Each era has its own fashion, and each fashion fades into the past, but does not disappear completely. Greek chitons are discernible in the flowing folds of modern dresses, dresses with one open shoulder are reminiscent of the ancient Roman toga, and the later Roman tunic has now been revived almost in its original form. Less refined, but outwardly more luxurious, the Middle Ages also has many fans today. And not only among the tailors, for whom medieval dresses are a source of inspiration, new ideas and secrets. Fashionistas are very fond of all sorts of bodices with lacing, corsets, not even suspecting that these are elements of medieval dresses. But the Goths (representatives of the youth subculture) do not adopt elements, do not imitate, they exactly copy medieval costumes, showing meticulousness even in the smallest details. True, they are selective in everything that concerns color, and recognize only black and red. And brides simply adore lush, multi-layered, almost medieval dresses tightly tied at the waist. Almost - because wedding dresses are now sewn in white, which was rarely used in the Middle Ages.
Thismotley Middle Ages
And the Middle Ages were very colorful, and then the color was treated very biased. Red, pink, blue - adored. Black, blue, purple - respected. Yellow, red - despised. White was considered not a color, but its absence. This attitude is understandable not only from an aesthetic point of view. There were social, historical, political and even gender reasons for this, although the word was not known then.
Who has a pink bonnet?
Red color was the privilege of men. As a symbol of we alth, it suits a woman too, but other interpretations of red - strength, rage and blood - do not fit in with her subtle nature. And women appropriated pink for themselves - it is close to red, it also means we alth, but then the opposite characteristics follow: fragility, meekness and kindness. Here is a gender explanation. Modern fathers and mothers select pink bonnets and vests for their newborn daughter, passers-by by the pink color of the stroller unmistakably determine the sex of the child in it. And why the pink color is understood as feminine, none of them will say. A clear example of how fashion, even bygone, leaves its mark on the customs and ideas of society.
Men in Black
The respect of the medieval public for black is explained by such categories as morality, spirituality, piety. Black medieval dresses spoke of moderation of desires, modesty of character and Christian humility of those who wore them. In addition, black was then and remains today the color of death, mourning and sadness. Exactlythis gloomy, mystical symbolism attracts the Goths in it. It can also explain the modern tradition of knitting black ribbons as a sign of mourning for the dead.
Why is blood blue?
The expression "blue blood" also comes from those times. In medieval France, this color was considered royal. The explanations are simple: firstly, the Capetian family (the royal dynasty) preferred blue; secondly, natural dyes of bright colors were expensive, and fabrics burned out quickly. Only rich people could update their wardrobe so as not to drop their status. And who is richer than kings? Who, except them, could afford this most difficult (in terms of painting technology), the most expensive and most whimsical of all colors? But even with money, one could not just go to the store and buy a medieval dress. Outfits were sewn only to order, and for a very long time. The shop sold only fabrics and jewelry. Later, the color monopoly disappeared, but the "blue blood" remained.
Yellow - humiliated and outcast
A few words about outcast flowers - yellow and red. Then, to insult an Englishman, it was enough to show him a piece of red fabric. Apostates and heretics were dressed in yellow medieval dresses. In some cities, Jews and Muslims were required to wear them. Probably, the yellow star, with which the fascist fiends stigmatized the Jews, is an echo of medieval prejudices. This color was also considered a symbol of treason, stupidity and debauchery. Therefore, prostitutes had to wear yellow clothes. Probably, the concept of “yellow ticket” owes its origin to this particular rule. Aloneonly clowns loved this color and, contrary to public and court opinion, wore yellow clothes.
In the 21st century all colors are equal
There are many more interesting and unexpected things about the meaning of color in medieval robes. And here, as a logical conclusion, we note that for admirers and admirers of medieval fashion in the 21st century, color is not so important. And if you decide to sew a stylized or real medieval dress, the pattern, fabric and decorative accessories are much more important than color. This, of course, does not apply to goths and brides.
