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Czechoslovakia were used as everyday wear and made of hemp and flax.
These were very plain not like what we see today.
The costumes worn by members and participants of our organization
have been passed down from generations, hand made in the Czech Republic
or sewn by some of our own members to resemble traditional kroje. These
new costumes are colorful, heavily embroidered and beaded to showcase the
talents of the region from which that costume design originates.
The development of these new costumes from the plain everyday
costumes was influenced by several factors such as environmental
conditions, neighboring cultures, differences in geography, religion and the
richness of each region. These fancier kroje are worn during festivals or
special occasions and differ from village to village.
Many of the women's costumes we wear come from the Southern
Moravian region of Kyjov. These costumes consists of a billowing red skirt
embroidered with colorful flowers that covers several heavily starched
petticoats, for volume. The skirts are gathered and pleated at the waist. To
complement the skirt is a black apron, adorned with elaborate embroidery
and lace trimming. A colorful sash is worn around the waist. The blouses are
always made of white cotton trimmed in white eyelet, and hand-cut
embroidery. Some of the women's enormous puffed pillow lace sleeves are
often filled with tissue paper. They are then gathered and tied at the elbow
with brightly colored ribbon. The vests are made of heavy broadcloth and
satin. They contain detailed beading and thread in crewel patterns. Our head
wear consists of a flowered wreath. The original footwear complimented by
black tights, was high and accordion pleated leather boots or low healed
dance shoes.
The men's costume consists of a white linen blouse with long
hand-stitched sleeves. The vests are made of satin and are detailed with
lace, bead and hand painted or woven ribbons that hang long past their
knees. The blue embroidered pants belong to the region of Podluzi. The red
embroidered pants belong to the region of Lanzhot. As an interesting detail
there is a heavily beaded belt and embroidered handkerchief that
accommodate the pants. The men's footwear consists of high leather boots
with tassels.
Today, these costumes stand witness of the old folklore and rich
traditions of our country, kept with pride and love by our generation and
hopefully of those to come.
If you are a UMS member and would like to display your kroj please give
a full length photo to Maria Kolek to post.
Polosovice