15/09/2014
Slovenska ljudska noša - Slovenian folk costumes
The region of Prekmurje is part of the Pannonian plain, and as a result, the costumes and clothing of this region have many similarities with other regions of Slovenija and neighbouring countries that share this geographic flat landform. Prekmurje lies 'across the river Mura', which is the literal translation of the region's name. In the past, Prekmurje was referred to a "Slovenska krajina" translated to 'the area of Slovenia'. This area was always on the borderlands with neighbouring countries, nationalities and even religions. The control of this land frequently changed and parts of it were still under a type of feudal system just before WW2.
Geographically, Prekmurje is composed of three areas: Ravensko and Dolinsko which are adjacent and follow the River Mura and the fields and towns slightly north of
it, and the hilly area of Goričko to its north. The whole region has always been tied together, regardless of geographic features, but was isolated, along with eastern portions of Štajerska, from the rest of Slovenia, as it was part of Austria and Hungary during moments of time.
The people in this region devote their entire livelihood to farming practices. However, the specialization of crafts also flourished, in particular, the weaving of linen flax, weaving of wheat, creating crepe paper flowers, and black pottery focused around the villages of Bogojina and Filovci. Mixed farming of both field crops and animal husbandry were widespread which is still seen to this day if you travel through the region. The devotion to religion is very apparent in this region with multiple churches, as well as the strong dedication to cultural significance and history of the region's customs and songs.
The majority of the older costumes of this region are amongst the most simple in its appearance compared to other Slovenian regions. It is said that this type of costume was widespread throughout most of Slovenia. However, this 'white' linen costume of Prekmurje is something most Slovenians still recognize, however, darker, more-modern costumes slowly prevailed with the women slowly turning to bought materials and a simplified fashion style that was widespread in Central Europe, and other western Slovenian regions. Men seemed to have advanced quicker in their transition from white clothing to darker, more modern cuts.
The white linen costume of the women was comprised of a linen white skirt (either bleach white or natural in colour), some with or without collars. A coloured apron was always worn usually of linen material, or solid or patterned cotton. Women here could have worn vests of the same material or even completely different colours/materials, however, even though this was a normal reconstructive design, very little verbal evidence has actually been found to verify it. White or rarer coloured - lined petticoats were simplistic in their styling. Blouses were narrow in their cuts with either full or slim sleeves to the wrist. Eventually coloured blouses were worn with white skirts, which eventually were also changed to solid coloured skirts. Belts made of velvet or woolen material, or even leather were sometimes worn as bodice in much older versions of this costume. These are seen in a number of sketches and depictions of formal attire of very old literature. White kerchieves of linen were worn with fine embroidery, but were later replaced with multicoloured cotton and wool. Various types of caps and crochetted pieces refered to as 'pocij', 'pocüu', 'pocilica' or 'aubica' were worn under their kerchieves to hold hair together.
Men wore white flax linen or h**p linen pants with frayed edges, along with white linen shirts that were not tucked in. Vests of black wool were customary usually with a single row of buttons, however, variations of double buttons, with and without collars were personalized cuts. Materials for these vests also advanced into coloured vests of red wool and black velvet. Felt hats were worn during Sundays and festive events, along with hats of straw used during harvest or field work. Similarly to Eastern Štajerska, costume details are not visible until closer inspection.
This region to this day is still quite rural in its feel. Farming is prevalent with fields showing a quilt work of different crops growing side by side in feudal plots. White storks are found here and were characteristic to only this region. Of all the regions in Slovenia, traditional sounds, songs and dances are still alive. A number of traditional bands keep the sound and melodies of older bands alive. Newly resurrected customs such as the unique wedding greeter, called the "pozvačin" is still part of the wedding. He is adorned with crepe paper flowers, ribbons, a high decorated hat, and holds an axe with a hedgehog skin used against any unsuspecting people who cross his path.
