#sart

Next suggestion: neil banging out the tunes

Sarts, Tajiks, and especially Khojas had a distinct relationship to fabrics and clothing. Silk was considered sacred; (along with silkworms and mulberry) it was imbued with a spiritual essence and revered. Anyone who came into contact with silk had to strictly observe rules of conduct in public and daily life. Since most people did not follow these rules, they were either prohibited from wearing silk or restricted in doing so; otherwise men were required to wear semi-silk clothing (specifically made from fabric with a paper weft). It was believed that silk must be above other materials, clothes made from it could not be worn on the bare body. That is why silk shirts were not made for men, and women wore silk dresses only on top of several simple ones.