Snowflakes to Quilts Might Seem Absurd, Since

¶ … snowflakes to quilts might seem absurd, since both are two entirely different things when viewed in various perspectives. But upon closer look, these two things have similarities, too, in much the same way they are different from each other. Snowflakes and quilts can also have significant implications in people's lives if these are properly scrutinized. The similarities and differences found between snowflakes and quilts are the main reason why in this paper, a thorough discussion of these two things will be provided by comparing and contrasting them.

After discussing their similarities and differences, snowflakes and quilts will then be analyzed if they have any significance in people's lives, or in the case of snowflakes, in our nature or living environment. However, background information will be needed so that the reader will have enough knowledge about the subjects that will be discussed. Quilts are technically defined as "a cloth bedcover." However, many people will argue that aside from its function as a bedcover or clothing garment, quilts are considered a traditional art.

Quilts are considered traditional because its origin dates back from the ancient civilization of Egypt. According to Ann Johnson, a writer for the web site, "Exploring Quilt History," quilts are used for clothing and only became a popular form of art when it came to southern France in the 17th century. During that time, quilts are not only functional, but also decorative, wherein floral and geometrical designs became popular. In the early 19th century, quilts became widespread, especially in America.

There is greater hype for creativity in quilt making, which eventually resulted to "signature" quilts in the 1800's. Signature quilts are personalized bed coverings wherein members of a family personally sew their names or designs of their own choice. Sometimes, signature quilts are productions of the members of a "bee"; a social gathering where people meet to make quilts (and also to socialize). After the signature quilts came the "crazy" quilts, popularized in 1876, where different cloth types such as velvets, silk, and brocades were used.

And from the 20th century to the present, quilts are more recognized as a part of American culture than as a functional material. Snowflakes, meanwhile, are natural occurring form of precipitation that came from ice crystals (Fukuta 540). They are widely known for their exquisite designs, and it is a fact that each snowflake possesses a unique design that sets it apart from another snowflake. Snowflakes are actually produced as an effect of the fusion of bacteria (of which there are two types: Pseudomonas syringae and Erwinia herbicola) and air.

When these two elements are present in the atmosphere, and under specific levels of temperature and saturation, a snowflake will grow as a result. The uniqueness of each snowflake can then be attributed to the varying levels of temperature and saturation level into which they are subjected. Although snowflakes, as was mentioned earlier, are natural occurring, recent advancements in research technology made it possible to artificially make snowflakes for industrial purposes such as snow supply for use in commercial "ski slopes and trails" (Fukuta 540).

Now that sufficient background information has been given to these two subjects, we will now proceed by citing their similarities and differences. One difference that is evident between the two is that quilts are closely associated with "warmth" while snowflakes are seen (and felt) as "cold." It was mentioned in the earlier part of this paper that quilts are used as bedcovers and comforters, giving warmth to the user; snowflakes on the other hand, are accompanied with cold winds and the winter season, giving it its cold characteristic.

The mode of production of quilts and snowflakes also varies. Quilts are man-made, and cannot be produced without human intervention or involvement, while snowflakes are produced naturally by the elements of nature (discounting the fact that they can be produced artificially since it is originally natural occurring). Similarities between snowflakes and quilts include the fact that both are actually good insulators. It was mentioned in Norihiko Fukuta's article for The World Book Encyclopedia that snow serves as an "insulator" for hibernating animals under the ground during winter season (539).

Quilts are already known to be good insulators (used as comforters and bedcovers) during cold weather. Another remarkable aspect that is both found in snowflakes in quilts is their intricate designs, which are personalized (for quilts) and unique (for snowflakes). Quilts nowadays also possess uniqueness since much of the quilts being made today have designs that have personal meaning to the maker. Quilts can easily be said as significant.