Spectacle & Timing The year’s final lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) is set for the night of September 7–8, 2025, visible prominently across India and much of Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia Indiatimes The Times of India+1 Wikipedia . In India, the eclipse begins around 21:58 IST, peaks at 23:41, and ends near 1:26 AM, lasting approximately 3 to 3.5 hours Indiatimes The Times of India+1 AajTak Amar Ujala The Economic Times Live Hindustan . Cultural & Religious Significance This eclipse holds deep spiritual weight— coinciding with Pitru Paksha and Bhadrapada Poornima, it demands observance of Sutak rituals, which begin ~9 hours before the eclipse and impose restrictions on cooking, worship, and other auspicious activities Indiatimes Navbharat Times AajTak Amar Ujala The Times of India The Economic Times . Astrologically, many communities advise rituals like prayers, charity, meditation, and fasting to harness spiritual benefits Indiatimes Navbharat Times Maharashtra Times The ...
Introduction
When we think of the softest and most delicate fabric in the world, Angora wool comes to mind. This luxurious fiber comes from a special kind of rabbit called the Angora rabbit. Known for its silky, fluffy texture, Angora wool has been loved for centuries in fashion and textiles. It is warm, lightweight, and has a shiny, cloud-like beauty that makes it stand out among other animal fibers.
Origin of Angora Wool
Angora rabbits are believed to have first appeared in Turkey, in the city of Ankara (historically called Angora). Just like the Angora goat (which gives mohair) and Angora cat, the rabbit was named after this place. By the 18th century, Angora rabbits were brought to Europe and later spread worldwide, becoming famous for their soft fur.
Features of Angora Wool
Softness: Much softer than sheep wool.
Warmth: Excellent at keeping heat, yet lightweight.
Shine: Natural silky luster.
Hypoallergenic: Less likely to irritate the skin.
Fluffy Look: Makes clothing appear cozy and rich.
How Angora Wool is Collected
Unlike sheep shearing, Angora wool is gathered in gentler ways.
Combing: The loose fur is combed out by hand.
Shearing: Sometimes the rabbit is gently trimmed.
Plucking: In older methods, fur was plucked during natural shedding.
The process is usually repeated every 3–4 months, as the rabbits grow long hair very quickly.
Types of Angora Wool
There are different breeds of Angora rabbits, and each gives a slightly different type of wool.
1. English Angora
Very fluffy and silky.
Popular for hand-spinning.
2. French Angora
Less fluffy, stronger fibers.
Easier to spin into yarn.
3. German Angora
Known for heavy wool production.
Mostly used in commercial textiles.
4. Satin Angora
Has a natural shine and silky texture.
Softer but less wool quantity compared to others.
Uses of Angora Wool
Sweaters and Scarves: Extremely warm and light.
Shawls and Gloves: Delicate and soft to touch.
Luxury Yarn: Used in hand-knitting projects.
Blended Fabrics: Often mixed with wool or silk for durability.
Care and Challenges
While Angora wool is beautiful, it needs careful handling.
Delicate Washing: Always hand wash in cold water.
Storage: Keep in dry, clean conditions to avoid moth damage.
Ethical Concerns: Some farms faced criticism for cruel plucking. Today, many brands ensure ethical wool collection to protect the rabbits.
Conclusion
Angora wool is truly a fabric of elegance and comfort. From its origin in Turkey to modern fashion, it continues to be a favorite for people who value softness and warmth. With ethical care and proper maintenance, Angora wool remains one of the finest natural fibers in the world.
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