaldar (netted) Motif
This is a repetition of the geometric motif. Mostly using circle, square, triangle and lines

Then there are motifs according to the regions

EWM scarves

Mirror and thread work

Tie dye or Bandhani

Tie and dye is one of the traditional dyeing styles in Pakistan, one of traditional form of tie dying began some 5000 years ago and called as bandhani or Chunri. This technique involves tying small dots with thread all over the fabric to create designs and motifs. After tying the fabric is dyed then the ties are removed and a beautiful pattern form on the fabric. Most popular material to use is cotton as its soft and easy to handle but now a day more fabric are used like silk, georgette, chiffon and Katan. 

Let me tell you the method how the artisans of East World Market make beautiful scarves.

Spice box or Masala ka dabbah

                                            Treasures from East


                                     Spice Box or Masala ka dabbah

Pakistan cuisine has its distinctive flavors .The magic of Pakistani cooking is in the blending of spices. All spices have a particular function in a recipe. While some spices are for aroma, some are for flavor and some give body to your creations. Spice blends differ by region. One factor that influences the blend of spices for each region is the climate. In cold climates there is heavy use of spices that create heat, such as fennel, saffron and ginger powder. To stores these spices in a little box made of stainless steel or copper filled with all kind of spices and use to give Pakistani cuisine its distinctive flavors.

jewelry group of EWM artisans

East World Market

Artisans of Jewelry group

Introduction of Pakistani jewelry or called as Zevarats

Pakistan is a land with vast treasure of arts & crafts and jewelry making is one of them. It’s a world of inspiration for the jewelry designs; one can go back to the Indus civilization. From that era the process jewelry making begins with shells, bone &stones then slow they move to bronze, copper, silver& gold.  

From the historical background of Pakistan now world can see the beautiful products in gold and silver finely crafted into masterpieces using precious metals and gemstone. Craftsmen are called 'Sunar' and they have their own trade serects and craftsmanship techniques .they also deal in Gemstones and offer different type  of metal jewelry. Pakistan has been gifted with abundant resources of several precious and semi-precious gemstones, at present mostly found in Northern Areas and NWFP, but with a huge future potential in Baluchistan. Most important of the currently found stones are emeralds of Mingora (Swat), pink and golden topaz of Katlang (Mardan) and aquamarine of Chitral and Neelam Valley. EWM artisans work on precious gemstone and manufacture all type of gemstone strings (necklaces) or bezel them into silver or gold to making rings, earrings or bangles and bracelets. Since all these artisans live in the mountains range and the raw material of gemstone are easily available to them at an amazing low prices.

East World Market women life style