Think German costumes and your thoughts run to lederhosens, dirndls, fair plaited hair and possibly the Oktoberfest too. Costumes worn by the brother and sister in Hansel and Gretel characterises traditional German costume. German civilization has been influenced by many European cultures such as Scandinavian, Austrian and Roman. These varied cultures have influenced German costumes too. Earlier, in German society, a person’s ‘tracht’ symbolised their origin, trade, social and marital status. Today any German costume is referred to as tracht.
Dirndl, a woman’s costume, is made up of a sleeveless or full sleeved cotton blouse with a close fitting bodice and matching or contrasting apron. A costly and elaborate hat is worn with this costume. In Bollenhut, the Black Forest region of Germany and Goldhauben in Upper Austria the Dirndl is worn on festivals and at marriages. The ’Lederhosen’ worn by German men is a short knee-length pant made of leather, linen or wool. These are worn with rustic shoes and woollen socks. This German costume is worn with a jacket and a hat which varies according to the occasion and region. With the revival of traditional arts and craft, both these German costumes are also seeing a revival.
The Hansel and Gretel costumes are often seen during the German and Austrian Oktoberfest and are worn both by adults and children. The Hansel costume for men consists of a white lace up shirt that is pulled over the head like a tee shirt and is worn with lederhosen and attached suspenders. A brown hat with a feather and white knee-length nylon socks complete this German costume.
The Gretel costume consists of a short flounce dress adorned with matching as well as contrasting laces, frills and ribbons. The dress is worn over a white petticoat and has an attached apron in front. A red kerchief is tied over the head in bandana style. White lace-trimmed ankle socks complete this German costume. Some traditional German costumes sport embroidery with the typical German prints and symbols.
Dressing up in a green or white German gown like a Renaissance lady or an Alpine barmaid is also part of the German culture. High or mid-heeled wedges, tiaras, hair scarves and other accessories like laces and trims are also included.
Buy on Dealtime:
