For many years Ramallah was known by Palestinians as "the bride of summer resorts" since its mountains overlooked the Mediterranean Sea, giving a beautiful view and cool breezes during summer. The name Ramallah in Arabic means "the hills of God". It was so named since its citizens believed that God had guided them to go and live there, to farm its fertile lands filled with olive and fruit orchards.

Ramallah embroidery was called the "Romieh". Women embroidered on dresses of white linen for summer, and black linen for winter. Embroidery from Ramallah is distinctive for its threads of wine-red, and for delicate and precise cross-stitching.