Mari national costume

National costume is more than clothes. He talks about the characteristics of the people, their culture, values ​​and life. Some outfits are akin to art objects, for example, the bright and colorful costume of the Mari people.

The Mari belong to the Finno-Ugric peoples. They are called the last pagans in Europe, because it is hard to believe, but, despite the Christianity they adopted, many remain faithful to paganism and the rites associated with it.

Their rituals, it is worth saying, are very interesting. So, they all take place in a sacred grove - a specially designated place in the forest. Geese and ducks are brought there as a sacrifice. The whole life of the Mari is connected with mysticism. The specific funerals of the dead and the "feeding of the dead" could not be reflected in national costumes and ornaments.

The national Mari costume has a number of features that distinguish it from the vestments of other peoples.

The traditional color for the Mari national costume is white. However, such a costume cannot be called boring, because rich embroidery adorned the white tone. In the first samples, wool and cotton for embroidery had dark shades, such as black, navy blue, burgundy and brown.

Time passed, and the red shade became the main thing in the embroidery of the national costume for the Mari.It was framed by black and dark blue shades of thread. The dyes were obtained from herbs and plants, and the colors varied depending on the intensity of the mixture.

Speaking of embroidery, there were age and gender and social symbols, floral and geometric ornaments. Each of them was performed in bright colors, which, of course, brought good luck and kindness to a person.

Clothing for the Mari was made of canvas. Received it from hemp or flax. The production was done by women. It was such a painstaking task that it took no less than half a year. It is not surprising that the snow-white canvas was the pride of the glorious hostess.

Later, the Mari national costumes were influenced by the Russian costume and began to be made from cotton threads. Differing at the same time in a special color and saturation of shades.

Sheepskin was used for warm clothes. Craftsmen spun from wool and sewed warm fur coats from sheepskins. The process of dressing the skin was carried out in several stages, and as a result, the skin itself was of excellent quality and warmth.

The undershirt of the Mari had a tunic cut. The canvas was bent, creating the back and front of the product. Depending on the area of ​​residence, each cutout had a certain shape and was traditionally fastened with two strings in the center. Tuvyr was girded with leather and fabric belts, on which amulets, knives and other necessary elements were located.

Mari women's and men's clothing has always differed from each other.It is worth saying that Mari women liked to wear rich jewelry, which weighed up to 35 kg.

But still, let's start with a suit for men. In addition to the tuvyr (shirt) with a belt, the Mari costume included pants. They were also made of white canvas, and the width varied depending on the area inhabited by the peoples. The men did not forget about the caftan, which is an integral part of the national traditional costume. In the summer it was sewn from canvas, warm ones from white and black cloth.

Costumes for women differed from men's in a great variety. It is worth saying that the basis of the attire was the same tuvyr. They decorated a women's shirt to glory, putting embroidery on the cut on the chest, on the sleeves along the entire length and along the edges, as well as on the hem. Models were complemented with ribbons, beads and buttons. The women's shirt was the pride of women, because each model was unique and kept customs and customs.

As well as in a men's suit, canvas pants were put on under the Mari shirt. Their wide and narrow step depended on the terrain, for example, the eastern peoples dressed in free and spacious models.

Women's caftans had their own variations. Short along the waistline were intended for summer wear, straight and tunic - gave warmth and comfort in the cold season.

Mari costumes for children resembled adults, however, for girls, shirts could have bright frills along the edge of the sleeves and hem.

The Mari were attentive to the choice of headdresses. In the men's wardrobe, felted hats were classic as a summer dress.The casual look was complemented by a black hat, a solemn - white. Later, these models were replaced by a cap. In winter, men dressed in warm hats made of sheep's wool and earflaps.

If men's hats were quite traditional for a modern person, then women's hats were distinguished by a variety of styles, sometimes surprising and certainly memorable. Married women wore frame headdresses, to the edges of which a scarf was attached. Ordinary scarves worn for everyday life were also not uncommon. In winter, ladies wore high hats with a fox or beaver edge.

Speaking of shoes, bast shoes, leather boots and felt boots were considered traditional models for men and women. The first were an option for an everyday look. Leather boots made of soft leather were worn together with bast shoes or separately, but only for solemn occasions, an interesting solution was to trim the leather on the boot from below. Felt boots for women and men were warm shoes for the winter cold. Wealthy Mari acquired their factory versions, complemented by skillful embroidery.

Until now, the Mari national costume has not lost its popularity. Becoming a part of a wedding or solemn image, it brings original notes of this rich culture.

1. A white tunic with a red waistcoat, complemented by gold embroidery and coin-shaped decoration, is distinguished by modern forms with a national color palette.
2. A wedding dress with a cropped shirt and a tunic caftan with embroidery and satin ribbons is a bright image for a bride who remembers her roots and customs.
3. A costume consisting of a satin dress with flounces and an apron with a chest will be a suitable option for a folk celebration.A floral ornament adorns the festive apron.