Go to the "" section. Men's costume Norwegian folk costumes

01.07.2020

The traditional national dress of the Norwegians is called "bunad". There are several forms of cut and countless colors. The latter is typical mainly for a woman's costume. For many centuries, the Norwegian costume has been influenced by the common European urban costume, so nowadays Norwegians wear bunad only on major holidays, weddings, and festivities.

Descriptions of the national costume have been preserved in the Scandinavian sagas and in ancient images of the inhabitants of Northern Europe. It follows from them that narrow long pants, short jackets, raincoats with a hood are characteristic of the ancient Norwegian costume. Currently, there are two forms of cut in the men's bunade. The men's national costume of the western regions of Norway consists of narrow long pants, which reach almost to the chest at the top and are held by the shoulders. The clothes are complemented by a vest, sewn with an ornament and trimmed with buttons on the chest. For the eastern regions of the country, a jacket or vest, short pants, usually just below the knees, are more typical. Jackets and pants are decorated with buttons arranged in rows. The costume is complemented by traditional golfs, which have a geometric pattern and are knitted from thick wool. In both regions, they wear a white shirt with wide sleeves and narrow cuffs, black pants, black raincoats, leather shoes with buckles and, of course, a hat or top hat.

The folk costume is complemented by decorative details: magnificent embroidery on vests, aprons, jackets, bright belts and multicolored trims along the hem of the skirt. This has led to the fact that almost every region of the country has become characterized by a variety of options for women's costumes.

Women's Norwegian national costume is also presented in two forms of cut (Fig. 7). In most of the country, it consists of a blouse and a skirt, only in the western regions blouses are worn with sundresses. This is the basis of a woman's costume. In some areas, an apron, vest or jacket is added to it. Traditionally, costumes are made of woolen fabric. On cold days, scarves, capes, raincoats, and multilayer skirts are used. Men's suits also have bright colors, but they are not processed with embroidery to the same extent as women's ones. In Norway, each specific area (fulke) presents its own distinctive national costume.

Although at the everyday level in our time, a modern pan-European version of an urban costume is used, there is one folk tradition to which the Norwegians have remained faithful to this day. The famous warm Norwegian sweaters, knitted of thick yarn and decorated with national ornaments, are especially popular here. They are very beautiful, reliable (they will warm you in the coldest weather), take up little space. Products made of 100% wool are covered with special Nordic patterns: you can see deer and elk, snowflakes and frost on them, a geometric pattern, which makes them recognizable all over the world.

I am going to Finland, and the tale will be about Norway. It happens:)

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The Quelle online store decided to conduct a research and tell its readers about the culture of dress, national costumes of different countries of the world. Perhaps you have long dreamed of dressing in Indian, Scottish styles, but something always stopped you. Today we will focus on Norway.
Norway is spread over the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. It is not for nothing that the ancient Scandinavians called these lands "the way to the north", because the location of the country and the climate that reigns here fully and completely correspond to this phrase. In addition, the entire area of Norway is covered with mountains and fjords. Of course, nature cannot but influence the mentality of the people, fashion and much more.

The national costume of Norway is known all over the world and bears the proud name "bunad". How did he enter the culture of the northern people? The Industrial Revolution at the end of the nineteenth century had a significant impact on the market, resulting in the sale of cheap fabrics from which people could sew traditional costumes for themselves. And, unfortunately, old clothes more and more fell into disrepair and threatened with complete disappearance. Therefore, representatives of the Romantic movement decided to capture the old national costumes in documents and drawings so that they would not sink into oblivion. Their labors did not go unnoticed. The first to support this desire to preserve history was the bourgeoisie, which found a certain charm, attractiveness and beauty in the costumes of their homeland. They began to put on the national dress for various celebrations, promoting it to the masses. It was also a lucky coincidence that Norway gained independence, thereby raising the self-awareness and pride of the inhabitants of these territories. And it was then that life was breathed into the national costume again.

Byunad was a complete vestment from head to toe: a skirt, an embroidered blouse, a vest, a jacket, a headdress, stockings and shoes. By the way, some types of bunad are a one-piece dress. Over time, more and more decorations, embroidery and appliqués began to appear on its parts. The outfit indicated the people's adherence to traditions and at the same time emphasized their individuality and uniqueness. Currently, the bunad is in the wardrobe of almost every resident of Norway, and there are about two hundred of its types. If you are lucky enough to be in this country on May 17, you will be surprised at how diverse bunads can be, and in general, you will be greatly impressed by the abundance of costumes on the street. Although these clothes are considered universal for many types of festivities: from weddings to christenings.

