What are the origins of the terms / words boteh / paisley?
The Boteh pattern, more commonly known in the West as “paisley”, is incredibly common in the rugs of many different cultures. Especially those located in the Middle East.
The word “boteh” comes from the Persian word for shrub or bush. Alternate names for the motif include “Persian Pickles” in America, and “Welsh Pears” in western Europe.
The boteh paisley pattern shape in rugs / textiles
The paisley pattern is particularly prevalent in wool or silk textiles from the areas of Kashmir in India, and Kerman in Iran. The Boteh symbol is often seen in the shape of a teardrop, however clusters of these shapes, or more abstracted versions of the shape are also prevalent.
What does the paisley boteh design represent?
Commonly, this motif represents the ideas of eternal life and fertility, and can also symbolize fire, and the season of autumn. It is often used to symbolize expectant mothers and pregnancy.
The origins of the boteh / paisley design pattern
The boteh paisley design motif is an ancient symbol that appears to have its origins in ancient Persia, but it is found in cultures all around the world. It continues to be a popular motif that appears in carpets from Kerman and Yazd. However, it is also common in antique carpets from various regions. It appears in some ancient historical examples that go back over 1,000 years throughout many cultures including Persian, Greek, and Egyptian.
A paisley / boteh motif on a Kerman rug.
Let’s explore the boteh paisley pattern meaning and roots a bit deeper
Paisley Pattern Zoroastrian Roots
Several examples of the boteh symbols can be found in Sassanian silks from the 6-7th century CE. They are typically found on silks and appear in both carpets and textiles throughout the region. Although the word translates to “bush” or shrub, its meanings are much deeper than that.
It might be noted that there are as many variations of this ancient pattern as there are interpretations of its meaning. There is no standard format, but the elements are always the same. The symbol consists of a border in the shape of a teardrop, sometimes with an elongated and curved top. It typically contains an ornate design in the center, but not always.
The boteh is often translated to mean “seed,” which suggests the whole always exists within the part. It represents the concept that new life springs from within a tiny seed. The concept of the seed is also a representation of renewal and regeneration. Many interpretations have been suggested for this symbol.
The Eternal Flame
Sometimes, the flame has been referred to as the Flame of Zoroaster and is a symbol of the flame that burns continually in Zoroastrian temples. The Zoroastrian flame is the heart of worship practice. Zoroastrianism began as individual worship in homes, and worship in temples was not described in ancient texts. The first records of temple worship involved open air gatherings and involved the lighting of a fire. Later, temples were built called “fire temples.” A fire is maintained in the sanctuary to represent Zoroastrianism as a source of light during prayer.
The fire is kept in a special urn designed for this purpose. The boteh symbol has a remarkable resemblance to the image of the urn with the fire shooting from the top of the vessel. These special urns are often highly decorated, much like the designs on the inside of the paisley. It is easy to see the connection between the boteh and the eternal flame.
The paisley design in the border of a Turkish Sivas carpet.
Cypress Tree
Some suggest the boteh is a combination of a floral spray and the symbol for the cypress tree. The cypress tree is a Zoroastrian symbol for life and eternity. The cypress tree appears frequently in Zoroastrian folk art dating back to Iranian works of the 17th and 18th centuries, suggesting the connection of the works to its Zoroastrian roots. Let’s explore these various interpretations a bit deeper.
The interpretation of the boteh as the cypress tree also has Zoroastrian roots. The symbol of the Cypress tree is often found throughout Persian rugs. It was also a common symbol in formal gardens, reaching its branches skyward towards the heavens. It is a long-lived tree, which led to its symbolism as representing eternal life.
In Zoroastrian poetry, the word for tree is the same as the word for “immortality” or “deathlessness.” Trees of many types are associated with oracles and prophetic vision. Cypress trees are mentioned in connection with these sacred concepts throughout poetry and ancient writings. During Zoroastrian ceremonies, small branches and twigs of the cypress tree are an important part of the ritual.
