Table 1 sample textile patterns and their accompanying stories from HdS

This pattern belongs to a group of textiles inspired by Chinese motifs produced in the 14th century in various centres for silk weaving in Italy, such as Lucca, Venic eand Florence. Despite the obvious heathen symbols, these patterns found their way into the symbolism of the Church. The crescent moon was ignored, and the bird was interpreted as an eagle, which, as the most powerful bird in the sky, was equated with Christ. The sun was interpreted as a representation of the light of the enlightenment. The pair of swans represented constant faithfulness. Therefore it was possible to make ecclesiastical vestments and altar hangings bearing this pattern.