Leizu facts for kids
Leizu was a famous Chinese queen from ancient times. People believe she discovered silk and invented the silk loom. This happened around the 28th century BC, a very long time ago!
Leizu found silkworms while walking near her husband's mulberry trees. There are different stories about how she learned that silkworms make silk.
Contents
How Leizu Discovered Silk
The Finger Story
One story says Leizu touched a silkworm with her finger. A thin strand of silk came out. She kept wrapping the silk around her finger. When the silk stopped, she saw a small cocoon. She then realized the cocoon was the source of the silk.
The Tea Story
Another story tells that Leizu saw silkworms eating mulberry leaves. They were spinning cocoons. She collected some cocoons and sat down to drink tea. By accident, she dropped a cocoon into her hot tea. A fine thread began to come off the cocoon. Leizu found she could easily unwind this soft, beautiful thread.
Sharing the Discovery
Leizu asked her husband for a grove of mulberry trees. There, she could raise the worms that made these special cocoons. She is also said to have invented the silk reel. This tool helps join thin silk threads into one stronger thread. This thicker thread was then strong enough for weaving.
She is also credited with inventing the very first silk loom. A loom is a machine used to weave threads into fabric. We don't know if all these stories are true. But historians agree that silk was first made in China. Leizu shared her amazing discovery with others. Soon, everyone knew how to make silk.
Images for kids
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Leizu Temple in China
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See also
In Spanish: Leizu para niños
