Bolsters Pillows
Bolsters Pillows are long narrow pillows or cushions filled with cotton or fiber. These are used for supporting the head during sleep like any other regular pillow. These pillows run the entire width of the bed and a uniform support is given to the head, no matter what the sleeping posture of a person may be. They also provide support to the back while you relax, read a book or watch TV. These are especially useful for pregnant women and people having a back problem. In Southeast Asian countries these pillows are designed to be hugged while sleeping.
In many Chinese families these are provided to the children while they sleep and it is believed that the children get a calm sleep by hugging a bolster pillow. Tradition has it that in China women would make bolster for their husbands out of bamboo and give it to him when he traveled away from the house. In this way he would not feel lonely while sleeping as he can hug them in sleep. These are named “bamboo wife” due to this tradition. Even in traditional Chinese families, a newly- wed couple’s room is most likely to have a bright red color bolster with beautiful embroideries of love birds and flowers.
In many countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia, the Bolsters Pillows are used to rest head while sleeping and one can also hug it with both legs and arms. The sleeper can very well adjust the pillow to make his sleeping more comfortable. The pillow is great for children who want to sleep with someone as they can hug it to have a comfortable sleep. This habit extends even to their adulthood. In tropical countries like Thailand and Singapore people do not use blankets at night and rather hug these pillows to get them warmth during the early morning when the temperature dips.
Bolsters Pillows are generally stuffed with duck feather or down and sometimes with foam or fiber. The casings are made with different kinds of fabrics, matching with the color of the bed sheet or upholstery. They are usually washable and easy to maintain. They take the shape of the entire body and can be hugged comfortably. They mold nicely according to your body posture. With passage of time these pillows have come to be used as decorative upholstery and have beautiful casings in silk, satin and velvet.
Next time when you plan to buy some new accessories for your home, think about Bolsters Pillows. They are your huggers while you sleep and also comfort your back and neck while you relax. Your children would love to sleep with one of those pillows hugging them comfortably in their sleep.