Linen facts for kids
Linen is a special type of fabric that comes from the flax plant. It's known for being strong, cool, and absorbent. People use linen to make many things, like light clothing, tablecloths, and even bedding. The fibers from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum) are spun into yarn, which is then woven into this unique material.
A Look Back in Time
Linen has a very long and interesting history. The flax plant is one of the oldest plants that humans have ever grown and used. People were already making linen cloth at least 6,000 years ago! This happened in ancient lands like Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Ancient Uses of Linen
Because of its long history, linen is one of the oldest fibers used by humans. Other ancient fibers include wool and hemp. In ancient Egypt, linen was very important. It was even used to wrap mummies! This shows how durable and valued linen was back then.
For a long time, linen and hemp were the most important fiber plants in Europe. They were used for many everyday items.
Modern Changes
In more recent centuries, linen has become less common. It has largely been replaced by cotton and synthetic materials. These newer materials are often cheaper to produce. However, linen is still valued for its unique qualities and is used for special items.
Images for kids
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kitchen linen
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A linen handkerchief with drawn thread work around the edges
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Flax stem, fiber, yarn and woven and knitted linen textiles
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A bag of white linen, unopened. Contains rolls of linen. Foundation deposit, Heb Sed Chapel at Lahun, Fayum, Egypt. 12th Dynasty. The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, London.
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Diocletian's 4th century maximum prices edict showing prices for 3 grades of linen across the Roman Empire
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Green Pleated Linen Dress, 'Irish Moss' by Irish fashion designer Sybil Connolly
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Bielefeld Germany linen Notgeld issued by Stadt-Sparkasse on 8 November 1923
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Details of the flax plant, from which linen fibers are derived
See also
In Spanish: Lino textil para niños
