Page 15 - Pocket guide to knots & splices
P. 15
Pocket Guide to Knots & Splices
performed is but a simple manifestation knot.” The one shown on page 236 is a
of this principle. Many cultures place good example, the two halves joined but
significance in the tying and untying of also separate.
knots. For example, the name Canute Every trade that has some cause to
[knot] expressed the hope that the child use rope, cords, or even threads needs
so named was the mother’s last. Some knots and will have developed special
special occasions—such as weddings— knots peculiar to its own requirements,
include the symbolic untying of a series of evolving the best solution to the environ¬
knots as a countdown to the event itself. ment and knotting problems. The
There are records of witches who sold surgeon has his special knot tied with
knots to be untied by sailors to release the forceps; the weaver a number of special
wind. Other knots were said to bring knots evolved with speed of tying in
good luck, while there were others that mind. Anglers and fishermen have devel¬
brought bad luck. It was said that some oped many special knots for their fishing
knots could inflict disease or illness yet hooks, and often have their own peculiar
other knots cured. The knot we know as ways of joining lines and making up their
the reef or square knot was called the nets. Farmers and cowboys have evolved
Hercules knot by the ancient Greeks and special halters, hobbles, and lariat knots,
Romans, as they believed that the god with cowboys making the most intricately
himself had invented it. They thought braided horse gear using rawhide. The
that it had many magic powers, including making of whips developed into a
the ability to heal wounds quickly. It is wonderful art practiced both by horse¬
still the best knot to tie together the end men themselves as well as tradesmen
of a bandage or sling because it lies making the most intricate braided items
square or flat, or perhaps because it has a to be sold through the tack shop. The
little magic? wagoner’s hitch is still to be seen today,
Knots and love also go together. It is used by truckers to tie down loads and
still said to this day that to get married is covers just as it was in the days of old on
to “tie the knot”—the marriage knot is a a horse-drawn wagon.
knot tied with the mouth that cannot be It is at sea, in ships, that man was
untied with the teeth. There are a number most intimately dependent on rope and
of knots that have the name “true lovers the skill to use it.
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