National Costume (Paperback)

High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! National costume (also: national dress, regional costume, folk dress or traditional garment) expresses an identity through costume which usually relates to a geographic area or a period of time in history, but can also indicate social, marital and/or religious status. Such costumes often come in two forms: one for everyday occasions, the other for festivals and formal wear.In United States usage the term "costume" is used in the sense of "fanciful dress," and so "national dress" is used to avoid this connotation.Following the outbreak of romantic nationalism, the peasantry of Europe came to serve as models for all that appeared genuine and desirable. Their dress crystallised into so-called "typical" forms, and enthusiasts adopted it as part of their symbolism.