Woad is a noun that refers to a plant, Isatis tinctoria, indigenous to Europe and Western Asia, belonging to the Cruciferae family. It is primarily cultivated for the vegetable dye that is derived from its leaves. The word can also represent the dye itself.
In ancient times, woad was highly valued for its ability to yield a deep blue color when processed. The dye extracted from the leaves was used in various applications, particularly for coloring textiles, especially wool, and occasionally for body painting. The term "woad" is derived from the Old English word "wad," meaning plant or herb, which later developed into "woad."
The woad plant is biennial or perennial, growing up to approximately three feet tall. It possesses distinctive, pale yellow flowers, and its leaves are broad and oblong with a bluish-green hue. Woad dye is produced by crushing the leaves and allowing them to ferment, after which the dye is extracted by filtering the liquid.
Woad held significant cultural and historical importance, notably during the time of the ancient Celts and Britons. It was considered a badge of honor and identified individuals as part of a particular tribe or group. However, with the advent of indigo cultivation in the Americas, woad gradually lost its prominence in the textile industry during the 16th century. Nevertheless, it remains an important historical and ecological subject, demonstrating the early utilization of natural resources for dye production.
