Leizu

Goddess of Silkworms

Wife of the Yellow Emperor credited with discovering silk cultivation and weaving.

Leizu of the Xiling clan, the principal wife of the Yellow Emperor, is honored as the mother of silk. Legend credits her with discovering that the silkworm’s cocoon could be unwound into thread, and with teaching the women of the court to raise silkworms and weave. Dynastic empresses performed the “first silkworm” rite at her altar, placing the palace itself under her craft.