What images in the poem huswifery may have contradicted puritan requirement that clothing be dark and undecorated?

"Huswifery" by Edward Taylor is a fascinating poem that uses the metaphor of spinning and weaving to describe the spiritual process of sanctification. While Puritan clothing was indeed typically plain, dark, and undecorated, there are a few images in the poem that might be seen as contradicting this requirement.

Here's a breakdown:

1. The "Golden Spindle" and "Dyes of Heaven":

* The speaker describes God as the "Golden Spindle," suggesting a luxurious and precious material. This image is not entirely consistent with the plainness of Puritan clothing.

* The "Dyes of Heaven" are described as "bright" and "shining." While Puritans valued simplicity, they did acknowledge the beauty of nature and God's creation. These "heavenly dyes" might be interpreted as representing God's glory, which could be expressed through subtle ornamentation or embellishment.

2. "The Loom of Life" and the "Embroidered Garments":

* The poem compares the process of life to weaving on a loom. While this metaphor doesn't directly address clothing, it implies a deliberate creation, which could be seen as echoing the idea of crafting and embellishing garments.

* The "Embroidered Garments" suggest a level of artistry and decoration that might have been considered excessive in Puritan society. However, the embroidery here represents the intricate and beautiful work of God in the life of the speaker, not necessarily a physical garment.

3. "The Holy Tapestry":

* The final image of the poem compares the speaker's life to a "holy tapestry." This image could be seen as contradicting Puritan clothing requirements because it suggests a richly patterned and intricately woven fabric. However, it's crucial to understand that the "tapestry" here is a metaphor for the speaker's life, not a physical garment. The "tapestry" represents the speaker's journey towards spiritual perfection, guided by God.

Overall:

While the poem does use imagery that might seem to contradict Puritan clothing norms, it's important to remember that these are metaphors employed to illustrate a spiritual process. The poem doesn't endorse actual flamboyant clothing; instead, it uses the language of craftsmanship and decoration to describe the spiritual journey of a Puritan believer.

It's also important to note that Puritan clothing practices were not entirely monolithic. While there were strict guidelines about plainness and simplicity, there was room for individual expression within these boundaries. Certain subtle variations in fabric, color, and embellishment might have been acceptable, particularly within the context of religious symbolism and artistry.

Therefore, "Huswifery" should be understood not as a rebellion against Puritan clothing norms, but as a complex and artful exploration of faith and the pursuit of spiritual perfection, using the metaphor of weaving and embellishment to highlight the intricate work of God in the believer's life.