Tiny Designs: the Watermelon

Our Tiny Designs collection began as the idea for NAR developed and grew. As the three of us discussed what we wanted NAR to grow into and represent, we realized we wanted to channel subtle symbols of resistance through existence. 

Tala gave our beloved Palestinian symbols life within UrbanPal through her drawings, which we then embroidered into the NAR collection. As for the Palestinian symbols we were inspired by for this collection, we had to start with: the Watermelon.

In Tala's words,

“I started this series with the watermelon, the famous slice of resistance. This way, just as the watermelon allowed people in Palestine to carry the colors of our flag, you can all both proudly and subtly wear Palestine wherever you go.”

Every Palestinian has either heard the stories passed down through family and friends, or experienced this form of repression directly. Even beyond us Palestinians, every oppressed group can relate. Though the details might differ, oppression repeatedly follows the same formula, and when the oppressed are constantly ignored or even vilified, we get creative. We find ways to show resistance through love, culture, and tradition.

For Palestinians, the watermelon is sacred. It is in our DNA to love watermelon - it literally feeds our souls. As a child, Meera once sulked because her teta (her grandmother) wouldn’t let her fly with a whole watermelon as her carry-on, for obvious reasons that would not compute in her little brain; she simply needed more watermelon.

She needed a whole watermelon, yes, all 15-ish pounds of a watermelon, to ensure she had enough to share when she got home. She needed her family to feel the comfort she felt from that perfect watermelon slice.

Take a look at our watermelon collection, grab a slice for yourself, and wear Palestine’s colors with pride!

Hibkom,

MeYaTa