National costume of Dagestan

Previously, according to the national costume of Dagestan, it was possible to determine the age of a person, his social status, money savings and even the aul where he came from. Today, such costumes are worn mainly for festive events and theatrical performances. However, the younger generation knows how to appreciate the historical significance and beauty of national costumes, so it is customary to pass costumes from generation to generation.

The national costume of Dagestan in the form as we know it today did not take shape right away. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages. Men's suits consisted of a white shirt, dark trousers (gray or black), beshmets, boots, a fur hat and a fitted Circassian coat with gazers.

The Circassian coat could be knee-length or even lower, to the ankle, the sleeves had an extension downward. She was tied up with a narrow strap, on which a dagger or pistol was hung.

The gazyrs had caps made of ivory or silver. They contained gunpowder at the rate: one cap - one shot.

In the cold season, Dagestani men wore a sheepskin cloak, and ichigi or morocco boots as shoes.

Women's suits were characterized by a relatively loose fit. The inhabitants of the plains preferred silk clothes: a shirt, trousers, a dress, red morocco shoes (made of goat skin), and a headscarf.

Women who lived in the mountains preferred wide, long dresses and trousers with an elegant gold pattern on the sides. A chuvyak or boots were worn as shoes, and the headdress was slightly different in each locality. The hair was neatly tucked away under a chukhta hat, over which a veil was put on, and then a patterned scarf.

The color of the suit and the variety of jewelry indicated the social status of the owner of such an outfit, her material savings and age. Young Dagestani women preferred bright colors in clothes and fabrics with ornaments, older women chose, mainly, dark-colored clothes.

More than seventy nationalities live in Dagestan (Avars, Tabasarans, Kumyks, Lezgins, Dargins and others), each of which has its own costume. Despite this, some common details are inherent in all the national costumes of Dagestan: the use of shirts (tunic and dress-like), tunics, chukhta, turban, scarves and beshmek.

These things were sewn from bright fabrics and decorated with patterns or embroidery (natural ornaments, animals). The patterns could carry a symbolic function - act as a talisman, or an aesthetic one.

Outfits for special occasions were adorned with silver, gold and precious gowns. The following items were used as additional adornments for women's costumes: bracelets, coins, belts, rings.

The dominant colors in the suits were: white, black, red. White was considered a symbol of purity and was used during weddings. Red meant prosperity and prosperity in the house, the black tint had a magical connotation and symbolized an inextricable connection with ancestors.

Layering is a characteristic feature of all Dagestan costumes. It was customary to put on several scarves at once on the head, pants were pushed under the dress. In addition to the dress, many decorations were used, which were considered an integral part of the national image.

In addition to all the obligatory elements of clothing, the costume of Dagestani men included a papakha - a headdress considered by the Caucasian peoples as a symbol of honor. Those who had a good income, adorned in astrakhan fur hat, ordinary people were content with the same product, but made of sheepskin. It was considered an insult to knock the hat off the head, and to present such a headdress was a sign of friendship.

The difference in women's outfits in different regions of the country was much stronger than that of men's models. So, in the south of Dagestan, they wore multi-layered ornate costumes. First, a straight-cut silk dress was put on, and only then a walchag - an upper swing dress. The entire costume was adorned with gold, precious stones, exquisite patterns. The favorite colors were red, purple, green. A silk scarf was tied over the head.

Modern Dagestan girls wear fitted dresses that emphasize a slender silhouette. Precious stones are used as adornments, high-heeled shoes. Women of Balzac age prefer loose robes. Black is predominantly chosen for colors, as they present the figure in a favorable light.

Dagestani men prefer to wear pants and shirts that are no different from the clothes of every modern person.