Tree Skirt Pattern
 

I'm going to make a tree skirt for the small tree my floor mates and I have put up in our lounge. I am to include the major religions on the skirt (and was requested to do this in a patchwork pattern). Other than the Star of David, which I was able to find a pattern for, where could I possibly find a pattern for the symbol for Islam (the crescent moon and star), Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism? I'm doing this in blue and white, I hope, I need to find the right light blue fabric. I at least have my white fabric picked out.

Thank you for the help!!!

You really need to think about this. Christmas and even Christmas trees are still considered a Christian celebration and probably devoted members of ALL the religions you mentioned will be very insulted to have the religious symbols mixed together on a Christmas tree skirt. Even one highly insulted person can cause you a lot of trouble.

I agree....sadly.
Michelle

I agree. I think that you might be asking for trouble.

Unfortunately the others are probably correct, so unless you know your floor mates very well I might skip the multicultural tree skirt.

mltquilt

We actually have permission from the school to do this, we went through the right channels for this, otherwise we would not be doing this. The tree has blue and white ribbons on it. We are a primarily Christian school, and our floor is mainly United Church of Christ, except for about four of us, who are Catholic. It's only on display on our floor. We were told that as long as we include all religions in the tree and/or decorations, it was allowed. We have a sign that says Happy Holidays.

All I asked for was a pattern for blocks. If we didn't have permission we wouldn't have bothered with this either. I'm offended that you would all jump to the conclusion that we didn't ask for permission, especially since we are putting this in a public space of our floor. I mean honestly, please ask before jumping to conclusions.

I'm sorry, I don't mean to go off and I mean absolutely no ill will. I go to a school that pushes Multi-culturism. They have a giant tree they put up each year in the Student Union (called the Frick Center). Regardless of the fact that we have all Christians on our floor, we were told it had to include the major religions on the tree. So that's what we are doing.

If I had thought that asking for block patter ideas would be an issue I would not have posted this.

The fact that your school is primarily a Christian school is probably not an issue. What if a very devote Islam believer resents his star and quarter moon or other symbol being included in a Christian observation? They do not observe Christmas and have frequently been legally active about things like this. No one implied you did not have permission to do this. I only questioned the wisdom of it. I can see it being on you tube and then on the news and then in the court system.

Blue and white covers Hannakah, Red and green are traditional Christmas. The cross for Christians. Do an outline of the sitting Buddha, do these in appliqué would be easiest. I have never seen an icon for Hinduism. Check on the intèrnet. Good luck on your project.

No, I understand what you're saying but considering that the only people who will see this will be those who are on the floor of our building, that really wouldn't be an issue. We have about fifteen Muslim students on this campus. They partake in all the religious (regardless of what religion is being represented) forums on campus. If they were to see it and say they were offended we would remove it.

But, now I'm starting to resent even asking for help because I feel all I'm getting is criticism for trying to do the right thing and what I was told I was to include. If it were up to me, it would be plain blue and white... our school colors, but the school said we had to include them.

And besides, the school was all over the news back in August. Due to being the only school in the country to ask a students sexual orientation. We like to live on the edge! ;)

HI, funnily enough I have just bought a book called Symbols of Faith by Linda Causee, ISBN 1-59012-022-1. It has 44 patterns for paper piecing in and ranges from, Noah's Ark, Star of David, baby Jesus in a crib to Pascal Lamb andcrescent and star, eye of Horus etc. Hope this of help but maybe not this year unless you are a super fast sewer. Good Luck