Of course, there are people who respect traditions more than others (traditionalists), they argue that a bunad should not be worn by a foreign citizen, just like a resident of Norway in a certain territory should not dress in the attire of other parts of the country, because a certain settlement has its own ornaments. colors. An interesting fact is that most of the bunads have survived in their original form, only some of them have undergone some kind of reconstruction.
But what does the perfect outfit of a modern Norwegian girl look like?

The fact is that bright details are present mainly only on the bunad, thereby emphasizing its brightness and significance. Therefore, the Norwegian style is calm, monochrome and comfortable. If you want to live up to this cold country and make people around you feel the freshness and serenity of the fjords of Norway when looking at you, here are a few tips.
First, keep your look minimalist. Norwegians do not like to experiment with cut and style in everyday clothes. So stick with classic patterns.
Second, opt for calm, monochrome colors.
As a rule, residents of Norway do not like prints, but if they risk diluting their image with it, they opt for checks, stripes and polka dots. You can buy a beautiful nautical-style dress, throw on a camel trench coat and set off on the conquest of Oslo.

Of course, due to the fact that the weather in these lands does not please the inhabitants with warmth and endless sunny days, Norwegians prefer high-quality and comfortable things. Therefore, it is so important to have another element of a wardrobe made from natural fabrics: cotton, silk, wool, etc. Many shops, including the Internet, provide people with the opportunity to purchase quality goods for a reasonable fee.
The Norwegian style is characterized by multi-layering, again due to climatic conditions. Therefore, you can often see in photographs from the streets of Oslo a girl in a jumper, cardigan, jacket and on top with a finishing touch - a collar.

MY EXPERIENCES ABOUT NORWAY.
Part three:NORWEGIAN NATIONAL TRADITIONS

Generally speaking about Norway, one cannot but dwell on traditions.

Norwegian flag. Norwegians are patriotic people. Literally every fifth house has a flagpole with a Norwegian flag. A Christmas tree, a festive table, a wedding procession - everything is decorated with flags. The history of the Norwegian flag itself is interesting. Norway for 400 years was in the union in Denmark and was considered as a single state. Then there was a 100-year union with Sweden, and only in 1905, the country gained independence. The Norwegian Parliament invited the Danish Prince Charles to the kingdom, who took the name Haakon in Norway. The question arose about the national flag. The Norwegians wanted to have the whole flag, but at the same time they wanted this flag to highlight their Danish roots. And then they took as a basis the Danish flag, a white cross on a red background and drew blue stripes in the center of this cross. So we got a blue cross in white and all this on a red background.

A few words about the Norwegian costume:

Norwegian national costume. This was probably what impressed me the most in Norway. I have always been interested in various costumes from different countries and eras. In my opinion, through the costumes you can understand a lot about the country and about the time. At all times, women loved to decorate themselves and did it in every possible way. And of course, clothing has played a huge role in any society. It is not for nothing that they say that they are greeted by their clothes, but escorted by their minds. Unfortunately, the Russian costume has hardly survived, and few people know which costume was used in which region of Russia. And the Norwegians managed to preserve this culture, they wear costumes at the place of birth. So I really wanted to tell you a little about it.

I arrived in Norway at the end of April. May 17 is Norway's national day. I was just shocked! The entire female population of the country, from 3 to 80 years old, wore national costumes. Each region (film) and each commune has its own costume. They are very colorful and decorated with rich embroidery. The suit consists of a white blouse, a woolen skirt and a vest. Men's suits are also found, but not so often. In my opinion, the most beautiful costume is from Telemark. Norway is a Lutheran country and all children at the age of 15 undergo confirmation (church rite of majority). Usually, parents sew a national costume for girls for confirmation. It is very expensive 2-3 thousand dollars, because the costume is decorated with silver and it is handmade. They often wear a suit for weddings, confirmations, and all sorts of festive occasions.

