India has been credited to have the earliest mention of silk in ancient times and it was then brought to the other parts of the globe along with Aryans with the horse. There are different stories and facts when it comes to the birth of silk. Fragments of Silk were a part of China around 1500 BC. History says that silk was born when an empress of China unknowingly dropped the silk cocoon in her tea. Production of silk which is known as sericulture had changed the fortunes of many countries, but even today China has been the dominant country producing and exporting Silk.
Silk is a fabric which can be worn all the seasons of the year. It reflects light and gives a shimmer effect. It is light in weight and absorbs water; hence you can wear it in summer. Silk is as thin as a human hair but it is as strong as iron wire. It resists creasing and can be mixed with any other fabric, making it a combination of the best of both.
There are numerous silk produced and each one is distinct from the other.
Raw Silk:
The natural form of silk covered with sericin, a type of gum. It is hard and dull, but various processes are used to remove the gum to enhance the silk.
Tussar Silk:
The most textured silk in all other forms of silk. There are usually black spots on the fabric. It is courser and even stronger than cultivated silk.
Cultivated Silk:
The production of this silk has become technical and controlled industry. The silk worms are raised and fed on mulberry leaves to produce silk which is mainly white in colour. The grub is destroyed before it eats the way out of the cocoon.
Dupion Silk:
This silk is where the lumps of two threads join which is inherent. It has a shine of its own and looks classy when worn.
Silk is the most lustrous garment and has the same effect on you once you wear it. The silk has to be treasured carefully so that it stays young and does not lose its shine while you wear it.
Producing Silk was a secret and this secret stayed with them for almost three thousand years. The travelers were searched thoroughly whether they tried to smuggle any eggs or cocoons or silk worms and the ones who did were under the penalty of death. The Chinese had realized the value of the beautiful fabric produced by them and that is how they kept this secret for three decades.
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