Clothing - Bunad

‘Folkedrakt’ (traditional costumes) were used as everyday and party clothes in Norway up to the 1800s. How the costumes were used was controlled by strict norms. The party versions had more elaborate embroidery, scarves and shawls, and were often accessorized with hand-made silver or gold jewelry called solje in Norwegian. Each valley had its own style. Only those who were born in or had relations in a certain valley or district have the right to wear that particular costume.

In the mid 1900s Norway went though a new national romantic period and variations of these national costumes, called bunads, were created using the local traditions. They became extremely popular, but are now used by most norwegians for special occasions, like the national day, confirmations, weddings and Christmas. There are more than 200 varieties of the costume; each signifies which rural district your family originates from. Both men and women wear bunads.