Training: Patterns and Meanings of Estonian Folk Costumes

Patterns and Meanings of Estonian Folk Costumes
Training with Piret Puppart
5 December, 11:00–15:00
Üks Maja, Valdeku tn 66, Tallinn

❗️This training is fully booked, but due to high demand we have added another date: 6 December at PESA in Tallinn: https://fienta.com/et/213371

Estonian folk costumes hold many meaningful stories and codes. They are an ancestral heritage and a language of signs; learning to understand them brings us closer to our traditional culture. At the same time, you may notice that these timeless colours and symbols are similar to those found in the traditions of other lands, connecting us as peoples in a broader way.

If you have ever wanted to learn to read the signs and stories in our folk costumes, understand what the colours and patterns mean, and find out how the clothes were worn and what messages they conveyed, you are welcome to join this training, where Piret Puppart will introduce the fascinating world of folk costumes. This knowledge helps us make sense of both the past and the present, and gives us a better understanding of how to choose folk costumes for ourselves or combine national elements with contemporary clothing.

Piret Puppart will bring along a wide selection of clothing and accessories, from Saaremaa to Setomaa, with a particular focus on places where folk costumes were worn for the longest time. During the training, we will also dress in an outfit from one region.

“During the training, I will talk about the world of meaning in folk costumes—the symbolism of colours, as well as the power, protection and healing properties of clothing and jewellery. These are subjects I have researched and taught at the Estonian Academy of Arts for the past ten years. During that time, I have learned that tradition never ceases to surprise, so I will also share several fascinating and unexpected stories about curious aspects of our clothing heritage.” — Piret Puppart

The focus is primarily on women’s clothing and jewellery, as more of these have survived historically and the associated traditions are richer. Piret will also draw comparisons with our related peoples to help us better understand the origins of customs and their connection to the primeval world of our ancestors.

During the four-hour training, you will be able to examine historical items up close. We will sit among actual garments so that we can get close to the objects and better retain the experience.

Schedule:
11:00–12:30 Training, Part I
12:30–13:00 Coffee break
13:00–14:30 Training, Part II
14:30–15:00 Questions and open discussion

The training costs €60, including the coffee break. Places are limited and can be booked through Fienta. You can also pay by direct invoice; to do so, write to hingefestival@gmail.com.

Please arrive a little before 11:00 so we can start together on time. The training takes place at Üks Maja, Valdeku tn 66, Tallinn. Free parking is available by the building.

See you soon in the colourful world of folk costumes! ✨