What Is Eri Silk Saree & Is It Better?
A silk saree is a timeless piece that every Indian woman should own. It holds a particular place in every woman's heart. Silk sarees have long been worn by aristocracy and wealthy households due to their traditional silky shine and luxurious feel. A high-quality silk saree can be rather expensive. As a result, it is fairly usual people to save their best silks for a special event to appear their best. But have you ever wondered what makes silk so unique? Let’s read on to know more about your favourite silk saree -
How Silk Sarees Are Made:
The saree-making procedure is not for the faint of heart. Sericulture is the technique of creating the finest silk threads for silk sarees. Sericulture is the technique of cultivating silk worms and collecting them while they are still in the cocoon stage. When the worms are in the cocoon stage, their lint is gathered and collected to form the finest silk. Previously, the silkworms were frequently killed during the extraction procedure, and the cocoon was emptied. The smooth yards are then gathered and spun into threads for weaving your lovely silk sarees.
Ethical Question:
The conventional method of manufacturing silk is not the most compassionate or sustainable, it has been called into question. Killing the worm during the extraction procedure not only morally taints the silk-making process. It also has the potential to drive the "bombyx mori" (silk moth larvae) to extinction. Furthermore, the way these silkworms are grown is inhumane. The repeated inbreeding has altered the worms, preventing them from flying when they reach adulthood. They can only lay eggs and perish. As a result, it dehumanises the craft of manufacturing beautiful silk. This is why it is typical for individuals to feel as if they are being weighed down by the weight of silk. However, the technique of producing silk has evolved and grown more ethical. The Eri silk saree is a perfect illustration of this.
What Is Eri Silk Saree?
The brutal method of manufacturing silk has frequently raised moral concerns in people's minds. Silk's elegance is enticing, but the gruelling procedure stains the cloth with the hues of violence. Here is where Eri silk comes in. Eri silk is manufactured from a different species of silkworm that may be found in various parts of India and China. This worm form a fuzzy white cocoon. Due to its fuzzy white appearance, this silk cocoon is commonly referred to as the fabric of peace. In this process the silk worm is not killed. Rather the farmers wait out for the worm to grow into a moth and leave the fuzzy shell of cocoon behind. As the silk worms are not destroyed during the production of Eri silk, the method is rather benign than the conventional process. This is another reason why they are also known as Ahimsa Silk. Thus, you don't have to reconsider or bend your principles or ethics when purchasing an Eri silk saree.
Is Eri Silk Any Good?
While Eri silk is ethical and a non-violent silk fabric, is it any good? Can it compete against the classic silk? The short answer is yes! But the long answer is -
As the technique of producing Eri silk is unique, many people believe it is not a true silk saree. The only difference is the technique and silkworm kind; otherwise, it is pure silk. Eri silk, as opposed to continuous filament silks, is a staple fibre. The texture of the cloth is gritty, fine, and thick. It is highly resilient, long-lasting, and malleable. Eri silk is darker and heavier than other silks, and it pairs nicely with wool and cotton. So, don’t worry! You are not receiving a discounted silk fabric. Nevertheless, the Eri breeding and harvesting procedure is time-consuming for silk farmers, a price of Eri silk saree will not cost lower than that of a standard silk saree. Hence, when you purchase an Eri silk saree, you can be rest assured that you are purchasing a genuine silk saree.
If you are a fan of silk sarees but an animal lover who feels guilty about buying a silk saree because of the violent silk-making process, then Eri silk can be your saving grace. They are perfect for the conscious folks and animal lovers, who love silk sarees but are pushed back by the process. It is indeed a perfect alternative.