The visit of kihnu’s museum really interested us and we thought we’d give a little more info about what we discovered. This is a little article about the traditional costume of Kihnu.
Our guide (left on the picture) explained to us that there were several types of dresses they wear, depending on the occasion, but also on their mood. If one is happy, (as they ussually are) the worn colour is red. Otherwise, it’s a blueish dress or, in case of a funeral black. But Always, whatever dress, there is a thin red galon at the bottom, symbolizing hope which still remains.
The costume is not fixed in time, like in a living museum, but evolves depending on the years and the fashion. for example, in the 60’s, the dress for womens were much shorter, whereas today it goes down almost to the heals. People will recognise, depending on the design, what type dress one is wearing and if so and so is in the fashion or not. This keeps the people sewing all winter and the tradition alive.
We loved these explanations, as well as all the other details our guide gave us about traditional weddings, funerals… and everyday life !
