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Woven for Gumple Mordecai b. Joseph Weibzen, born on Tuesday, 12 Tevet [5]577. The Wimple ("Mappah" in Hebrew and "vimple" in Yiddish) became common amongst Jews of Germany in the 1500's. Wimples were made using the cloth from the circumcision ceremony for embroidering or painting a special wrapper for the Torah. Thus, from the moment of birth forward, a connection was established between the child and the Torah.
Wimples have been made by mothers, relatives, or friends on the occasion of the birth of a boy. The length of time to work on and embellish the Wimple depended on when the woman would donate her finished craft to the synagogue. Some would bring it when the child was one month, others at one year, still others when the child learned to read. The Wimple would be brought to the synagogue and a blessing made at it's presentation, reminiscent of Hannah when her young son Samuel left home and was dedicated to Temple service.
The Wimples were decorated to match the parents hopes and aspirations for their children. If a name lent itself to illustration, it was often illustrated. |
