Freedom-loving peoples in the Middle Ages attached special importance to their national clothing. It played an important role in their external identification and was the personification of national identity, and also reflected social and public status.
Montenegrin national clothing is one of the most expensive in the world, thanks to gold embroidery and the use of the highest quality and most expensive materials. The method of its manufacture was complex and required from the tailor not only high skill, but also extraordinary artistic taste and flair.
In addition to all that has been said, it is interesting that Montenegrin national clothing, by its origin, is the only one in the world that took as a model the “ceremonial” clothing of its ruling dynasty and nobility.
This clothing has a history of over five centuries! It all started at a time when the Montenegrin Crnojevic dynasty was in power in the country, in the 15th century. Academician Radoslav Rotkovich believes that folk clothing came from Crete, and was brought to Montenegro by sailors. In 1496, according to historical information, Djurdje Crnoevich came to Venice in a ceremonial costume “a la Greca” (in the Greek style), this confirms the hypothesis of Academician Rotkovich that the ancestral home of Montenegrin folk costume was Crete.
After the end of the Crnojevic dynasty, part of the Montenegrin nobility continued the tradition of wearing luxurious Montenegrin clothes in difficult times of constant struggle to preserve the freedom of the country. The Montenegrin aristocracy, which preserved the traditions of national clothing, used it to demonstrate its lost social status in new historical conditions. The Church, to which power passed after the Crnojevic dynasty, supported and approved the desire to wear “Crnojevic clothes,” and soon they appeared in almost every Montenegrin home. So, by coincidence, the clothing of the ruling dynasty became popular.
In the 16th century, all of South-Eastern Europe, with the exception of Montenegro, was under the control of Turkey. In addition to their cultural traditions, the occupiers also dictated a manner of dressing that would prove the loyalty of the people. People had to wear modest clothes of inconspicuous black or brown, without any characteristic details. It was strictly forbidden to wear clothes of bright colors, gilding on suits and special materials “kadifa” and “skerlet”. Interestingly, even wearing a hat on one side was considered a provocation!
This attitude of the Turkish conquerors towards the enslaved peoples caused protest among the Montenegrins. This was another reason for the proud and freedom-loving people, at least with the help of the luxury and wealth of their clothing, to confirm their status, their freedom and refusal to submit to the most powerful empire in Europe at that time. Montenegrins persistently strived to dress in accordance with their traditions, even despite the lack of materials or funds to purchase them. They combined parts of the traditional Montenegrin national costume with parts that were made from cloth or other similar materials. The former aristocracy was in the same position. Everything possible was done to appear in full Montenegrin national attire at weddings, funerals, public meetings, church ceremonies and other public events, where the material status of its owner was largely determined by the costume. They also made sure that the newlyweds, especially the bride, had as many original, authentic details as possible - parts of the festive Montenegrin dress. Often, clothes obtained from battles with the Turks as trophies were used to make Montenegrin clothing. It was considered a sign of protest and personal valor to wear such clothing in public, even in its unchanged appearance. When, during the times of Peter I and Peter II, the financial situation of the population of Montenegro significantly improved, both combined with cloth parts and entirely festive Montenegrin clothing returned. In everyday life, clothes with a large number of cloth details were more often used, and on special occasions, elegant suits were worn.
During the time of Prince-King Nikola I Petrovich, Montenegrin clothing reached such a level of luxury that it sometimes cost more than all the property of its owner. It was worn for the sake of prestige and out of a desire to appear in all its splendor; They tried to acquire formal clothes at any cost. There was a period when Prince-King Nicholas I even banned such excessive luxury, but he only partially succeeded. Ceremonial costumes continued to be worn on special occasions in almost every Montenegrin family, and it was impossible to fight this.
Montenegrin clothing has changed greatly over more than five centuries of its existence and differed significantly from the first “Cretan” version. Museum exhibitions show these changes; they can also be seen in old paintings and in numerous descriptions by ethnologists, especially those dating back to the 19th century.
