Bulgarian folk costumes are among the most notable folklore creations. The women’s flair and ingenuity are reflected in each and every one of them.

 

The traditional materials are flax, hemp, wool, silk, and cotton.
 

Trio Omainiche from Vratsa, North-West Bulgaria © horo.bg

 

 

 

The way the clothes have been woven, the materials used, the form and

composition of the different elements of the Bulgarian folk costume reveal

various archaic characteristic features preserved through the centuries.

The elements of the costumes, the accessories and the color schemes

represent a complex system of symbols that point to the place of the

individual in society, the gender, the age, and the family status.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costume from Shope region © horo.bg

 

 

 

Bulgarian folk costumes are an incredible combination of colors and

models that reveal the inbred feeling for rhythm and harmony. The

magic of Bulgarian folk costumes is in the colors, the luster of the silk,

the glitter of coins and beads, in the ingenious shapes of the embroidery.
 

 

 

 

 

Costume from Pirin region © horo.bg

Magic is woven in the wreaths and bouquets that maidens and young brides

create of herbs and flowers to express their love. One step and movement,

in every dance, the numerous accessories ring harmoniously.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text Courtesy Maria Zaharieva