In May 2006, my family and I did a representation of our favorite Eastern and Southern European countries for our homeschool group. We dressed in our homemade costumes based on the ethnic costumes from our favorite countries, and gave introductions to various countries through paragraphs like the one below, and movie clips of the folk dances, songs and musical instruments! Without further ado, here is a short write-up about this week's country:
BULGARIA
By Nikola- Spring 2006
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| Rose picture by |
Bulgaria, which lies just south of Romania, overflows with
wheat, fruits such as watermelons and grapes, vegetables such as peppers, and,
as a leading production, roses.
Remembering their traditions with pride, Bulgarians hold
many festivals complete with traditional dress, folk music, and dancing.
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| Duquesne University Tamburitzans 73rd season |
A
basic women’s costume begins with a long- sleeved shift made of raw white silk,
trimmed with fine lace, and embroidered with red geometric designs and flowers.
Over this is worn a short colorful skirt or sleeveless dress and a thick,
narrow apron, both also elaborate in decoration. A belt of two or three large,
intricately tooled medallions, coin necklaces, and golden jewelry dangling from
the extravagant beaded headpiece, display Bulgaria’s fine craftsmanship. Simple
leather or pigskin sandals are worn with brightly coloured socks.
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Into some regions,
the Grecian kilt has found its way, but typically mean wear a white shirt with
embroidered bands at the cuffs and neck, and soft off -white or dark brown
trousers embellished with black braid. The short vest varies and may be brown,
red, black, or blue. Around the waist is a very wide belt often of striped
fabric, and halfway up the pant leg are thick woolen socks tied with leather
strings. Lastly, a tall sheepswool hat called a tarboosh completes the costume.
Dressed such, Bulgarian folk dancers create a dramatic picture as they fly to
the sound of drums, long shepherds flutes, goatskin bagpipes called gaydas, and
the gadulka, a small stringed instrument held upright and played with a bow.
Perhaps the most representative dances are those of the Shope region.
Showcasing an amazing store of energy, joy, and passion these dances burst
forth to us in a captivating portrayal of the Bulgarian spirit!
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