Training: patterns and meanings of folk costume

Patterns and meanings of folk costume, a training course with Piret Puppart.

The 5 December course is fully booked, but because of the great interest we have added another date: 6 December at PESA in Tallinn (booking via Fienta).

Estonian folk costumes hide many meaningful stories and codes. They are ancestral heritage and a sign language, and learning to read them gives a better connection to our tradition. At the same time, these timeless colours and symbols resemble the traditions of other lands and bring us together as peoples in a much wider way.

If you have ever wished you could read the signs and stories of our folk costumes, understand what the colours and patterns mean, and know how the garments were worn and what messages they carried, this course is for you. Piret Puppart opens the exciting world of folk costume.

These insights help us make sense of the past and the present, and show how to choose folk costumes or combine national elements with modern clothing.

Piret Puppart brings a large number of different pieces of clothing and accessories from Saaremaa to Setomaa, but mainly from the places where folk costumes were worn for the longest time. In the course we also dress in one regional costume set.

“During the course I will tell you about the world of meanings of folk costume: the symbolism of colours, but also the power, protection and healing of garments and jewellery. These are topics I have researched and taught for the last ten years at the Estonian Academy of Arts. Over that time I have learned that tradition never stops surprising us, so I also share many exciting and unexpected stories about the curiosities of our costume heritage.” – Piret Puppart

The focus is mainly on women’s clothing and jewellery, because more has survived from history and the associated traditions are richer. Piret also draws comparisons with the traditions of our related peoples, to help understand where customs come from and how they connect with our ancestors’ ancient world. In the four-hour course you can look closely at historical objects: we sit down right among the real costumes so you are close to the objects and remember what you experience more easily.

Programme:

11:00–12:30 part I

12:30–13:00 coffee break

13:00–14:30 part II

14:30–15:00 questions and open discussion

The course costs €60, including the coffee break. Places are limited and can be booked via Fienta. You can also pay by invoice; to arrange this, write by email.

Please arrive a little before 11:00 so we can start on time. Venue: Üks Maja, Valdeku 66, Tallinn. Free parking at the building.

See you soon in the colourful world of folk costume!