Tatreez event Majid Matariyeh (via SJP and MSA)
The Muslim Student Association (MSA), Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), and Student Advising Center co-hosted an event on April 4, 2024 with the purpose of teaching the Saint Xavier University community the traditional Palestinian embroidery technique known as Tatreez.
According to MSA President and SJP Treasurer Majid Matariyeh, the craft is mainly practiced by women, and it serves as a “significant cultural and historical symbol for the Palestinian people.”
Each region of Palestine has its own distinctive style of Tatreez, as the hand-stitched art form features intricate patterns and motifs with symbolic meanings.
Matariyeh continued that beyond Tatreez’s “aesthetic appeal, Tatreez is a manifestation of Palestinian identity and resilience, helping to preserve and celebrate their heritage amidst geopolitical challenges. It also plays a crucial role in empowering Palestinian women, offering them a creative outlet and a source of income.”
“As Tatreez garners international recognition, it facilitates cultural exchange and enhances awareness of Palestinian history and the ongoing struggles faced by its people,” he concluded.
SJP President Jena Kanaan added that the craft is now an artful practice amongst “all Palestinians living in the diaspora.”
For the event, the organizations brought in Tatreez by Jenin to teach attendees, in collaboration with the Orland Park Palestinian clothing brand Watan. Matariyeh voiced that the organization has worked with her before, and they greatly appreciated how she interacted with others and herself in general.
Tatreez by Jenin was brought in last year for another event surrounding tatreez. SJP found her through the connections of the now president, Kanaan, whose brother works with her.
There was no limit on how many people could attend the event. All attendees were able to create their own tatreez embroidery piece to take home with them afterwards.
MSA, SJP, and the Student Advising Center held the event in honor of National Arab American Heritage Month. Matariyeh clarified that this event was also hosted last April.
Academic Advisor Tatiana Alaraj noted that the event was brought forward during an Arab American Heritage Month planning committee meeting. Kanaan added that the organizations worked alongside each other to make the event happen.
Matariyeh added that he wrote an email to the university’s Office of Inclusive Excellence, which is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at Saint Xavier, about how the university “should have a committee of both students, faculty and staff of Arab descent to create an environment at the school to celebrate Arab heritage month.”
Alaraj expressed that she hopes that more events like this are held in the future as she appreciates the diversity that SXU has and how it is shown and celebrated, “I hope to continue teaching the SXU community about my culture and to learn more about other customs and traditions from a variety of backgrounds.”
Tatreez is more than just an art form, and Kanaan encouraged attendees to understand that the craft weaves Palestinians together.
“I hope that people take this as a sign of just because Palestinians were forced to leave their homes Palestine will always be apart of them through food, language, and clothing. That Palestine may be a place but the reason behind Palestinian existence is the people who keep it going,” concluded Matariyeh.
Other events included the Arabic Calligraphy Event hosted on April 1, 2024 in the Butler Reception Room. The organizations do plan to host more events in celebration of the heritage month.
Those interested in attending more events should keep an eye on their emails and TheDen, as more events will take place after Muslim Holiday Eid al-Fitr.
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