Common Threads

Pictures & Words Share Meaning in Sampler

Pictures & Words Share Meaning in Sampler

I n this third and last section of the Susanna Rambo 1836 Sampler, stitchers will create the borders on the two sides and top of the sampler. If stitchers want to create a personal sampler with this border, they can supply their own verses. Knowing what the motifs symbolize might help in creating their poetry.

All of the motifs in the Susanna Rambo sampler serve to frame the sentiment that the young girl stitched in her parents' honor. The motifs can be understood in relation to the verse: In this my parents love doth show For learning on me they bestow Then may I learn my God to fear And love them with a heart sincere Faith, love and righteousness are evident in these words as well as in the motifs.

Crowns that appear in samplers symbolize respect for a monarchy, but they can appear in samplers created in countries without a monarchy, such as in this American girl's sampler.

Crowns typically denote royalty, rank or nobility, especially when stitched with initials or a name near the crown. Depending on the sampler's country of origin, crowns can denote sovereignty, fidelity, innocence, faith or eternity.

At the bottom of the sampler there are two baskets of fruit, and the basket in the center holds a bouquet of flowers. The basket of flowers represents friendship, hope and love. A basket of fruit can denote health, happiness and prosperity.

At the sides of the sampler are strawberries on a vine. The strawberries are seen as a perfect fruit because they have no thorns, pits or rinds. The berries denote perfect righteousness, an associa- tion with Christ. The vine stands for Jesus Christ, also, in Christian design, as in the quotes, “I am the true vine …” ( John 15:1; “I am the vine …” John 15:5).

Whether you stitch the Susanna Rambo sampler as shown or you create a personal sampler with Susanna's border, it is good to know how the words and motifs together express a cohesive message. The choice of words and symbols is a window into the designer's mind and understanding of the world.

Resources

Sampler Motifs and Symbolism by Patricia Andrle and Lesley Rudnicki, Hillside Samplings, 1st edition 2003

Hasson, Janet S. “Tennessee Sampler Survey” Tennessee Samplers.com and www.TennesseeStitching.com

Hands Across The Sea Samplers, https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com