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Women in Romania used to wear the traditional folk costume as everyday clothing until the late 19th century and early 20th century, depending on the region and social background.
A brief timeline:
- Middle Ages – early 19th century: The Romanian folk costume was the daily attire of most women in villages. It was practical for work, with more ornate versions reserved for celebrations.
- 19th century: In rural areas, women continued to wear the traditional costume daily. In towns and cities, however, women started adopting Western European fashion—dresses, hats, corsets—especially among the middle and upper classes.
- Early 20th century: In many villages, women—especially older ones—still wore the folk costume daily (blouses, aprons, skirts, underskirts). Younger women began embracing urban-style clothing for everyday life but kept traditional costumes for holidays.
- 1930s–1950s: The folk costume was mostly worn for special occasions such as Easter, Christmas, weddings, or Sunday church.
- Today: The Romanian traditional costume is worn only at folk festivals, weddings with traditional themes, cultural events, and by folklore ensembles.
The traditional Moldavian women’s costume is one of the most elegant and refined forms of Romanian folk dress. Known for its harmonious blend of colors, intricate embroidery, and timeless charm, this attire reflects the cultural heritage and artistry of Moldova, a historic region in northeastern Romania.
In this guide, we’ll explore the main elements of the Moldavian traditional female costume, their symbolic meaning, and how they have been worn for centuries during festivals, weddings, and special occasions.
The “Ie” – The Traditional Blouse
The centerpiece of the costume, the ie, is made from cotton, linen, or hemp fabric. It features rich embroidery on the sleeves, chest, and sometimes around the neckline.
- Colors: Predominantly red, black, blue, with occasional yellow or green accents.
- Motifs: Geometric or floral patterns inspired by nature.
Each region in Moldova has its own variations of embroidery, making every blouse unique.
The “Poale” – The Underskirt
The poale is a long, white skirt worn underneath, often reaching the ankles. Its hemline is decorated with lace or embroidery, adding a subtle yet refined touch.
The “Catrință” or “Fotă” – The Woolen Apron
A signature element of Moldavian folk dress, the catrință is a rectangular piece of handwoven wool, worn in both front and back.
- Colors: Dark shades like black or deep burgundy.
- Patterns: Vertical or horizontal woven designs.
The Belt – Brâu or Bârneață
The costume is cinched at the waist with a woven or embroidered belt. This accessory not only enhances the silhouette but also adds decorative value with colorful motifs.
The “Zadii” – Decorative Aprons
In certain areas of Moldova, the zadii are more richly decorated, sometimes with metallic threads or floral patterns, especially for festive attire.
Head Coverings – Basma or Maramă
- Basma: A colorful scarf, often with vivid floral prints, worn by younger women.
- Maramă: A delicate white silk or linen veil (borangic), worn by married women and during special ceremonies. It drapes elegantly over the head and shoulders.
Tradițional Footwear
Historically, women wore opinci (leather shoes tied with straps) or boots during the winter. Modern folk ensembles may pair the costume with simple black shoes for a refined look.
Traditional Jewelry
- Necklaces: Red glass beads or coral beads are the most traditional.
- Earrings: Small, rounded styles.
- In festive costumes, coins were sewn onto aprons or worn around the neck as a symbol of prosperity.
A Symbol of Elegance and Heritage
The Moldavian women’s folk costume is instantly recognizable for its subtle elegance – a harmonious combination of white, black, and red, enriched with meticulous embroidery. It remains a proud emblem of Romanian culture and is still worn today during festivals, weddings, and national celebrations.
Whether you are a traveler exploring Moldova, a history lover, or simply curious about Romanian traditions, the Moldavian traditional dress offers a fascinating glimpse into a world where clothing was both functional and an art form.