Bunad = folk costume

http://www.husfliden.no

Today many of those out celebrating May 17th
wore their bunad (folk costume).
These costumes have developed over the years and
are based on old textiles and paintings.
Each region has its own bunad.
These up here are from Oestfold, this region of Norway.

They are all very, very expensive.
I tried to find some prices for a new specially made bunad.
It seems it can cost from around a little less than 3000 US dollars
up to a little less than 10000 US dollars.
And that is just the costume itself.
The special shoes and the special jewellery makes this
much more expensive.
But perhaps if you know that this will be the costume
that will follow you through your life
to weddings, confirmations and May 17th celebrations,
the per wear price becomes more reasonable.
The bunad will, if you feel it is right for you,
make the decision WHAT to wear on festive
occassions very easy.

I just read that the rule for what bunad to wear is
that it should be the one from where your
father or mother came from, or if not so, where
your grandparents came from.

I just enjoy looking at the different bunad versions
from all over Norway.
Can't imagine investing so much money in a bunad
from where my grandmother came from,
and then wear it again and again.
But if I ever have the opportunity to dress up once
in a bunad from that area and get my photo
taken, that I will do.
As a connection to the past.