Belarus is a beautiful country with a long and interesting history. The Belarusian national costume is a complex of traditional clothing, shoes and accessories, which has been developed during the centuries. Though not used for everyday use, the costume is ceremonial and the origins of tradition lie in the ancient Kievan Rus.
Suitable for the moderate continental climate of Belarus; with its long cold winters and mild summer weather. Fabrics were made out of flux and wool, decorated with printed or embroiled ornaments, or weaved from using threads of different color. Each of the different regions of the country have costumes certain distinct characteristics or designs, researchers have identified more than 30 varieties of folk costume!
The traditional male costume is beautifully simple and consists of a shirt embroidered on the collar and bottom, pants and vest. Outer clothing was also used with coats made of sheepskin whilst the nobles wore fur coats. The usual Belarusian peasant shoes were called ‘lapti’ which were created from bark, willow bark or hemp. The nobles’ traditionally wore more expensive leather boots.
Belarusian’s women’s costume is more diverse, with strong national characteristics in its design. There are four traditional variations: a skirt and apron, apron and waistcoat (garsetom) with a skirt, which is sewn to the bodice, corset, with panova, aprons, waistcoat (garsetom). The first two are known throughout the territory of Belarus, the last two are specific to the eastern and north-eastern regions. Panovas are traditionally worn over a shirt, the three big pieces of cloth sewn on top of collected cord that pulls together at the waist. Women’s outer clothing is embroidered and richer then male clothes, but in appearance and tailoring is not very different from men's.
Headgear used in women’s costumes was of important social and ritual significance. Traditionally, it was possible to determine the marital status, age of the woman, her financial situation but it was also used for ceremonies and rituals, such as weddings; bride’s changed girlish headgear for women’s to symbolize growth and change.
Belarusian national costume has a long tradition, though like most worldwide costumes it is not in everyday usage today. Hopefully you enjoyed reading this little bit about Belarusian clothing and perhaps you have similar traditions where you are?
Suitable for the moderate continental climate of Belarus; with its long cold winters and mild summer weather. Fabrics were made out of flux and wool, decorated with printed or embroiled ornaments, or weaved from using threads of different color. Each of the different regions of the country have costumes certain distinct characteristics or designs, researchers have identified more than 30 varieties of folk costume!
The traditional male costume is beautifully simple and consists of a shirt embroidered on the collar and bottom, pants and vest. Outer clothing was also used with coats made of sheepskin whilst the nobles wore fur coats. The usual Belarusian peasant shoes were called ‘lapti’ which were created from bark, willow bark or hemp. The nobles’ traditionally wore more expensive leather boots.
Belarusian’s women’s costume is more diverse, with strong national characteristics in its design. There are four traditional variations: a skirt and apron, apron and waistcoat (garsetom) with a skirt, which is sewn to the bodice, corset, with panova, aprons, waistcoat (garsetom). The first two are known throughout the territory of Belarus, the last two are specific to the eastern and north-eastern regions. Panovas are traditionally worn over a shirt, the three big pieces of cloth sewn on top of collected cord that pulls together at the waist. Women’s outer clothing is embroidered and richer then male clothes, but in appearance and tailoring is not very different from men's.
Headgear used in women’s costumes was of important social and ritual significance. Traditionally, it was possible to determine the marital status, age of the woman, her financial situation but it was also used for ceremonies and rituals, such as weddings; bride’s changed girlish headgear for women’s to symbolize growth and change.
Belarusian national costume has a long tradition, though like most worldwide costumes it is not in everyday usage today. Hopefully you enjoyed reading this little bit about Belarusian clothing and perhaps you have similar traditions where you are?