Introduction
The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves in the United States to escape to free states and Canada in the early to mid-1800s. As part of the effort to evade slave catchers, slaves developed ingenious ways to covertly communicate with one another and those helping them escape. One little-known method involved using knots in ropes and knots in quilts as a secret code to share information along the Underground Railroad.
The Meanings Behind Different Knots
Slaves would use particular knots and patterns of knots to send messages, share warnings, and provide directions. Some examples of the coded knot meanings include:
- A simple overhand knot - Caution, pay attention
- A monkey's fist knot - Don't trust the person who gave you this
- An infinity knot - Forever free
- A knot with 3 loops - Follow the path with 3 turns
- A square knot - Follow the North Star
By memorizing what each knot and pattern meant, slaves could covertly communicate along the escape route. A series of knots subtly woven into a rope or quilt could provide vital information to help slaves safely make their way to freedom.
Quilt Codes
In addition to knots in ropes, patterns sewn into quilts were another way for slaves to share messages using code. By using particular quilt block shapes, colors, and stitches in specific combinations, slaves could convey detailed directions and warnings.
For example, a wagon wheel pattern might indicate "pack up the essentials and get ready to go". A bear's claw pattern told slaves to head for the mountains. Different stitching patterns would give clues about where to hide or which direction to travel.
Quilt codes enabled escaping slaves to disguise maps and instructions in innocent-looking blankets and bed coverings.
Songs With Hidden Meanings
Even spirituals and work songs contained coded lyrics with secret escape instructions embedded within the words. Songs like "Wade in the Water" told slaves which trails were safe and where they could find help. The repetitive lyrics helped slaves memorize the messages.
Impact on the Success of Escapes
Historians believe knots, quilt patterns, and coded songs played a vital role in the success of many slave escapes. By cleverly hiding messages in everyday objects using patterns only known to those on the Underground Railroad, slaves found a creative way to communicate securely along the secret network.
The obscure language of knots and quilts enabled crucial information to be transmitted right under the noses of unsuspecting slave owners. This fascinating method of covert messaging gave many slaves the knowledge they needed to ultimately escape to freedom.
Conclusion
Through ingenious coded meanings in knots, quilts, and songs, slaves found innovative ways to securely share vital escape information along the Underground Railroad. The secret language gave them access to clandestine messages that helped guide them on their journey toward liberation. The hidden symbols and patterns transmitted knowledge, instructions, warnings, and hope to thousands of enslaved people fleeing to freedom.