The Zoroastrians reference a sacred tree on the Uber Mountain in central Iran. It is known as the Cypress of Kashmar. This tree is estimated to be around 4,000 years old and is believed to have seen dawn of ancient Persian culture and the Zoroastrian religion. This tree is considered to be a sacred site and holds a special importance in the Zoroastrian religion.
Often Zoroastrian temples are outdoors and have been known to include cypress trees flanked on both sides by the eternal flame. During the Sassanid period, cypress trees were often planted to shade the tombs of saints or important religious figures. Today, it is still believed that to cut down a cypress tree is to cut your own good fortune and could result in disaster or disease.
Paisley Pattern Interpretation
All evidence points to the roots of the boteh in ancient Zoroastrian religious practice. It is easy to see the connection between the boteh and both the eternal flame and the cypress tree. The roots of the symbol in ancient Zoroastrian religion are clear. Zoroastrianism arose in ancient Persia and is one of the oldest religions in the world. We will probably never know whether the ancients intended for the boteh to represent the eternal flame or the cypress tree, and there is certainly substantial reasoning behind both of these interpretations.
As Persian rugs spread throughout the world, many cultures adapted the symbol, but they reinterpreted it and gave it their own meaning. In western culture, it was adapted to become the “paisley” and used as a purely decorative design. The paisley is a fascinating rug symbol, and now that you know something about its ancient roots, it gives an even more special meaning to the beautiful designs on Persian carpets. At Nazmiyal, we have many beautiful rugs that are graced by this ancient symbol.
Posted on Google
Clay Pendergrast
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My wife and I are so pleased with the antique Uzbek Bokhara Rug purchased from the Nazmiyal Collection. Not only does the rug have a spectacular design, it also was very reasonably priced. The way it transforms our living room, reconciling the classic modern furniture with the 1913 Craftsman interior is remarkable.
Posted on Google
Terence Hayes
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have purchased multiple rugs at multiple Nazmiyal auctions and I am extremely pleased with the quality, price, and experience. Highly recommended!
Posted on Google
Victor Florintsev
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The only ones I'd ever buy rugs from. The best.
Posted on Google
Jeffrey NeumanB
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I bought two gorgeous Serapi rugs from Farhad at Nazmiyal Rugs! Beautiful carpets, fair prices and great service. Very happy customer. Farhad (the sales person) was very patient and gave us great service.
Posted on Google
john haid
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Alen is a gentleman and an expert. Really great to work with.
Posted on Google
Edward Yasuna
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I recently purchased a modern Kandinsky rug from Nazmiyal Auctions. It was just as described, and the director (Farhad) of the auctions had it sent to me quickly and safely. Payment was easy, the rug was reasonably priced, and I highly recommend Nazmiyal Auctions and Antique Rugs. Quality merchandise and first-class service.
Posted on Google
Nicholas Carr
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Had a excellent experience buying a rug in Nazmiyal's 1/18/26 online auction. First, prior to the auction, viewing a number of lots at the 32nd St showroom (I had prepared a list from the online catalog). The staff were great to work with: helpful, knowledgable, honest, and flexible. Second, after placing an online bid and winning the desired item, arranging payment and pickup was simple and straightforward. Everything went seamlessly and the overall experience was educational and fun. Many thanks to Jason and his team.
Posted on Google
Andrea Gared
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Everyone at Naziyal is proffessional, especially Jason and Farhad.
They are knowledgeable, truthful, and true gentlemen. I have sold several rugs through them and will always go to them first, to buy or sell. The best in the business!
Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly, this motif represents the ideas of eternal life and fertility, and can also symbolize fire, and the season of autumn. It is often used to symbolize expectant mothers and pregnancy.
THE NAZMIYAL NEWSLETTER
Discover Your Next Favorite Rug
Get new arrivals, rug inspiration, educational blogs, and collection highlights delivered to your inbox.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails from Nazmiyal. Unsubscribe anytime. View our Privacy Policy.