But Montenegrin folk clothing can be seen not only in museum windows. Traditions associated with the complex process of making national costumes are passed on in families of craftsmen from generation to generation. And their skills do not go unclaimed. In Montenegro, almost every city has folk music and dance ensembles, the so-called “klapas” (a choir that traditionally performs without music, a cappella, and of course in national costumes) are especially popular. And not a single holiday (and there are many of them in Montenegro) is complete without a procession in national clothes.
Montenegro is a country with a rich and ancient culture, the formation of which was greatly influenced by the various peoples (Illyrians, Greeks, Turks, Serbs) who inhabited these lands. The culture of Montenegro was also influenced by the Orthodox faith, which came to the country from Byzantium, as well as the traditions of Islam, which is professed by more than 20% of the local population.
Montenegro is historically and spiritually very closely connected with Russia. This is a country where Russians are sincerely respected and where our compatriots can count on the warmest welcome.
National characteristics
One of the main national traits of Montenegrins has long been courage, courage and the desire for independence. It is not for nothing that this small people for centuries successfully resisted waves of multi-tribal invaders who tried to seize their homeland. Since the times when Montenegrins fought fiercely for their independence from Turkey, the local men have a tradition of carrying weapons as a means of protection.
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Another manifestation of the national character is the traditional hospitality and love of life of the Montenegrins. Their houses are always open to guests, and noisy gatherings with friends are a favorite pastime for local residents.
If you are invited to a Montenegrin home, it is considered good form to bring a small gift with you.
One of the most striking features of life in Montenegro is its smooth leisurely pace. Local men love to spend time having leisurely conversations in coffee shops, and according to legend, haste can bring misfortune to a person. Many establishments in the country close work at 16:00.
Montenegro is a wine-producing country with an ancient tradition of drinking wine. Despite the love of Montenegrins for feasts, excessive drinking is considered bad manners here. Undesirable behavior during a feast also includes conversations on topics of interethnic and interreligious conflicts.
Holidays in Montenegro
- New Year(1st of January)
- Nativity or Bozic(January 6-8) is the main family holiday in Montenegro, accompanied by solemn church services and traditional rituals.
- Easter or Vaskres(determined by the church calendar - April-May) - one of the most joyful holidays of the Orthodox calendar, famous for mass folk festivities (“narodni sabor”).
- Labor Day(1st of May)
- Victory Day(9th May)
- Republic Day(May 21st)
- Statehood Day or Uprising Day(July 13)
National features of Montenegro
The distinctive national characteristics of Montenegro are pride and independence, friendliness and tolerance.
Montenegrins are very sociable and hospitable people. They will be happy to talk about themselves, but at the same time they will not get into the soul and affairs of their interlocutor. The people of Montenegro treat any religion and beliefs with great respect. They also honor the traditions of their country, its history and customs. And although European clothes are worn everywhere in the country, national costumes are highly revered by Montenegrins.
The priority concepts for them are “junastvo” and “cojstvo”, which mean “courage” and “bravery”.
Montenegrins love to bargain and are great at it, but at the same time they have no desire to deceive or deceive.
Buying national souvenirs and gifts for numerous relatives and friends is as integral a part of any trip as the vacation itself. The vast majority of tourists who find themselves in Montenegro for the first time are unlikely to be able to correctly answer the question - what to bring back home in memory of this country? As a result, buying souvenirs often results in a trip to a nearby store (and similar shops for tourists are found there at every turn), but out of ignorance it is very easy to buy another trinket with the inscription “made in China” in memory of Montenegro.
Meanwhile, Montenegro is quite a unique and interesting country. An inquisitive traveler will definitely find here truly unique things that he can bring as a gift to his friends and which he can buy for himself personally, so that they remind him of his vacation in this country and give positive emotions from pleasant memories for a long time.
For convenience, the entire variety of memorable souvenirs about Montenegro can be divided into several categories. This will help you quickly decide on a purchase, and will also allow you to choose the theme of the gift exactly according to the interests of its recipient.
