Kass Falasteen
'm a Palestinian living on unceded Gadigal lands. I want to use this opportunity to share the beauty of my culture that deserves to be known.
It grieves me profoundly that many of you have only discovered Palestine through the devastating events of recent years. But beyond the tragedy lies a homeland of resilient people who embrace life with extraordinary passion, a land steeped in ancient history, vibrant culture, and an unbreakable bond between people and place. Through this creation, I've sought to capture that essence so you can carry a piece of Palestine in your home with this "Cup of Palestine" or "Kass Falasteen."
Each symbol on this cup was hand-painted by me, and every one carries significant meaning. Here's the story behind what each represents and why it matters:
Watermelon: The watermelon transformed into a symbol of Palestinian identity in 1967, when displaying the Palestinian flag became forbidden in the West Bank and Gaza. This humble fruit, bearing our flag's sacred colours red, green, white, and black, became a brilliant act of quiet resistance. Cultivated from the hills of Jenin to the fields of Gaza, it now stands as one of our most beloved symbols of pride and unshakeable defiance.
Palestinian Flag: Embraced by Palestinian National Movement leaders in the early 20th century, our flag drew inspiration from the Arab Revolt, representing the collective struggle for Arab unity and liberation. It remains our banner of identity, resistance, and unwavering hope for the future.
Olive Branch: The olive branch transcends its universal meaning of peace to become the very heartbeat of Palestinian culture. Olive trees anchor our daily existence and our identity, embodying resilience, endurance, and our sacred, unbreakable bond with the land that has nurtured us for millennia.
The Key: The key represents the Palestinian right of return, a promise carried in our hearts. During the Nakba of 1948, over 750,000 Palestinians, including my grandparents and their four children, were violently expelled from their homes. Many families still safeguard the physical keys to those lost homes, passing them through generations as tangible symbols of hope and an unshakeable belief in eventual return.
Poppy: The poppy flourishes as a native flower of Palestine, naturally displaying the sacred colours of our flag red, green, black, and white. Celebrated throughout Palestinian art and literature, the poppy embodies our resilience and profound connection to the land. Like our people, this remarkable flower blooms defiantly in the harshest conditions, reflecting the unwavering hope and enduring spirit that defines the Palestinian experience.
Historic Palestine: This powerful symbol merges the outline of historic Palestine with our traditional keffiyeh pattern, a fabric woven with generations of meaning. The olive branches, fishing nets, and bold geometric lines reflect our deep agrarian heritage, ancient trade connections, and eternal relationship with the land. The map embodies our dream of a homeland where justice and equality flourish for all people.
Each symbol was individually hand-painted with intention, digitally preserved, and transformed into this repeat pattern by Shellmade Studio. Every element of production was brought to life through the dedication and generous spirit of Belleabode. This project exists only because of their time, heart, and unwavering belief in a free Palestine.
Thank you for taking this moment to discover and support Palestine, not only our struggles, but our radiant beauty, rich culture, and spirit that no force can ever extinguish.
Love Katie Lolas xx
100% of profits from this project will be donated to Olive Kids xx
PURCHASE MUGS HERE
LAUNCHING Saturday 25th October 2025, at 9.00 AM AEDT