Each era has its own fashion, and each fashion recedes into the past, but does not disappear at all. In the flowing folds of modern dresses, Greek tunics are guessed, outfits with one open shoulder resemble ancient Roman toga, and the later Roman tunic today has revived almost in its original form. The less sophisticated, but outwardly more luxurious Middle Ages also has many admirers today. And not only among the tailor brethren, 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, they do not imitate, they exactly copy medieval costumes, showing meticulousness even in the smallest details. True, they are selective in everything regarding color, and recognize only black and red. And brides simply adore magnificent, 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.
Such a colorful Middle Ages
And the Middle Ages was 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, although then the words didn’t know that.
Who has a pink cap?
Red was the privilege of men. As a symbol of wealth, he is face to face with a woman, but other interpretations of red - power, rage and blood - do not fit in with her delicate nature. And women appropriated pink for themselves - it is close to red, it also means wealth, but then opposite characteristics follow: fragility, meekness and kindness. Here is a gender explanation. Modern dads and mothers pick up pink caps and vests for the newborn daughter, passers-by in the pink color of the stroller accurately determine the gender of the child in it. And why pink is understood as feminine, not one 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 temperance of desires, modesty of temper and Christian humility of those who wore them. In addition, black was then and remains today the color of death, mourning and sadness. It is this gloomy, mystical symbolism that attracts the ready in him. It can also explain the modern tradition of knitting black ribbons as a sign of mourning for the dead.
Why is blue blood?
The expression of "blue blood" is also from those times. In medieval France, this color was considered royal. The explanations are simple: first, the Capetian family (the royal dynasty) preferred blue; secondly, natural dyes of bright colors were expensive, and fabrics faded quickly. Only rich people could update their wardrobe so as not to drop their status. And who is richer than kings? Who, besides them, could afford this most difficult (in the sense of painting technology), the most expensive and most whimsical of all colors? But even with money, you could not just go to the store and buy a medieval dress. Outfits were sewn only on order, and for a very long time. In the shop, only fabrics were sold and jewelry. Later, the color monopoly disappeared, but the “blue blood" remained.
Yellow - humiliated and rejected
A few words about the rogue flowers - yellow and red. Then, to insult the Englishman, it was enough to show him a flap of red cloth. Apostates, heretics dressed in yellow medieval dresses. In some cities, Jews and Muslims were required to wear them. Probably the yellow star that the fascist fiends stigmatized the Jews is an echo of medieval prejudice. This color was also considered a symbol of betrayal, stupidity and debauchery. Therefore, prostitutes should wear yellow clothes. Probably, the concept of “yellow ticket” is due to the origin of this particular rule. Clowns alone loved this color and, in spite of public and court opinion, wore yellow clothes.
In the 21st century, all colors are equal
There is much more interesting and unexpected 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 it is decided to sew a stylized or real medieval dress, the pattern, fabric and decorative fittings are much more important than color. This, of course, does not apply to the Goths and brides.