Many phases of life happen in combinations of three: child/adult/senior, maiden/mother/crone, as well as past/present/future; and some people believe in the combination of birth/death/rebirth, or the 3 acts of existence birth/life/death/  We've all heard of the concept of body/mind/spirit, which encompasses the physical, mental and spiritual make up of a human being; and we have been encouraged to live and act in faith/hope/charity.

According to the Chinese, three is a perfect number.  It is also the sacred number of the women in Mayan.  Egyptians see it as the number of the cosmos.  From the Buddhist tradition, come “The Triple Gem” or “The Three Jewels,” which is the Buddha (the enlightened one), the Dhamma (the teachings), and the Sangha (the community of followers).  In general; there are 3 primary colors with which it is possible to obtain all the colors; there are 3 keys of music: sol, F, and C; the three divine principles: light, heat, and life; three types of universe: matter, astral (mental or soul) and spirit; and the earth, sea, and sky of nature.

The 3-stitch seed pattern was selected as symbolic of planting peace, healing, love, comfort and hope.

Color Symbolism
This is a basic list of colors and some of the attributes associated with them.  It might be helpful to use it as a guideline when you're selecting a color for your shawl.

• RED – love, strength, warmth, energy, vigor, courage
• PINK – compassion, sensitivity, warm-heartedness, nurturing
• ORANGE – vitality, strength
• YELLOW – optimism, well-being
• GREEN – healing, hope, renewal, confidence, life
• AQUA – courage
• BLUE – healing, meditation, tranquility, spirituality
• INDIGO – spiritual nature
• VIOLET – spirituality, comfort during grief or mourning
• PURPLE – spirituality,
• BEIGE – optimism
• WHITE – protection, peace, purity