What Are The Connotations Of The Word Tapestry?

Tapestry usually refers to a decorated textile. It is decorated by weaving wool or other threads, in different colours, into a background, to create a pattern or, more typically, a picture or series of pictures. This is then hung on walls or over furniture, or sometimes used to make rich, heavy curtains.

A famous example of this art is the Bayeux Tapestry. This can be found in the northern French town of that name, and depicts scenes from the Norman Conquest of Britain.

As a metaphor, the word tapestry is sometimes used to suggest anything which is rich, complex and intricate. There is an old saying "It's all part of life's rich tapestry" if something unpleasant happens - reflecting the idea that life, like tapestry, contains dark and unpleasant scenes as well as attractive ones, and you have to look at the whole picture.