Traditional Belarusian costumes
Belarus gained independence in 1991. Before ruled by russian empire and later forcibly absorbed by the Soviet Union, Belarusians were led to believe that their country was too small to matter, their language was not a real language, their culture wasn’t in any way significant. But these costumes could only have been made in Belarus. They literally come from the land, starting with the linen seeds that were growing there. Belarusian women made the fabrics by hand, sewed the pieces and embroidered them with symbols of Belarusian history and culture. Traditional costumes are categorized by region: there are 6 historically ethnographic or cultural regions in Belarus, each with its own distinctive characteristics and designs of traditional clothing: Paazer’e, Paniamonne, Western Palesse, Eastern Palesse, Padniaprou’e and Central Belarus. All sets are intended for special occasions (national holidays, weddings, church services). These costumes show the beauty of Belarus as opposed to the tragic events the country has gone through and still is going through. Photos by Volya Dzemka
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