A big range of folk and traditional costumes are being worn by the people of Norway and the term used for the traditional dress of Norway is Bunad. Bunad is used by both the men and women of Norway and these traditional costumes are full of colors, embroidery and varaities along with the accessories like the hand mde silver or gold ornaments.
Norwegians in Bunad on their National Day – Image by Ove and Lucia Yang Sæth
The Norwegians can be seen commonly wearing their traditional dress, Bunad on special ocassions and the national celebrations. Particularly on May 17, the national day of Norway, it is very popular to see people, and especially women, dressed in bunad. The people of Norway opted Bunad specially, when the historic national romantic movement was initiated by the folk enthusiasts and later on wearing Bunad became a status symbol and an emblem of prestige. This must be remembered that the folk costumes of Norway have a little distinction with the traditional Bunabd costumes, although some articles and patterns were included by the designers in Bunad.
The folk performers from Norway wearing Bunad – Image by amymaura – flickr
The normal fabric which is used for Bunad is wool. The trousers used by the Norwegian men in Bunad are often made from hodden which is wool that has been pressed into shape rather than woven. Shirts are made from either linen or cotton, and shawls and aprons are normally wool or silk.
Women wearing Bunad – Image by Sigmund – flickr
The women of Norway also use a purse made of matching fabric and embroidery in their Bunad costume. At the time of marriage the Norwegian bride wears a gold crown, headress or elaborite jewellery on her head. She also carries a small bible in her purse and can wear a veil if it has been designed into her traditional costme. The married women in Norway also wear a traditional silver belt and the housekeeper Norwegian women also keep a key as symbolic decoration with them.
A Norwegian Bride with the traditional crown over her head – Image by Espen Faugstad
In the nutshell, the traditional Bunad for the women of Norway includes a skirt worn with a highly embroidered blouse, over which is worn a much decorated vest or bodice of silk damask or calamanco. Some Norwegian women also use a shawl over one shoulder. Similarly, the Norwegian men wear a knicker-length or full-length pants of one color in their Bunad. They also wear a plain jacket, made in the same material as their trousers.
A Norwegian boy wearing the traditional Bunad – Image by Marionzetta – flickr
Nowadays Bunad is gaining much popularity than the past, and this traditional dress of Norway is prepared by the designers in many attractive styles and decorations.
A woman wearing Bunad from Norway – A pure traditional look – Image by Bada Bing – flcikr
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