6,000 people weave their way into history with Estonia's centennial rag rug
Over a period of seven months, a total of 6,000 people under the guidance of 40 instructors wove a massive rag rug as a gift to Estonia on the occasion of the country's upcoming centennial.
On April 11, 2017, work began on an unprecedented rag rug project at the Estonian Open Air Museum in Tallinn, the goal of which was to weave a 100-meter-long rag rug that included the stripe patterns of the folk costume skirts of each of Estonia's historical parishes. The last strip of the rug was removed from the loom in December, reported ETV news broadcast "Aktuaalne kaamera."
Ene Pars, who was in charge of the Estonia 100 rag rug project, confirmed that over 6,000 people stopped by and contributed to the weaving of the rug. One of them was President Kersti Kaljulaid herself, who visited the Open Air Museum to work on the rug in November.
"Many people wanted to weave for the parish where they had roots," she said, adding that many also came by multiple times to help weave. "People were inspired, and they asked where they could get looms and how to drag their looms out from somewhere and start weaving as well. I think it's great when people find a new activity or hobby that inspires them and that they enjoy."
The finished rugs will be displayed at the Open Air Museum for three weeks beginning at the end of January. On Feb. 23, the 100-meter "national rug" will be presented as a gift to the Office of the President of the Republic of Estonia.
Editor: Aili Vahtla
