Leizu

Leizu, also called Xi Ling-shi, was a famous Chinese empress. She was married to the Yellow Emperor. People say she was the first to learn how to care for silkworms for making silk. She also invented the tool used to weave silk. Her story happened a very long time ago, in the 27th century BC. Because of her, silk became very important in Chinese culture and trade.

Myths

Leizu is a famous person from old stories. She found that silkworms could make silk. The story says that while she was drinking tea, a silkworm cocoon fell into her drink. The heat made the silk come out of the cocoon.

Leizu asked her husband for a place to grow mulberry trees so she could take care of the silkworms. She made tools to help turn the silk threads into fabric. China was the first place to use silk, and Leizu taught many people how to work with it.

She is remembered in China as the "Silkworm Mother."