Baby blanket from Western Estonia Dimentions 130 x 130 cm The blanket is the result of cooperation between Epp Maria Kokamägi and Helen Vaks, the creator of Ellu scarves. The Baby blanket is decorated with Sleep Fairy, surrounded with festoons that decorate the Pärnu folk costume. The Sleep Fairy in the centre of the blanket was designed by Epp Maria, inspired by her grandchild - that the beautiful fairy would make the child fall asleep peacefully every night. From now on, the fairy will be the Angel of good night sleep for every child. According to Epp Maria, throughout the times an angel has been a messenger that leads us wisely and gently and who walks with us both day and night. If only we knew how to notice it. On the blanket, the Sleep Angel is surrounded by beautiful flower motif that was stylized according to the West Estonian traditions by Helen Vaks who also had in mind the love that Epp Maria has towards this special place. There are many meaningful signs designed onto the blanket. The Angel is protected by eight (the number of spiritual beginning) doubled crosses (Star of Bethlehem that marks the birth of Christ) that seem to have grown onto four flower vines. Number four marks wholeness and togetherness. An eight- pointed star, known to our people, is hidden in the midst of the leaves. May it be a lucky star for every child. Circles used in the design are the symbols of eternity, sun and moon. In the old times, Estonian women loved to use symbolism, geometry and different motifs of plants and figures. Western Estonian blankets were often designed into so-called midfield and board, usually separated by a diamond or a zigzag line. The centre of the Sleep Angel blanket is also decorated with a figure. In this case, the board (zigzag line) has turned into vines with leaves. Estonian peasantry usually decorated the items that were visible for guests or that were made as a gift. In Western Estonia, flower patterns, bird, animal and human figures were widely used and this way the nearby blanket makers were also inspired. Different figures were used to communicate messages, dreams and wishes. They embodied a great meaning. It was believed that this way, a protective power is created that protects the person wearing it. Decorations of the 19th century that, in simplified forms, blended together with beneficent and protective-magical motifs, conformed with the worldview, beliefs, superstition, repellent and blessing magic of the people. They also carried the esthetic experience of our people. In Western Estonia the geometric ornaments were combined with figurative-narrative symbolism. The colouring is inspired by the spectrum commonly used in Western Estonia in the 19th century. According to the old traditions the blanket is stylized one-way, that means that all the figures, including plant motifs, human and animal figures are traditionally seen from one direction. Also according to the tradition, you can stitch your baby’s name on the blanket.