Weaving holds profound cultural, social, and spiritual significance in Timor-Leste, particularly through the creation of Tais, the traditional handwoven textiles. The craft is deeply rooted in Timorese identity, symbolizing the nation's history, community, and connection to the land. Tais plays an essential role in significant life events, such as births, marriages, and funerals. For example, a bride's family may gift Tais to the groom's family during wedding ceremonies as a gesture of goodwill and unity. On the other hand, Tais is also used as an offering to ancestors and spirits in rituals, symbolizing respect and gratitude. In some communities of Timor-Leste, specific Tais patterns are believed to hold protective powers or bring blessings. Tais is also a popular souvenir for visitors to Timor-Leste and a way to promote the nation’s cultural heritage globally. In 2021, Tais was included in UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This episode of Ohh Folk pays tribute to the craft of weaving, particularly Tais, and its deep significance in Timor-Leste. Hope everyone will enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed putting it together! Happy Listening! ? _____________________ Social Media: Insta: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ohhfolk_podcast/⁠ | X: https://x.com/Ohhfolk_Podcast | FB: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/OhhFolk⁠ || ______________________ Story Source: Restructured on several stories curated from various sources.  Original music score (intro, bumpers, primarily show beds): Abhishek Papan Dutt SFX and background music beds: https://freesound.org (Please donate and support, if you are using their resources) Additional background music: Listed below. All additional music beds used in this episode are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License (reuse allowed) Sea Waves - Sound Effect - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3ZbsOhNTas&ab_channel=SoundEffects 1 Hour relaxing Javanese gamelan music music for gamelan vibration meditation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aevydLEncU&ab_channel=KENDNINDI || Producer, host, researcher, writer, editor, promotions, graphics - Shilpa Das Gupta || © 2021 All Rights Reserved to Shilpa Das Gupta | --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ohhfolk/support