Cretan woven towels were among the most important textiles in a dowry and played a crucial role in significant life events such as love, engagement, marriage, baptisms, and death. In everyday use, they were simple and functional, made from durable materials like cotton or linen, and decorated with modest geometric patterns. In contrast, for important occasions, the towels were elaborate and artistic, with decorations reflecting the significance of each event. For example, wedding towels featured patterns symbolizing love and happiness, while those for baptisms were adorned with religious symbols and depictions of purity. Even in funerals, the towels were decorated with more solemn and symbolic designs. This rich weaving tradition has been preserved over the centuries, with Cretan woven towels being valued for their aesthetic beauty and symbolic meaning, remaining popular as gifts and keepsakes.