What to bring from Montenegro
Food and alcohol
Montenegrin cuisine has a number of undoubted advantages, one of which is its unique taste. Having once tried a local dish, you want to eat it again and again, and you also have a desire to treat a loved one to this product. Unfortunately, food does not handle long-distance transportation well, and many can spoil or lose flavor. But some can easily be used as a national souvenir.
Homemade cheese made from cow, goat or sheep milk will be a good gift for any gourmet. Natural olive oil, containing a whole scattering of useful substances and the aroma of fresh olives, will delight any housewife. Prosciutto, a pork ham smoked or cured according to a special recipe, is another hit of Montenegrin cuisine that can be used as a souvenir.
Local alcoholic drinks are a standard gift from any country. In Montenegro you can buy several types at once. For lovers of strong drinks, all kinds of rakia - local vodka - are suitable, but wine connoisseurs will certainly like the Montenegrin "Vranac" and "Krstac" - these wines are not only unique (they are not produced outside of Montenegro and the Balkan Peninsula), but also have a good taste and aroma.
National clothes
National costume - in whole or in parts - is one of the most popular goods at any tourist bazaar. And many tourists remember the national Montenegrin costume because of its headdress - “kapa”. The Montenegrin “kapa” is a round black cap with a red top, and each part of it is deeply symbolic: the scarlet color of the top means the blood shed by generations of Montenegrins for their native land, the black sides are mourning for the dead and the former greatness of the country, and 5 golden stripes are reminiscent of the 500 years of foreign yoke. Sometimes such hats are decorated with the national coat of arms, in an old or new version.
In addition, tourists love to buy ordinary clothes (T-shirts, T-shirts, shirts), but painted in the colors of the national flag, with the Montenegrin coat of arms or the inscriptions “Montenegro” and “Montenegro” in different languages of the world.
Handicrafts
A good gift or souvenir to remember Montenegro will be products from local craftswomen. On sale you can find good house mittens, socks and sweaters knitted from natural wool. The markets also sell hand-embroidered towels and tablecloths, as well as homespun carpets. Such things are not cheap, but they have very good quality and a beautiful spring look.
There are many talented wood carving craftsmen in the country. They make very beautiful and elegant figurines and jewelry. They are varnished on top or inlaid with semi-precious stones. Craftsmen also make national musical instruments for sale - shepherd's pipes and harps.
There are also a lot of excellent jewelers in Montenegro. In the so-called “golden shops” you can find original works made in the traditional Montenegrin style of weaving with silver wire. The resulting precious lace can be a necklace, hairnet, earrings or bracelet.
Religious objects
Montenegro is a country of numerous religious shrines. Many tourists come to this country specifically to venerate the ancient holy relics; special tours and pilgrimage trips are organized to numerous monasteries and churches.
Moreover, these places are equally revered by Christians of all denominations. Here you can purchase ancient and modern icons, crosses, amulets, chains and other church paraphernalia.
Standard types of souvenirs
As in any part of the world, in Montenegro there is a large assortment of standard tourist souvenirs: magnets, mugs, ceramics (cups, plates, ashtrays, vases), key chains, flags, bags and the like, decorated with national symbols. Most of the souvenirs of this kind are occupied by figures of people in national Montenegrin clothes.
The corresponding souvenirs remind of the maritime character of the country: ships, anchors, steering wheels, figurines and images of sailors. Various products made from sea creatures are also common - boxes and ashtrays made from sea shells.
Shops and shops sell a large assortment of gift books about Montenegro in different languages, postcards and paintings with views of famous attractions.
Italian clothing and jewelry
The proximity of Italy (with which there is a regular connection) has identified another opportunity that tourists vacationing in Montenegro can take advantage of. This is a purchase of real Italian clothing and accessories from famous brands.
In local boutiques you can often find fashionable Italian items at very attractive prices. You can make a particularly good purchase during sales, when many brands sell off the remnants of last year's collections.
Search for flights to Montenegro:
In addition to air tickets for an independent holiday in Montenegro, you will also need to choose or, and, perhaps,. If you book all these services in advance, you can get a good discount and save on your holiday costs.
