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THE POPULARITY OF THE LATVIAN NATIONAL COSTUME TODAY

A. Karlsone

Abstract

The words “national costume” are used here to denote a novel costume expressing affiliation to a certain cultural heritage in visual form. The creation of the national costume began in many European countries in the 19th century. Since then, the topicality of the costume in European countries has changed. In Latvia, the tradition of the national costume usage continues to this day with the Song and Dance Celebration tradition being one of factors preserving it. In Latvia, there is a historically established notion that the national costume can be both personal and collective property. This article focus more on the individual attitude towards the use of the national costume. From a research point of view, an interesting question is: why would a person of the 21st century would feel the need to dress in a costume, whose tradition began during the 19th century nation-building process? What is the main value of this costume nowadays? Information found in the public space that reveals people's motivation to buy and use national costumes was used as the source for the study. The national costume creates a living link between the past, the present and the future. It is an expression of both family, local and national identity. It is a testimony of self-confidence. All the highlighted manifestations of identity should be associated with the wearer's link with Latvia, with the Latvian cultural heritage and the history of Latvia. The Latvian national costume continues to be a way of realizing patriotic feelings even today.

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DOI resolver: doi.org/10.5593/sgemsocial2019V/6.1/S07.010

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