The Don Cossacks have always dressed brightly and originally, but elegantly at the same time. Various historical events influenced their way of life, and the traditional Cossack costume has been modified many times, but at all times it has been distinguished by beauty and restraint. An integral part of the life of Don Cossacks was the art of war, which was naturally reflected in the Cossack men’s costume. Elements of military uniforms can be found in the Cossacks’ everyday clothes. A vivid example of this is the trouser braids - wide stripes on the sides of the Turkish-type trousers.
The red braids are a symbol of Cossack brotherhood; they epitomize courage and free spirit. According to some researchers, the braids were borrowed by the Cossacks from the Scythians, but the people have opted for a different version. In the 14th century, the king granted the Cossacks some fabrics for making clothes, according to the legend: the red one was intended for atamans (leaders), and the blue one - for lower ranks. However, Cossacks disposed of the gift in their own way and divided the fabrics equally - so that everyone received a large piece of the blue fabric and a small piece of the red one. The blue fabric went to make trousers, and the red was enough only for small side stripes – the braids.
Nowadays Don Cossacks wear costumes reminiscent of the clothes of their ancestors, the indigenous settlers of the Don, before the advent of Soviet power and the mass persecutions. The old folks say that after the red terror campaign, the people were afraid to even think about Cossacks, let alone wear Cossack folk costumes. But the descendants have not forgotten the traditions of their great-grandfathers and a century later they wear shirts, trousers with braids, socks and boots worn by Cossacks in the 19-20th centuries.
The Cossack women’s outfits are also of great interest to historians. In old times, the Lower Don Cossacks were richer than the Upper Don inhabitants, so the women there bought more expensive foreign fabrics to make clothes. Their costumes were bright, colorful and often decorated with embroidery and unusual patterns. The Upper Don Cossack women’s clothes were simpler. Their costumes resembled those of the people living in regions of Southern Russia. But, these differences have disappeared over time.
The outfit of the modern Don Cossack woman consists of a blouse and a long skirt, the so-called ‘couple’. The cut and design of the Cossack woman’s blouse are varied. It can be slim fit or loose, monochrome or decorated with original embroidery. The skirt usually has a flared cut and is often decorated with a contrasting braid and other interesting elements.
The red braids are a symbol of Cossack brotherhood; they epitomize courage and free spirit. According to some researchers, the braids were borrowed by the Cossacks from the Scythians, but the people have opted for a different version. In the 14th century, the king granted the Cossacks some fabrics for making clothes, according to the legend: the red one was intended for atamans (leaders), and the blue one - for lower ranks. However, Cossacks disposed of the gift in their own way and divided the fabrics equally - so that everyone received a large piece of the blue fabric and a small piece of the red one. The blue fabric went to make trousers, and the red was enough only for small side stripes – the braids.
Nowadays Don Cossacks wear costumes reminiscent of the clothes of their ancestors, the indigenous settlers of the Don, before the advent of Soviet power and the mass persecutions. The old folks say that after the red terror campaign, the people were afraid to even think about Cossacks, let alone wear Cossack folk costumes. But the descendants have not forgotten the traditions of their great-grandfathers and a century later they wear shirts, trousers with braids, socks and boots worn by Cossacks in the 19-20th centuries.
The Cossack women’s outfits are also of great interest to historians. In old times, the Lower Don Cossacks were richer than the Upper Don inhabitants, so the women there bought more expensive foreign fabrics to make clothes. Their costumes were bright, colorful and often decorated with embroidery and unusual patterns. The Upper Don Cossack women’s clothes were simpler. Their costumes resembled those of the people living in regions of Southern Russia. But, these differences have disappeared over time.
The outfit of the modern Don Cossack woman consists of a blouse and a long skirt, the so-called ‘couple’. The cut and design of the Cossack woman’s blouse are varied. It can be slim fit or loose, monochrome or decorated with original embroidery. The skirt usually has a flared cut and is often decorated with a contrasting braid and other interesting elements.