Kotor Montenegro
Bokel Mornarica is an ancient brotherhood of sailors, more than 1000 years old. In 1463 it adopted a special Statute, as written sources testify. At that time the estate was called the Naval Brotherhood of St. Nicholas in Kotor. The sailors who lived in the villages on the shores of the bay sailed to a variety of countries. Nowadays, local residents honor centuries-old traditions. On Bokel Mornarica Day, the mayor hands over the symbolic keys of Kotor to sailors. Power in the city passes to them for three days. At the end of the official ceremony, representatives of the brotherhood perform the traditional kolo dance on the Square of Arms and solemnly walk through the streets of the Old Town. (http://balkanpro.ru/montenegro/photo/19278/#hcq=bnXAaYp)
Many tourists remember the national Montenegrin costume because of its headdress - “kapa”. The Montenegrin “kapa” is a round black cap with a red top, and each part of it is deeply symbolic: the scarlet color of the top means the blood shed by generations of Montenegrins for their native land, the black sides are mourning for the dead and the former greatness of the country, and 5 golden stripes are reminiscent of the 500 years of foreign yoke. Sometimes such hats are decorated with the national coat of arms, in an old or new version.
Montenegrin national clothing is one of the most expensive in the world, thanks to gold embroidery and the use of the highest quality and most expensive materials.
It is interesting that Montenegrin national clothing, by its origin, is the only one in the world that took the “ceremonial” clothing of its ruling dynasty and nobility as a model.
BasilDmitrievichPolenov: Montenegrin. 1874 .
Academician Radoslav Rotkovich believes that folk clothing came from Crete, and was brought to Montenegro by sailors. In 1496, according to historical information, Djurdje Crnoevich came to Venice in a ceremonial costume “a la Greca” (in the Greek style), this confirms the hypothesis of Academician Rotkovich that the ancestral home of Montenegrin folk costume was Crete. The Church, to which power passed after the Crnojevic dynasty, supported and approved the desire to wear “Crnojevic clothes,” and soon they appeared in almost every Montenegrin home. So, by coincidence, the clothing of the ruling dynasty became popular.
In the 16th century, all of South-Eastern Europe, with the exception of Montenegro, was under the control of Turkey. In addition to their cultural traditions, the occupiers also dictated a manner of dressing that would prove the loyalty of the people. People had to wear modest clothes of inconspicuous black or brown, without any characteristic details. It was strictly forbidden to wear clothes of bright colors, gilding on suits and special materials “kadifa” and “skerlet”. Interestingly, even wearing a hat on one side was considered a provocation!
This attitude of the Turkish conquerors towards the enslaved peoples caused protest among the Montenegrins. This was another reason for the proud and freedom-loving people, at least with the help of the luxury and wealth of their clothing, to confirm their status, their freedom and refusal to submit to the most powerful empire in Europe at that time. Montenegrins persistently strived to dress in accordance with their traditions, even despite the lack of materials or funds to purchase them. They combined parts of the traditional Montenegrin national costume with parts that were made from cloth or other similar materials. The former aristocracy was in the same position. Everything possible was done to appear in full Montenegrin national attire at weddings, funerals, public meetings, church ceremonies and other public events, where the material status of its owner was largely determined by the costume. They also made sure that the newlyweds, especially the bride, had as many original, authentic details as possible - parts of the festive Montenegrin dress. Often, clothes obtained from battles with the Turks as trophies were used to make Montenegrin clothing. It was considered a sign of protest and personal valor to wear such clothing in public, even in its unchanged appearance. When, during the times of Peter I and Peter II, the financial situation of the population of Montenegro significantly improved, both combined with cloth parts and entirely festive Montenegrin clothing returned. In everyday life, clothes with a large number of cloth details were more often used, and on special occasions, elegant suits were worn.
During the time of Prince-King Nikola I Petrovich, Montenegrin clothing reached such a level of luxury that it sometimes cost more than all the property of its owner. It was worn for the sake of prestige and out of a desire to appear in all its splendor; They tried to acquire formal clothes at any cost. There was a period when Prince-King Nicholas I even banned such excessive luxury, but he only partially succeeded. Ceremonial costumes continued to be worn on special occasions in almost every Montenegrin family, and it was impossible to fight this.
