DAUGHTERS OF NORWAY MEMBERS LOVE BUNADS
Members love wearing their bunads to special events where they can help others learn about them. Each bunad comes from a unique region in Norway, and usually the wearer has something in common with that area. Differences abound within bunads from the same region.
Some members were born or confirmed in the region where their bunad originated, whereas others might have inherited a bunad from a relative who was from that area. There are also some who just like a particular bunad and had to own it, although their ancestors might not have been from that region. Each member loves to explain where her bunad is from and a bit about how she acquired it.
Many Daughters of Norway members share their love of their Norwegian heritage with their children and grandchildren by making or purchasing bunads for them as well. Members normally wear their bunads at the Daughters of Norway Convention (they have a bunad parade) and at lodge functions such as installation ceremonies, lodge birthdays, 17th of May meetings and events, and special Nordic programs they host or participate in.
Some lodges hold workshops/classes/programs on making a bunad, where to purchase one, how to care for one, etc. Check with a local lodge if you'd like to get started making your own or learn more about bunads.
ABOUT
A bunad is a Norwegian folk costume that is worn on special occasions (such as weddings, parties, national holidays, major church events, folk dances, etc.). Since they are a multi-use garment, they usually are seen as a Norwegian's primary garment for special events. Women's bunads are very expensive to own, so the inventive Norwegians make them expandable; they can last an entire lifetime. Bunads are available for men, women and children. Some people make their own, purchasing the pattern and material in Norway, whereas others get them fitted at a Husfliden or other special bunad boutique. One can expect to pay thousands of dollars for an entire outfit with accessories.
Used for folk dancing and heritage displays, these folk costumes are similar to those in other surrounding Scandinavian countries. However, only in Norway has it become the must have item. A girl typically receives her life-long bunad at confirmation and will wear it throughout her life-time.
The Norwegian Bunad Committee oversees the rules regarding authentic bunads. Some people, amusingly called the bunad police, may stop you if your bunad isn't a proper one, or if you are not wearing the special bunad shoes and authentic accessories that go with your bunad.
Jody Grage Haug, a bunad specialist, has written many informative articles for the Døtre Av Norge newspaper that will help further your knowledge of the bunad. You can review four of these articles here (updated versions):
EMBROIDERY ON BUNADS
Embroidery used for a Hallingdal bunad
Embroidery on back of a Gudbrandsdal fest bunad!
Here are just two examples of the beautiful bunad embroidery. The work is time consuming, but the end result is always beautiful. The embroidery patterns are repeated throughout different areas of the bunad.
Members of the Daughters of Norway lodges teach and participate in bunad embroidery classes and workshops. They encourage you to join them!
MORE ABOUT BUNADS
Daughters of Norway online albums feature members showing off their varied folk costumes and bunads. We invite you to visit these albums by using the additional links found in the left column.
The following are a few links that will help you learn more about bunads:
Swedish Folklore Fashions
Learn a bit about the Swedish folklore traditions, including costumes worn for wedddings by visiting the Folklore Fashions page by Duran Textiles. They feature a large array fashions from the past. A book will be published in April of 2011 which features additional Swedish and Norwegian folk costumes called Scandinavain Folklore. Be the first to learn about Swedish costumes (book is written in English). A few other websites do have Swedish folk costumes available for viewing, so google them.
