Sister Cecilia Schmitt 1035 North 32nd Avenue Saint Cloud MN 56303 (320) 252-1234 CHTI5@juno.com www.chem.umb.edu/Palms Work Samples Images: (select to enlarge)

Sister Cecilia Schmitt Palm weaving In palm braiding, we weave, cut, and fold, loop, and slit the palm to create traditional and whimsical figures. Palm braiding is an ancient art that originated from with sailors in regions where palms grew. After many years in decline, interest in palm braiding is increasing due to my books and workshops, as well as a renewed interest in hand-crafted materials and people desiring to do things with their hands. I am a good and a very nurturing teacher. I usually customize learning situations for each person or group of persons so it is meaningful and enjoyable. People of a wide range in age and ability have enjoyed our projects, including Scout clubs and groups of disabled adults. It also is a very versatile craft; we can create braided projects out of materials other than palm. Available: I am able to conduct workshops on weekends. Space: Minimal Fee: Negotiable

Additional Information:
Sister Cecilia Schmitt is a Franciscan sister who practices a traditional art form called palm braiding. Originally, this was an art form practiced by sailors in tropical climes, who would harvest palm leaves and branches, and turn them into items such as rings, hats and baskets.

In about the fourth century, Sicilians adopted palm braiding as their own. The Sicilians began making religious items, and not the novelty items of the sailors. However, at least one shape found is some of Sicilian art was taken from that of the sailors, the cone formation called the boondoggle. It is made in a few variants and is used as an element in palm braided bouquets, wall hangings, and other objects.

From Sicily, the practice of making religious art objects of palm spread to the rest of Italy. Because of the influence of the Roman Empire, the practice spread throughout the Christian world. In the fifteenth century, Martin Luther emphasized the practice, particularly on Palm Sunday. On that day, worshippers would receive palm leaves at church, and then return home. There, the family would gather together and the eldest family member would teach the others how to weave religious objects. The house was then decorated with this blessed palm.

Europeans representing many Christian religious traditions brought palm braiding to the United States. The tradition persisted in rural American because of the belief that God would watch over them wherever the blessed palm was displayed.

There are three types of patterns. The simplest, used to create crosses, are cut and folded patterns. Looping and slitting is used mainly to create flowers and bouquets. Weaving (4 or more strands) and braiding (3 strands) are used to create birds and fish and insects.

Sr. Cecilia's work to revive palm braiding began on Palm Sunday, 1994, as she was braiding a palm while sitting beside the hospital bed of her critically ill mother. Sr. Cecilia was surprised that none of the nurses recognized what she was doing. She realized that although palm braiding had a long history, it might be a dying art. However, the nurses showed an interest in learning it, she sponsored an open house on successive Palm Sundays at her local church. Hundreds of people from various churches taught and learned at these workshops.

Since that time, a revival of palm braiding has been spreading. Since 1999, thousands of braiders from all over the United States have submitted patterns to her. Sr. Cecilia's compilation of patterns, Palm Weaving, the Story and the Art, has been distributed to over 3,000 artists within the last 3 years, and her website, chem.umb.edu/palms, has had almost 30,000 visitors.

Today people use palm braiding not only because of its religious connections, but also because it helps people remember departed family members who used to do this art form. Frequently, objects made of woven palm are given as gifts.