Bashkir national costume

The habitat of the Bashkir people is very extensive. As a result, there is a difference in culture. This was influenced by the habitat of the people and the natural zone in which it was located. So, for example, in one area, the main activity was cattle breeding, in another, agriculture, and in others, skillful skills. All this is combined and united in the Bashkir folk costume. High craftsmanship contributed to the combination of details into a complex ensemble, which is based on deep historical traditions.

A characteristic feature of the costume was its layering. Regardless of weather conditions, the Bashkirs put on several layers of outer clothing under their underwear. Especially in such outfits were on national holidays.

• Colors and shades. Traditionally, natural shades are used in the creation of folk Bashkir costumes. The main colors are blue, black, green, red, brown and yellow. Other shades are also used, but they, as a rule, are not intended for everyday wear, but for festive costumes.

• Fabrics and cut. The clothes of the Bashkir people were created in order to keep warm in winter and comfortable in summer. And for religious reasons, the Bashkirs cannot afford to wear open clothes. Therefore, the national costume has a free cut. Usually these are long fitted robes, loose trousers and shirts. When choosing fabrics, preference is given to silk, velvet, satin. The decoration uses leather, fur, various beads, coins and embroideries.

• Woman suit. The national women's costume has been formed for more than a dozen years and continues to acquire changes to this day. A distinctive feature of such clothes is wealth and luxury.

On the neck over the dress, women put on a bib. It was believed that such an attribute serves as a talisman against evil spirits.

Under the dress, it was customary to wear yshtan (kind of pants), and on top, decorated with silver coins, a camisole. They decorated it in various ways, it all depended on the region.

Another element of the festive attire was the apron, called alyapkys. Initially, women put on this apron for an hour of doing household chores, but over time it was modified and supplemented with festive decoration.

• Men's suit. The national men's costume is not so diverse and is more restrained in execution. Usually the image included a loose shirt resembling a tunic, narrow trousers and a light robe or camisole. Depending on the region, two types of shirts for men could be found. The first one, referring to the south, had a cut going down an oblique, it was fastened with a cord, and was distinguished by the absence of a collar. The second, belonging to the north, had a collar, and the cut line was straight.

As outerwear, men wore cloth chekmeni, dressing gowns in dark colors and a kezeki caftan, which had a flared cut, a stand-up collar and a blind fastener. By the quality of the fabric, it was possible to determine the level of wealth of the Bashkir. For example, low-income men wore a dressing gown made from the material of a woven house.

The only male element of clothing was the belt. They were produced in several types: wool, cloth, belt and sash with a buckle. In case of a holiday, there was a separate kemer belt. It was distinguished by the presence of a jewelry buckle and patterned embroidery.

• Baby suit. The national costume for a girl reflects the characteristic features in the clothes of this people. It can be presented in the following form: a kuldek skirt, a kezeki sleeveless jacket and a headdress with a veil - takiya (for girls over 10 years old).

The ensemble for the boy repeats the national clothes of the Bashkir men. A laced shirt, trousers, a belt with a gold pattern - all this characterizes the image of a Bashkir boy.

Bibs, backs, various pendants, bracelets and earrings were used as decorations and accessories. Such products were made with the help of coins, embroideries, metal plates, beads, shells, and in the last millennia, corals began to be actively used.

Another important point of the costume is the headdress. He could tell about the well-being of the owner, about the age of the woman, and sewn stones served as a talisman.

Women's headdresses were presented in a large assortment, and their decoration reflected the national color. The wives of wealthy men could afford a rich headdress called kashmau. This accessory was presented in the form of a hat with a hole at the top. The product was embroidered with corals, beads and pendants. A long ribbon descending to the back endowed the hat with individuality and beauty - the ribbon was embroidered with beads and a fringe was attached.

Girls walked without covering their heads, after the age of ten they put a scarf or skullcap on their heads.

Young women used caps as a headdress. They were made from cardboard, birch bark or leather. Tassels were attached to the cap, worn, shifting to the side. A scarf was worn over the top.

Older women wore a Tatar headdress, putting a fur hat on it.

Older men wore dark-colored dresses, young men wore light-colored ones.

The festive attire of men, to give solemnity to the outfit, was sheathed with beads.

Women's shoes were decorated with tassels. In not cold times, they put on bast shoes (sabata), under them it was certainly necessary to wear hosiery. They made hosiery from various materials (wool, cloth). Separately, in the wardrobe there were festive stockings embroidered with patterns and overlays.

The Bashkir wedding was prepared carefully and in advance. Clothes that served as wedding dresses for young people could be worn after the wedding on special holidays. For tailoring dresses, women were selected who were fluent in the art of embroidery, appliqué and patterned weaving.

The holiday was bright and rich.Bright colors of colorful women's dresses trimmed with various ribbons, puffy skirts, patterns and frills made the holiday colorful and interesting. Colors played an important role in wedding dresses. Red served as a symbol of the hearth. The red and white dress of the bride symbolized the sun, warmth and comfort. An ornament was embroidered along the edges of the dress - patterns, curls, spirals. Dressing gowns and camisoles were worn over the outfits.

A breast decoration embroidered with stones and coins was put on the bride's neck. By the richness of these decorations, one could judge the well-being of the family.

The bride's feet were adorned with white boots made of fine goat skin.

The bride's head was covered with a thin scarf embroidered along the edges.

Loose-fitting pants, a skullcap and a belt completed the look. They, like a shirt, were prepared by the bride.

The groom also used white boots made of thin leather as shoes.