Norway for a long time (400 years) was under the union of Denmark. The Danes diligently outlived everything Norwegian and tried to change the people. Bright clothing was banned. Therefore, the folk costume remained an outlet for the people. It was embroidered and adorned; by the costume one could judge the woman's dexterity in needlework. And a lot of things. Since the country is northern and cold, the suit consists of a thick woolen skirt, the same vest and blouse. It also relies on a cape or scarf, which is used in cold weather. The skirt is often double, the lower one is made of fine wool or linen + the upper one. Layered skirts are common. For example, in Telemark, they wear something like an apron decorated with rich embroidery on the skirt. The vest is fastened with a silver chain and instead of buttons on the blouse they also use silver cufflinks. A brooch and a belt made of silver plaques are also required. All silver is richly inlaid and decorated with pendants. The blouse is linen and also with embroidery. The men's suit consists of knee-length pantaloons, a linen shirt, a thick vest with several rows of buttons and an outer jacket. Woolen knee-high socks are also required. A man's suit is not as heavily embroidered as a woman's, but it is often in very bright colors, red with yellow or black and red. Many wear a wide-brimmed hat or bowler hat. In modern Norway, men's suits are not as widely used as women's suits. It is simply necessary for a woman to have a national costume. On the 17th of May on the streets, only rare exceptions are dressed in ordinary clothes. But even ordinary clothes, many try to pick up taking into account the colors of the Norwegian flag (red-blue-white). Photos tell the best stories. There are a great many regions in Norway and each has its own costume. I tried to choose the most typical and from all regions. The North, South, West and East of Norway are featured in this photo series.


Vestfold	Aust-Agder	Telemark


Büskeryud		........ Hordalan


Oppland	Sogn	Troms

Not many people are familiar with the geography of Norway, so I give a little explanation.
Vestfold is the eastern (and Ostfold is the western) coast of the Oslofjord. (Oslo)
Aust-Agder is the southwest of Norway (Kristiansand)
Telemark South
Buskerud is southeast (Drammen)
Hordalan - middle coastal part of Norway (Bergen)
Oppland - central, non-coastal part (Hammar)
Sogn - also near Bergen, middle part
Troms North (Tromsø)

Norwegian is also very peculiar. First, there are two of them: no-and-noshk and bokmål. Bokmål is based on Danish and is more common in the south of the country. Ni-i-noshk is based on dialects. Each region has its own dialect. The city of Bergen is especially distinguished. Its inhabitants even consider themselves to be residents of a separate country. They say - "I'm not from Norway, I'm from Bergen." My husband and I were at a family celebration, more than 70 people gathered. It was his aunt's golden wedding. And there they raised a toast to the new foreign members of our family. They were: I am from Russia, one girl from America and one more from Bergen. She was also named as a foreigner. Family ties are very strong. Usually, 60-70 people gather for a wedding. Our wedding for 20 people was considered very modest. And even if there is no special money, then only coffee and a wedding cake are served. After all, the main thing is not food, but communication. I was asked so often about the Russian costume that I even had to sew it.

About Norwegian men. You can still talk a lot about this wonderful country, but you still can't tell everything. I would also like to say a few words about Norwegian men. They are very reliable partners, great husbands and great fathers. No work in the house is divided into female and male. I was just shocked by the incident with the Norwegian Crown Prince. Here, not only the mother, but also the father has the right to parental leave. For the first 4 weeks, both parents take care of the newborn. And how! After all, a woman after childbirth is still weak and she needs help. The king is now seriously ill and his functions were performed by the crown prince. But when his daughter was born, he went on vacation, despite the controversy in the newspapers and the condemnation of Parliament. He believes that the most important thing for him is family. Every day of his child is invaluable and will not be repeated, so he must be with them. And this is a characteristic for all men in Norway. And it is not entirely true that only those who have some problems are looking for wives on the Internet. Norwegian women do not want to get married, they are fine alone. Therefore, men are forced to look for a mate in other countries. Of course, those who dream of sables and diamonds are unlikely to get them here. But you can find a good family, respect and love here. I know many examples of this. I invite everyone to come to Norway, the land of Vikings, tolleys and fjorods. There is something to see and where to relax. Thanks to everyone who read my story about this amazing country.

