subject: Information on Bolster Pillows [print this page] Information on Bolster Pillows Information on Bolster Pillows
The name given to bolster pillows is derived from Middle English and describes a long, narrow pillow that's usually filled with some type of fiber, cotton or down feathers. In the Western World, these types of pillows are typically found at the head of the bed and are used for back and/or head support. In Eastern countries, however, their function is different.
Asians define and use the bolster pillow as a 'hugging pillow'. The Japanese name, 'dakimakura', translates as 'bamboo wife'. It was traditional for Japanese wives to fashion a pillow (made from bamboo?) for their husbands to carry when traveling away from home. The name 'Dutch Wife' has also been applied to bolsters.
In China, the name for a bolster pillow simply means 'hugging pillow' while in the Philippines the term is 'tandayan', which is also the name of the fruit which resembles these pillows' shape (long and narrow). The common Filipino name, though, is 'hot-dog pillow'! Shape, again, is the responsible for this most descriptive appellation.
This style of pillow is readily available at various stores and particularly accessible through the Internet. They can be found in a variety of price ranges and made from numerous covering materials. They can be bought 'right off the shelf' or custom ordered for your specific application. For custom orders you're able to either choose a fabric available from the manufacturer of send your own material to them and they'll make your pillows utilizing this.
Bolsters are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, depending on the choice of material used for the coverings. For those who spend a lot of time outdoors (on the deck, patio or swimming pool) this is an easy and inexpensive way to add color and style to your outside space. Synthetic fiber fillers are the best choice for pillows used primarily outdoors.
They say a bolster pillow is helpful for pregnant women (to help them become more comfortable while lying in bed). A recent movie featured a woman who preferred hugging her long pillow in place of her husband. He eventually ended up throwing the thing out a two-story apartment window into a dumpster below. She ended up digging it out and bringing back in!
Bolster pillows are not as common as they are unique, especially in America and Europe. But they're catching on! They're actually very functional items. Take a gander!
