The Symbolism of Persian Rugs

    The imagery woven into the patterns of Persian rugs has a deep and long history, representing faith, stories, and cultures.  Since  modern industrial production technology was created, the complexities od Persian and antique rugs has grown exponentially. But most or many of the basic patterns go back a very long way indeed, for centuries or even thousands of years.
    In the ancient days, simpleness versus complexity showed the craftsmanship, quality, and value that was in a rug. In today's market, for the most part, it more represents individual tastes of the consumer.
    At first glance, the intricate shapes on antique Persian rugs can look like just swirls, shapes, and blocks. But if you look more closely, you can begin to identify certain story-telling symbolic messages. Often times they are quite stylized, super-interpreted representations of the symbols, but they are there.
    For example, the lotus blossom often represents rebirth, immortality, and reincarnation, for its connections with Buddhism. Peacocks also have ties to immortality, and hyacinths can represent renewal. Trees may represent The Tree of Life, a symbol of a route from Earth to Heavan. Peonies usually stand for physical or political power, whereas tulips tend to signal monetary or emotional prosperity.
    Diamonds, although they may get worked in innocuously, may sometimes stand for women,  but pomegranates almost always represent fertility.