Finery
Festive clothing comprised all sorts of finery, but some items were also worn with everyday clothes. Parents gave festive finery to their daughters on their attainment of maidenhood; for that purpose a wealthier farmer was even prepared to sell a cow or a young ox.
Finery, as precious objects, was handed down from generation to generation. The mother's finery was usually inherited by an elder daughter, or in case of no daughters, it went to the wife of the eldest son.
Beads were traditionally worn every day.
White or colourful glass or stone beads were put round a little girl's
neck when she cut her first tooth. A woman wore her beads day and night,
at a party or at work, and took them to her grave with her. Beads were
believed to bring good health, and those who did not wear them were considered
unlucky.
Conical broochThe conical brooch was an Estonian woman's most festive chest ornament. |
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Brooch with red glass 'eyes'In northern and western Estonia and on the islands, brooches were decorated with wine-red glass prisms. |
Necklace with pendant coinsA set of festive finery was not complete unless it contained chainlets of beads and silver necklaces with pendant coins. A groom's traditional wedding gift to the bride was also a chain with coins. |
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