58 OI magazine As early as the 1600s, the people of Val Gardena were producing wooden items, primarily wooden toys and household bowls, and many women were creating lace using bobbin lace techniques. ese items were sold throughout Tyrol by traveling merchants. In turn, these traveling merchants brought ribbons, handkerchiefs, buttons, and various other items to Val Gardena, which were used to embellish festive clothing that later evolved into the traditional costumes of Val Gardena. Around 1700, traders from Val Gardena visited major European cities to sell wooden toys, sacred sculptures, and altars cra ed by artisans from Val Gardena. From their travels, they brought back as gi s for their wives, brides, or daughters’ beautiful jewellery, silk fabrics, velvets, and exquisite lace. ese items were used to embellish the traditional costumes of Val Gardena, which over time became very elegant and opulent. e Biedermeier period (1815-1848) had a signi cant in uence on the male costumes of Val Gardena: Gardena traders who visited major European cities began to dress very elegantly with a top hat (originating from England) and a knee-length woollen coat. is way of dressing with the top hat and coat eventually became the typical attire for grooms, mayors, and distinguished gentlemen of Val Gardena over time. e black top hat is adorned with a tall ribbon secured by a buckle and two tassels in silver or gold. e green hat characterizes the attire of young bachelors: unmarried men wear a green hat with a raised brim, a short blue or brown jacket, and a red waistcoat with green suspenders. Short jackets are also worn by members of musical bands and by the “Schützen” (marksmen).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDMxMQ==