The Question:
A friend of mine told me she heard from a pastor that paisley print is of demonic origin and should be gotten rid of. I have tried researching it online and can’t find much about it. Do you know?
SJ – Unknown City in USA
Part 1: Legalism in paisley clothing
Legalism in paisley clothing (Part 1)
Paisley is a teardrop shaped pattern used in the textile industry and named after the town in Scotland which became famous for producing it. It was copied from Indian motifs brought back to Britain by the East India Company in the mid 18th century and reproduced less expensively than the imported fabric. It became wildly popular and helped make Paisley famous until the print itself became known by that name.
I have never heard anything about paisley being of demonic origin but I can hazard a guess. Since the original motifs come from Indo-European origins someone may have discovered that they are associated with some Hindu gods. The question is: if that is the case (and I have no proof of it), should we rid our houses and closets of it?
My answer is a resounding NO. Even if a demonic connection is established? That’s right, even if such a connection is proved. Why? Because such thinking is based in legalism which is really rooted in fear. Christians are set free from fear by Jesus and should not soon embrace it again.
Today it may be paisley but I remember years ago when it was the “owl” that was supposed to be demonic and people had scriptures to show for it. Many Christians were foolishly getting rid of nature pictures in their homes depicting owls and any owl knick-knacks.
Remember that the apostle Paul often answered similar questions in the early Church – though never about fabric prints. Believers wondered how to handle buying and eating meat sacrificed to idols. On one occasion Paul admitted the connection in writing to the Corinthian church. “The things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons.” (1 Corinthians 10:20)
If it sounds from that like Paul would be in agreement with the argument to be rid of paisley, read further. He goes on to say: “Eat anything that is sold in the meat market, without asking questions for conscience’ sake; for the earth is the Lord’s and all it contains.” (Verses 25-26)
Finally, if you follow THIS final advice from Paul you can keep your paisley: “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (Verse 31)
Thank you for this wonderful common sense article.
Legalism and superstition are not godly and are forms of attempts to control others
by any means possible. I will continue to glorify
God eating off my paisley print dinner plates HALLELUYAH.