But this is understandable, because such an important milestone of the peasant lifeas harvesting, occupied a central place in the life of any peasant. Such clothing was also much less decorated. In contrast to the festive clothes, casual clothing was made of simple and, most importantly, durable fabrics. Sometimes poor peasants for decades preserved their wedding clothes so they had something to be buried in. Woman in Toropetsky pearl headdress and a shawl / first half of the 19 th century / Abram Klyukvin It is possible that the symbolic meaning of long sleeves shirts was the following: the person who wore such a shirt didn’t have to work, which was so true for a wedding celebration. It was especially important at weddings and funerals.įor example, wedding shirts could have very long sleeves, in which they even sometimes made slits for the arms. Rich peasants had several sets of festive clothes: “Sunday” set and for various holidays.įestive women’s clothing (the beginning of the 20 th century) / Northern Russia, Arkhangelsk province / Collection of Natalia Shabelskayaĭuring some important events in the life of peasants the costume was paid special attention. Festive attire was decorated with ornaments and embroidery. The number of items in festive attire was usually bigger – people tried to impress others, “not to lose face.” Clothing was made from more expensive fabrics, sometimes purchased. Festive Russian women’s clothingįestive clothing had to be newer, not too worn. And they had a very clear distinction between a costume for everyday life, work, holidays or rituals. Girls, as well as in the south, wore bands on their heads. Expensive kokoshniks were always worn with scarves, the lower ends of which were tied under the chin. Married women, as well as in the south, wore a headdress, completely hiding the hair – kokoshnik. Girl in a headdress and dushegreya (beginning of the 20 th century) / Northern Russia, Pskov Province / Collection of Natalia Shabelskaya On top of it – short chest clothing on straps – dushegreya. Over a long shirt a woman put on a sundress. This set was common in the northern regions of Russia, the Volga region, the Urals and Siberia. Young woman wearing soroka / Sergey Sołomko Women’s shirt with a sundresses and kokoshnik Women always wore a traditional headdress –fully covered, completely hiding the hair (soroka).īeginning of the 20 thcentury, South Russia, Ryazan Province / Collection of Natalia Shabelskaya
On top she then put on some additional items – nasov, navershnik, etc.īeginning of the 20 thcentury, South Russia, Tula Province / Collection of Natalia Shabelskaya The set was popular in the southern regions of Russia. Women’s shirt with a skirtand aheaddress (soroka) Traditional Russian Women’s ClothingĪmong the traditional Russian women’s clothing the most common were two sets. Gradually hat was replaced by a cloth hat or a leather cap – the influence of the urban style.
They wore hats made of felted wool –in an infinite variety of shapes.Ī man in casual clothes (felted hat, shirt, ports, belt) / Russian folk costume / F. Men wore ports (pants), a shirt, usually with an oblique collar, and cinched it with a belt. Traditional Russian men’s clothing has always been less diverse than female wear.