Pievienots
National costumes are an integral part of Latvia’s heritage. The ones that have survived up to the present are the costumes worn on festive occasions. Costumes have been handed down from generation to generation as colourful adornments and treasured heirlooms. Ordinary garments have been less well preserved. A national costume includes everything that its owner has made for wearing in various seasons and on various occasions.
In contemporary usage, the term “national costume” refers to the apparel of the indigenous inhabitants of Latvia – the Balts and Livs. These original inhabitants were country folk-farmers, fishermen, and craftsmen. Their apparel is an important part of Latvia’s cultural heritage and a valuable source for historical studies. Along with the costumes themselves, information about their construction and ornamentation has survived from antiquity. The power of tradition ensured that a generation would continue to think, act, and believe as its predecessors had done.
Latviešu tautastērps savā būtībā ir latviešu zemnieku, amatnieku, zvejnieku u.c. vienkāršo lauku ļaužu tradicionālais goda tērps, kādu viņi to valkāja galvenokārt 19. gadsimtā, apmēram līdz 1870. gadiem. Līdztekus goda tērpam bija arī darba apģērbs. Tradicionālais tautastērps nav tikai noteikta veida svētku drānas. Tas sevī ietver gadsimtu gaitā uzkrāto un nemitīgi papildināto tautas skaistuma izjūtu, ornamenta izveides un krāsu salikumu māku, amatniecības prasmes. Tajā uzkrātas daudzu gadsimtu gaitā veidojušās apģērba darināšanas, rotāšanas un valkāšanas tradīcijas.
