In Crete, hiramia
were a distinctive type of lightweight bedding that combined
practicality with artistry. The tradition of creating and using hiramia
in Crete has deep roots and is closely tied to the local weaving
heritage. Cretan hiramia were primarily made from cotton, though wool
was also used in some cases. These materials were ideal for the warm
Cretan climate, as they were light and cool. Typically, hiramia were
large enough to cover beds or couches, and their construction allowed
them to adapt to various bed sizes, making them versatile and practical.
The
most characteristic feature of hiramia was their decoration. They were
usually adorned on the two narrower sides with colorful designs. These
designs included floral motifs (such as flowers and leaves), animal
representations (such as birds, animals, or even mythical creatures),
and human figures. The techniques used involved either weaving or
embroidery, with bold and vibrant colors.