OLGA (NORWAY)
[email protected]

BEGINNING ABOUT NORWAY

PREVIOUS LETTERS FROM OLGA FROM NORWAY:
About the rules of paperwork for children
I read a letter from Irina from England about her husband's children
Reply to letters from Marina and Elena
How to get the child out?
About the letters of Natalia (Norway)NEXT PUBLICATIONS FOREIGN HEADING OF WOMEN'S MAGAZINE WWWoman:

NATALIA TKACHENKO (USA):
FEATURES OF CULTURE IN AMERICA, OR HOW TO FIND IT ...
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TATIANA TVERDENKO (JAPAN): ON THE SHORE OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN. CYCLE OF STORIES ABOUT THE FATE OF THREE JAPANESE RUSSIAN WOMEN ALL PUBLICATIONS OF THE JOURNAL ON THE TOPIC OF NORWAY:
Olga Kolysheva: My story about the search for a foreign prince
Irina Shestopal: Unfaithful husband
Raspberries
Problems due to my husband's ex-wife and his daughter-1
Problems due to my husband's ex-wife and his daughter-2
Julia: A story of love and life
Natalia Kopsova (Oslo): The future of Norway - will nationalism really raise its head again in the 21st century?
Elena: Reply to Larisa's letter from Norway ("Men's complexes")
Irina Shestopal: I was once young, beautiful and lived in Russia
Larisa:
Irina: Regarding Olga's letter from Norway about learning the Norwegian language
Olga:
I want to warn everyone who is going to get married in Norway and have children
About the letters of Natalia (Norway)
Elizabeth:
The purpose of my letter is to warn
Reply to Lena's letter, Russia ("Marry a Frenchman")
Elena: I ask you people, be careful! (About Elizabeth's letter, Norway)
Natalia Kopsova (Oslo):
Some reflections on the future of Russia
Lovers of our dream with you
About love, about happiness and everything that is important
Fathers and Sons - Scandinavian
Building communism in a single Norway
About equality, love and loneliness
Journey to and from Paradise
Natasha: About meeting a Norwegian
Marina K. Shai (Stavanger):
Gallop across Europe
My American classmate
Tips for those leaving for Norway (answers to Natasha)
My spring

Norway ... An amazing northern country with beautiful nature, clean ecology, the highest standard of living, with carefully preserved traditions. The Norwegians consider their folk costume BUNAD to be a national treasure. It is worn on the National Day of Norway -17 May, for weddings, confirmations, christenings, folklore celebrations, i.e. it has become almost universal.

True, the Norwegians themselves are still debating what is bunad and how does it differ from national costume.

Some argue that bunad- This is the general name for many national costumes that are worn in different regions of Norway, and, in addition, it is also the name of festive clothes in the national style reconstructed in the 20th century.

Some researchers believe that bunad is festive clothing in the national style, which has existed from time immemorial, which is worn on exceptionally solemn occasions. Binard, according to them, differs from "fake" folk costumes for special occasions, which were "designed" in imitation of real folk costumes. Such "reconstructions" are often called "Festive dress" - festdrakt / festdrakt / In bunad stores, they are sold as festdrakt, not bunad.

And, finally, some folklorists believe that the bunad differs from the national costume, since under national costume should be understood everyday clothes, a bunad - festive clothes.

Each point of view can be argued, especially since the very word “ bunad"Comes from the ancient northern búnaðr– "clothes for the house"- and gives each party the opportunity to argue that they are right. All, however, are right that both BYUNAD and FESTDRAK They are stunningly beautiful and uniquely original, and they are worn with dignity by the Norwegians!

WOMEN'S CLOTHING make up:

Embroidered blouse, vest, jacket, skirt, petticoats.

Stockings (special, also sometimes embroidered !!!),

Handbag with a silver clasp

Shawl, mittens for winter.

Handmade jewelry made of silver or, more rarely, gold: special fasteners, buttons, brooches called sølje, earrings, cufflinks (for women), earrings, rings, belts.

Special shoes.

The "find" of the last couple of years - special umbrellas for the bunad made of wool, decorated with hand embroidery and a special silver nameplate on the handle!

MEN'S SUIT consists of pantaloons below the knee, a linen shirt, a thick vest with several rows of buttons and an upper jacket. Woolen knee-high socks are also required. The men's suit is not as heavily embroidered as the women's one, but it is often in very bright colors, red with yellow or black and red. Many wear a wide-brimmed hat or bowler hat. Men's suits in modern Norway are now more and more in demand.

Almost every village and city has its own type of bunad. Each has its own "past" and its own "traditions". Very often a bunade from one locality can be made in different colors. Sometimes in one village there are several types of national costume.