Definition Paper

The Sequin

           They can be found everywhere and serve many different purposes.  From embellishing the ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in the Wizard of Oz, to being worn in many cultures to distract and deflect evil spirits, sequins are a very popular accessory.

            Sequins have been around for centuries, dating back to Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece.  We usually think of sequins as pieces of shiny plastic, but they were originally made of coins.  Tiny holes were drilled into the coins and they were attached to clothing.  Archaeologists have even found mummified pharaohs wrapped in sequined cloth.  Gypsies brought sequins over to Europe, often wearing coins sewn on their clothing.  The “purpose” of wearing these sequins was to demonstrate wealth and power.

            The Funk and Wagnalls Standard College Dictionary defines the term sequin as:

1. A small coinlike ornament sewn on clothing
2. An obsolete gold coin of the Venetian republic, later introduced into Turkey: also called zecchino

            The word “sequin” can be traced to the Arabic word “sikka,” meaning coin. “Sikkas” were used for centuries to decorate clothing throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean.  In Venice, Italy during the thirteenth century, people produced coins called “zecchinos” to embellish clothing.  The French adapted this word to “sequin,” which we now use today.
            Sequins are very popular in the fashion world, and will definitely continue to be used into the future.