Traditionally, Ireland dances were mostly held during social functions and were accompanied with Irish dance dresses that were mostly green, maroon and white in color. The traditional costumes were embellished with stone cross and hand embroidered Celtic patterns which were mostly influenced by Book of Kells, Irish stone crosses, and chalice. You should however note that even the modern dresses worn today still reflect the costumes that have been part of Irish culture since 8th century.
It is essential to note that the designs of the garments have drastically changed due to the many dancing institution in Ireland. Nonetheless, they are still crucial in the social lives of many individuals. The first design is the one that women wore sewn back bodice on top of skirts. This garment covered the whole body and was accessorized with ribbons to make it more attractive and colorful.
In the final half of the 19th century, a veil that is hooded and joined with white dress was usually worn. In early 20th century, there was the invention of a shawl that suddenly replaced the cloak. Nevertheless, the shawl did not remain in the market for long. It instead changed to normal attire that is worn currently through the motivation of customary dresses that Irish men wear.
Another thing that was usually decorated by dancers and was worn around the waist is a cord. It normally hanged across the knees and ended with an embellishment. However, dancers wanted to come up with attires that will distinguish them. Thus, men come up with a Celtic kit that was usually worn by pipe players.
This also led to change in dancing styles. The change was influenced due to location, style and costume worn. Even though, the designs changed, the garments are still ornate and rich to symbolize the traditions of the people. The current designs gain inspiration from embroidered Celtic designs and old peasant clothing.
As earlier stated, the different dancing schools greatly influenced the change in designs. All this is attributed to the fact that, each wanted to create unique trademarks. This highly led to change of how garments were decorated.
As innovations in this field continued, former designs that were few become replaced by unique designs of diverse colors. Having attires that have interwoven stitches and lines is one of the designs that were greatly borrowed from traditional attires. There is continuity of traditional dresses hence the Irish culture has been maintained.
Lastly keep in mind that though the designs and color of the Irish dance dresses have changed from the traditional costumes they still reflect on the costumes that were worn in Gaelic times. Most importantly, note that the red color which was not use in these designs due to its connection with the British colonizers of Ireland is now being used in current designs. The costumes worn by men are also simple nowadays and include a jacket, a plain pant or kit and finally a cloak.
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