Samplers traditionally start with an alphabet. Here it may remind us of the importance the holy scripture had for a monastry. The central motif, a wreath of roses and forgetmenots with a monogram of Holy Mary, is framed by the paschal lamb and a peacock – motifs which stand for eternal life brought through Jesus Christ. The various floral borders praise the beauty of creation and refer to the Garden of Eden.
The two geometric cross motifs on the right and left side connect the two parts of this sampler and stand for the central meaning of the salvation through Christ.
The tree of life motif dominating the lower section is one of the oldest and most commonly stitched motifs. It is a symbol for the promise of a fulfilled and eternal life in God.
Living in a community requires taking responsibility, spending time together and caring for each other, resembled in the chair, the teapot on a warmer and the jar.
The key stands for a responsible and modest handling of money, goods and resources.
Industrious work and reliability are further virtues a communal life requires, here symbolised in the bee hive.
Everyday efforts like doing the laundry (the basket), spinning of fibres (the wool winder), growing fruits and gardening (the fruit basket), taking care of pets (dog and cat) are as well essential for communal life. The original is stitched with Soie d´Alger from Au Ver a Soie.
