Fili che non si spezzano. Da Omero alla tarda antichità

Numerous witnesses, ranging from Homer to late Latin authors, describe female characters – either historical or mythological – in the act of spinning, weaving or embroidering clothes made of precious fabrics. Such clothes are destined to be worn in significant moments in the lives of their husbands, fathers, sons and lovers. Despite the polemical writings against luxury of moralists and of Church Fathers, this habit crosses centuries. It is significative of wealth, status symbol and it probably mirrors the long-standing belief that a happy life awaits the man for whom the Fates spin white stamen with golden threads.