Shawls, hats and gloves

Latvian national costumes are completed with embroidered linen or woollen shawls.  The shawl is draped around the body and held together at one corner with one or more saktas (decorative brooches) or pins.

Head wear for unmarried girls are crowns featuring metal, ribbons or beads.  Once married the crown is swapped for a cloth cap or scarf as it is not fitting for a married women to have her hair uncovered.

Mens costumes were fashioned after military influences and the dress of town gentlemen. Wide brimmed hats, metal buckled belts and ornate gloves which were tucked into the belt to display the owners wealth.

White was considered lucky and was a natural wool colour so was an obvious choice or making mens costumes, these were complemented with embroidered scrollwork and woven belts that incorporated lucky Lavian symbols.

Latvian National Costumes

Originally the girls wore Nica or Rucava skirts, a white blouse, a josta (belt or sash) and ribbons braided in their hair. The boys wore black pants, white shirts a prievite (woven garter used as a necktie) and a josta.  The choice of costume was initially due to the speed with which the national dress could be made. Of course the girls all wanted a crown with glass beads, topped with crystal and so Rucava costumes were slowly replaced with Nica costumes.

Patterns for the embroidery, (mainly cross stitch) were passed between members. The women and girls came together to sew, stitch and copy designs. Friendships and appreciation beside new Latvian National Costumes were created.

The border pattern, for this blog, some may have realized, is taken from the sleeve detail of a Barta costume.

The adoption of Barta National dress, was made in the mid 70s. However, in acknowledgement and to honour Sprīdītis beginnings, one member of the dance group always wore Nica.