Unraveling the Hidden Meanings: What Handmade Quilts Symbolize in Everyday Use

In today’s world, where everything is mass-produced and readily available, there is something special about handmade items. They hold a unique charm and story that cannot be replicated by factory-made products. One such example is the handmade quilt, a craft passed down through generations and treasured for its beauty and sentimental value. In Alice Walker’s renowned short story “Everyday Use,” the handmade quilt takes center stage as a symbol of heritage, identity, and conflicts between family members. In this article, we will explore the significance of the handmade quilts in “Everyday Use” and what they represent for different characters in the story. So let’s unravel the rich symbolism behind these intricate pieces of fabric and dive into the heart of what makes them so cherished and valuable in our everyday lives.

Quilts have long been treasured as a form of art and cultural heritage. They have been passed down from generation to generation, with each stitch holding a story or memory. In Alice Walker’s short story “Everyday Use”, quilts play a significant role in reflecting the characters’ heritage and identity. The protagonist, Mama, is torn between her two daughters’ different views on the value of handmade quilts. This raises the question – what do handmade quilts symbolize in “Everyday Use”?

The History of Quilting

Quilting has been around for centuries and has evolved from being a necessity to an art form. The earliest recorded evidence of quilting can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where pharaohs were buried with quilted garments to protect them in the afterlife. In medieval Europe, quilts were used as protection against the cold, while in Colonial America, early settlers used quilts as a way to tell stories and reflect their values and traditions.

During the 19th century, quilting became a popular activity among women, particularly in North America. It was seen as a practical way to reuse old fabric and clothing scraps while also providing warmth during harsh winters. Women would gather together to quilt, creating not just functional items but also beautiful works of art.

The Symbolism of Handmade Quilts

In “Everyday Use”, Alice Walker uses handmade quilts as a symbol for cultural heritage and family legacy. Quilts were handed down from one generation to another and were seen as valuable heirlooms that represented family history and traditions.

The process of making these quilts was not just about stitching together pieces of fabric but also about passing on knowledge and experiences from one generation to another. The time spent together creating these intricate pieces was often filled with stories, laughter, and bonding. The quilts themselves became carriers of these memories, making them more than just pieces of fabric.

The handmade aspect of these quilts is symbolic in itself. In a society where machines have replaced the human touch in most aspects of life, handmade quilts represent the beauty and value of something crafted with care and dedication. Each stitch in a handmade quilt holds meaning and reflects the individuality of its maker.

Quilts as a Reflection of Identity

In “Everyday Use”, the two sisters, Dee and Maggie, have very different opinions on the value of handmade quilts. Dee sees them as mere decorations, while for Maggie and Mama, they hold sentimental value and represent their family legacy.

Dee’s view reflects her detachment from her heritage and roots. She has changed her name from “Dee” to “Wangero” to reconnect with her African roots, yet she fails to see the significance of the quilts made by her ancestors.

Mama and Maggie, on the other hand, have a deep understanding of their culture and history. Mama states, “In both of them were scraps of dresses Grandma Dee had worn fifty or more years ago. Bits and pieces of Grandpa Jarrell’s paisley shirts.” These scraps represent their ancestors’ struggles and triumphs, reflecting their identity and sense of belonging to their culture.

Quilting as an Act of Resistance

In “Everyday Use”, Mama decides to give the handmade quilts to Maggie rather than Dee because she believes that Dee will not appreciate their value. This decision can be seen as an act
of resistance against Dee’s superficial appreciation for her heritage.

Throughout history, quilting has also been used as a way to resist oppression. During slavery times in America, African American women would use their skills in quilt making to secretly communicate important messages through patterns or codes sewn into the quilts. This was a way for them to resist and rebel against their oppressors.

In “Everyday Use”, Mama’s decision not to give the quilts to Dee can also be seen as a form of resistance against the societal pressure to conform to mainstream culture and forget one’s roots.

The Quilts’ Role in the Story

The handmade quilts in “Everyday Use” play a pivotal role in the story. They act as a symbol of cultural heritage, family legacy, identity, resistance, and individuality. They are also used as a tool by Alice Walker to highlight the differences between Dee and Maggie’s views on their heritage.

Dee sees the quilts as valuable objects that she can hang on her wall for display, while Maggie and Mama see them as treasured items filled with sentimental value. By choosing not to give Dee the quilts, Mama is protecting her family’s legacy and refusing to let it be exploited by Dee for superficial reasons.

In the end, when Dee realizes that she cannot take what she wants from her culture without fully understanding its true meaning, she changes her mind about taking the handmade quilts and leaves empty-handed.

The handmade quilts in “Every

The Significance of Handmade Quilts in Everyday Use

Handmade quilts have been an integral part of American culture for centuries. These treasured pieces of cloth are not only used for their practical purpose, but they also hold a deeper meaning and symbolize various aspects of everyday life. In Alice Walker’s short story “Everyday Use,” the character of Dee highlights the significance of these quilts in African American culture, causing a debate on how they should be valued. So, what do these handmade quilts truly represent? Let’s delve into the symbolism behind them.

Tradition and Heritage

In many cultures, including African Americans, quilting has been a long-standing tradition passed down from generation to generation. The creation of a quilt involves multiple steps that require skill and patience, which can take months or even years to complete. This process represents our connection to our ancestors as we carry on the tradition of quilt-making. The fabrics used in quilting often hold sentimental value and are passed down from family members, making each quilt unique and full of history.