Montenegrin clothing has changed greatly over more than five centuries of its existence and differed significantly from the first “Cretan” version. Museum exhibitions show these changes; they can also be seen in old paintings and in numerous descriptions by ethnologists, especially those dating back to the 19th century.
But Montenegrin folk clothing can be seen not only in museum windows. Traditions associated with the complex process of making national costumes are passed on in families of craftsmen from generation to generation. And their skills do not go unclaimed. In Montenegro, almost every city has folk music and dance ensembles, the so-called “klapas” (a choir that traditionally performs without music, a cappella, and of course in national costumes) are especially popular. And not a single holiday (and there are many of them in Montenegro) is complete without a procession in national clothes.
Me in a suit, photo: Gaga Boricic
Wow! - this is always the first reaction of people who see our tall men and women dancing in beautiful national costumes. I noticed their admiration while traveling around the world with a local folk group. This is not surprising, given that our national costume is considered one of the most beautiful and most expensive in Europe.
It is made of high quality materials embroidered with gold and silk threads, it is bright in color and luxurious and makes a strong impression on everyone. The cost of one high-quality suit in the past was equal to 3 pairs of oxen or an entire property. It was the most valuable thing one could have. Many travelers who visited our country in the 18th and 19th centuries were surprised by the contrast between the very modest interior of the houses and the very luxurious attire of the Montenegrins.
The main reason for such a luxurious outfit lies in Montenegrin pride. For five centuries, Montenegro fought against the powerful Ottoman Empire, which constantly tried to impose its way of life, its culture and its tradition. People in the Balkans had to wear black suits without characteristic details, but proud Montenegrins refused this and showed their defiance, resistance and their love for Montenegro with their luxurious costumes. The national costume was a symbol of the fact that it was better to die than to become a Turkish servant.
Men's suit, photo: www.panacom.net The origin of the costume is also interesting. It is very old and is supposed to come from the island of Crete, but over the course of five centuries it has changed significantly and is now different from its first version. The costume was first worn by the medieval ruler Djuradj Crnojevic. The outfit made such a strong impression on people that they began to imitate it. This became a unique example in history: the ruler’s outfit became a national costume.
The national costume was worn for wedding ceremonies, for church, for public holidays, or simply to show off in everyday life. Until recently, it was considered an honor to be buried in this costume, so many wonderful costumes ended up underground - like my great-grandmother's costume and the costumes of her contemporaries, this was one of her last wishes.
photo: http://www.montenegroconsulate-lb.org The most valuable part of the costume was the camouflage belt. It was often made of silver and decorated with precious stones. It would be hard to imagine a man's suit without a pair of pistols. The weapons were handmade in famous workshops or confiscated in battles with the Turks. Pistols were sometimes decorated with precious stones, silver and mother-of-pearl; this was very expensive, but the most modest one was an inseparable part of the costume and symbolized the lifestyle and love of freedom.
Belt, photo: www.spiritus-movens.me The Montenegrin national headdress is red with a black border around it and the symbol of Montenegro in the center. Our greatest ruler, writer and philosopher, Peter II Petrovich Njegos, explained that the red color symbolizes the blood shed for the freedom of the country, and the black mourns for all who gave their lives for this noble goal.
Headdress of Montenegrins, Ethnographic Museum of Montenegro Even nowadays, there is no important date, ceremony or festival in the country without a couple in national costume. A big smile is essential and goes perfectly with this expressive costume. The sewing tradition is passed down from one generation to the next in tailoring families, and two suits, one for men and one for women, take three months to complete.
Montenegrins, like their ancestors, respect physical beauty. On the streets you will see tall, beautifully dressed people and you will immediately learn about fashion trends. And remember, it's not just our clothes that make us special, but the brave heart that beats beneath that shiny surface.
Photo: Bojan Kuburovic
