About the Norwegian Bunad: Norway's National Costume

The Norwegian bunad is not simply a garment, but rather an expression of Norway’s heritage and pride. This traditional costume, with its elaborate designs and intricate patterns, weaves threads of history, culture, and identity into a vibrant costume that is both a personal and national symbol.

As cultural enthusiasts and Americans with Norwegian roots explore the richness of their ancestry, the bunad stands out as a vivid emblem of Norway's pastoral past, encapsulating the spirit of its people and the beauty of its regional diversity.

In this article, we dive deeper into the heritage and traditions behind Norway's national costume.

Norwegian Bunad, foto: Sara Tønnessen

A Journey through Time: The History of the Bunad

The bunad's story mirrors Norway's journey through time. The modern bunad movement found its footing in the 19th-century national romanticism when Norwegian identity was blossoming during the country's emergence from Danish rule and later a Swedish Union. Crafted to evoke the bygone attire of the rural farming society, each bunad reflects an area's distinctive folklore, art, and environment.

In contemporary Norway, the bunad remains rooted in tradition while evolving in the social fabric. It enjoys a revered place at the heart of life's milestones—weddings, baptisms, confirmations—and is the dress of choice during national celebrations, most notably during the festivities of May 17, Norway's Constitution Day.

Amongst the details you can expect to find on a traditional Norwegian bunad are:

• Embroidery: Intricate patterns that often hold cultural significance are stitched onto various parts of the bunad, including the hemline, sleeves, and bodice.
• Silver Jewelry: Silver brooches, cufflinks, and buttons that can be heirlooms or newly crafted to match traditional designs. In the old days, silver was worn at parties to show the wealth of the farm you came from. Today, they are a staple on all bunads.
• Apron: Many bunads come with a decorative apron, featuring embroidery or woven patterns that complement the dress.
• Shawl: A shawl is sometimes worn with the bunad (depending on the region), especially for formal occasions, and is typically made of wool or silk with matching or contrasting patterns.
• Stockings: Knee-high white or colored stockings are often worn, usually in wool. Some bunads, such as the Sognebunad, allow for sheer black stockings, since the wool skirt covers the legs completely.
• Headwear: Women may don traditional headpieces and even ornaments made of silver such as crowns. Those that get married in their bunad will almost always wear a crown.
• Purse: A small purse, often embroidered or with silver detailing, is used to carry personal items. This is often attached to the belt of the bunad.
• Vest or Waistcoat: Some regional bunad designs include a vest or waistcoat for men, richly decorated with embroidery and silverwork.
• Knee Breeches: For men, the bunad may include knee-length breeches, tied or buttoned at the knee.
• Shoes: Black or colored shoes are worn, most often decorated with silver buckles. More on these below!

Regional Variations of the Norwegian Bunad

Norwegian nationalday, foto: Anna Tillung

Truly understanding the bunad means delving into its regional variants, each with a narrative stitched into its seams. This rich diversity ensures that the Norwegian bunad is not a standard uniform but rather a collection of over 450 distinct variations.

Each Norwegian bunad represents a different area and region, and if you are visiting Norway and attend a celebration in a major city (such as the 17th of May in Oslo), you'll see all kinds of different bunads – from all over the country.

Each region will also have specific rules and customs that follow the bunad. Some more strict than others. Below are a few fun examples!

Sunnmøre Bunad

In Sunnmøre, on the western coast of Norway, the bunad bears eloquent testimony to marital status: unmarried women don red stockings, while their married counterparts wear black—a nod to the romantic customs of the region.

Svalbard Bunad

In the cold northern reaches of Svalbard, the bunad serves as a badge of endurance, reserved for those who've weathered the harshness of the Arctic for a complete cycle of seasons (or so we've been told).

Sognebunad

In the inner Sognefjord region, which is where you will find the Aurland Shoe Factory, the bunad transitions from youth to adulthood with its wearers—unmarried girls don a simple black belt, which is changed into a belt with ornate silver details after they are married.

The intricacies of these costumes are not simply aesthetic; they narrate the wearer's life chapters, rooting them firmly in their local landscapes and family histories.

The Bunad Shoe

Norwegian "Bunadsko", foto: Sara Tønnessen

The Norwegian bunad shoe is an integral part of the traditional costume. The shoes are typically black and made of leather, designed to complement the colorful and intricate designs of the bunads.

The style of the bunad shoe can vary depending on the region the bunad is from. Some shoes are simple, with little to no decoration, while most have beautiful silver buckles that match the details on the rest of the outfit. The shoes are often low-heeled for women, while men’s versions usually resemble traditional dress shoes.

Craftsmanship is highly valued in the making of these shoes. They are usually handmade, following traditional techniques passed down through generations. This ensures that every pair of shoes is unique and of high quality, representing the rich cultural heritage of Norway.

At Aurlands, we know more than most about shoemaking, and have been making bunad shoes for a long time. The traditional leather Aurland shoe can be adorned with a silver buckle to make it the perfect accessory for a bunad.

Please note that proper care is required for these shoes due to their leather material. It's recommended to use appropriate leather care products to maintain their look and prolong their lifespan.

Wearing the Bunad: A Living Tradition

The bunad is no museum piece; it is cared for and worn with pride. Its fabrics, colors, and accessories are chosen with adherence to tradition and a sense of personal connection. Tailored to fit each individual perfectly, the bunad is often handcrafted—a treasured heirloom that is passed down through generations.

As people across the globe rekindle their connection to their ancestry, the bunad remains a powerful conduit for those of Norwegian heritage, inviting them to embrace their lineage with every fold of the skirt or glint of a silver brooch.

Conclusion: The Bunad as Norway's Heartbeat

For Norwegians and their kin, the bunad is more than a traditional dress; it is a celebration of cultural resilience. Whether you admire it as a symbol of Norwegian culture or wear it yourself, the bunad personifies Norway—ever-evolving yet forever anchored in the heart of its history.

When it comes to Norway's national identity, every bunad is rooted in the nation's folklore, climate, and communal values— an ode to home, heart, and heritage.