Love and Care

The act of creating a quilt requires love and care as it is often made with the intention of being given to someone special. Quilting is seen as an expression of love for the recipient, showing that they are cherished and valued. Quilts also symbolize warmth, both physically and emotionally. Many people cherish their childhood memories of snuggling under the warm embrace of a handmade quilt during cold winter nights. This emotional connection is what makes quilts such precious gifts.

Identity and Self-Expression

In “Everyday Use,” Dee argues that the handmade quilts should be hung on a wall rather than used for their practical purpose because they represent “artistic” value over everyday use. However, her mother and sister, Maggie, both understand that the quilts represent much more than just artwork. Quilts are an expression of identity and self-expression, as they often feature symbolic patterns and designs that reflect the creator’s personality. African American quilts, for example, often incorporate traditional motifs and colors that celebrate their cultural heritage.

Preserving Memories

One of the most significant aspects of handmade quilts is their ability to preserve memories. Each quilt tells a unique story through its fabrics, design, and stitching. In “Everyday Use,” the character of Mama remembers specific moments associated with each fabric scrap in the quilt as she pieces it together. Quilts become a tangible reminder of our past experiences and serve as a way to honor our memories and those we have lost. In this sense, they truly are priceless heirlooms.

Appreciating the Imperfections

Unlike machine-made quilts, which strive for perfection through identical stitches and patterns, handmade quilts embrace imperfections. Each stitch in a handmade quilt is evidence of human hands at work, making it truly one-of-a-kind. Whereas mass-produced items may be seen as disposable, handmade quilts are valued for their flaws as they add character and authenticity to the piece.

The Symbolism in “Everyday Use”

In “Everyday Use,” Dee’s desire to hang the handmade quilts on a wall rather than use them for their practical purpose highlights a deeper meaning behind these priceless works of art. It showcases the disconnect between valuing materialistic worth over sentimental value within African American culture. Dee sees herself as part of a more modern world that no longer appreciates traditions like quilt-making.

However, her mother and Maggie understand that these handmade quilts represent their connection to their ancestors and cultural identity. The heated debate over who should possess these priceless relics illustrates the symbolism behind them and how they represent much more than just fabric and stitches.

The Overarching Message

The message that Alice Walker conveys in “Everyday Use” is that it’s essential to understand and appreciate the symbolic meaning behind handmade quilts. They are not just objects to be hung on a wall as decoration but are deeply rooted in tradition, love, identity, and memories. Quilts represent our connection to the past, our present identities, and our legacy for future generations.

In conclusion, handmade quilts symbolize a multitude of things in everyday use. They are tangible reminders of our traditions and heritage, expressions of love and identity, preservers of memory, and representations of imperfection. They hold a special place in American culture and should be celebrated for their deeper symbolism rather than just their practical purpose. Every handmade quilt is a work of art that carries a legacy worth preserving for generations to come.

1. What are handmade quilts and how are they made?
Handmade quilts are a type of textile that is created by hand, usually using pieces of fabric that are sewn together. These quilts can be made using various techniques such as patchwork, appliqué, and embroidery. They are often created by individual artisans or in collaboration with a group.

2. What role do handmade quilts play in traditional cultures?
Handmade quilts have a significant role in traditional cultures as they serve as a means of artistic expression and storytelling. In many cultures, quilting is passed down from generation to generation, preserving cultural traditions and stories through the patterns and designs on the quilt.

3. How do handmade quilts symbolize heritage and family history?
Handmade quilts often hold great sentimental value as they represent the stories and memories of a family’s past. The patterns, colors, and fabrics used in a quilt can all symbolize different aspects of a family’s heritage and history.

4. Why are handmade quilts considered valuable heirlooms?
Handmade quilts are considered valuable heirlooms due to the time, effort, and skill required to create them. They hold both historical and sentimental value, making them highly prized possessions that can be passed down from one generation to another.

5. In what ways do handmade quilts symbolize community identity?
Many times, handmade quilts represent a collective effort within a community as they are often created during group gatherings or social events where people come together to share their skills and stories. This makes each quilt unique and imbued with the identity of the community it originated from.

6.How does “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker highlight the significance of handmade quilts?

In “Everyday Use,” Alice Walker portrays handmade quilts as precious artifacts that symbolize heritage, family, and community. The conflict between the two sisters, Dee and Maggie, over the quilts highlights the different perspectives on their value. This story sheds light on the importance of preserving cultural traditions and passing them on to future generations through handmade quilts.

In conclusion, handmade quilts hold a deep and multifaceted symbolism in the story “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker. Through the characters of Mama, Maggie, and Dee, we see how these quilts represent different aspects of African American culture and heritage. Mama’s traditional use of the quilts as everyday items signifies their role in preserving family history and memories passed down through generations. Maggie’s attachment to the handmade quilts embodies her connection to her ancestors and their customs.

Dee’s desire to take the quilts for decorative purposes highlights a disconnect from her roots and a desire to adopt a superficial understanding of her cultural identity. This sparks a realization for Mama that appreciation for heritage should not be materialistic but rather based on an understanding of its rich significance.

Furthermore, the handmade quilts are also a symbol of the resilience and strength of African American women who created them out of hardship yet imbued them with beauty and meaning. They represent not only physical warmth but also emotional warmth and love passed down through generations.

Through the symbolism of handmade quilts, Walker sheds light on important themes such as the value of traditions, cultural appreciation, identity, and family dynamics. The subtle yet powerful message conveyed is that true appreciation for one’s culture comes from understanding its history and cher

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.