The Romanian traditional costume is a work of art. Once, women were proud to wear these clothes and, the finest pieces were kept especially for important occasions. Even Queen Mary of Romania or Queen Elisabeth of Romania were ardent promoters of these costumes and that thing can be saw in the large number of photos with both queens wearing traditional outfits. Another promoter was the Romanian painter Nicolae Grigorescu (1838-1907). He shows the beauty of Romanian women wearing the traditional costume, his paintings being remarkable documents of Romanian values.
From my point of view, one of the most beautiful components of woman’s costume is a “borangic” (home woven cocoon silk) or, sometimes, cotton veil named “marama”. The origin of this veil seems to be oriental, maybe Turkish since Ottoman Empire controlled the Romanian territories for some time. The marama is different from region to region according to the occasion, social state, age, ethnicity, and era.
In South, where I am from, marama has generally white model at both ends (horizontal strings, geometrical flowers). It is transparent and very delicate. Also it can have models all over.
In other regions can be opaque, with rich colors and geometrical motifs.
They are handmade. At my maternal grandmother’s house it was a tradition for young women to make maramas or other components of Romanian costume even if they were a very rich family.
I often wear this veil in my daily outfit, adapting this piece of traditional costume to modern days. It represents a precious vintage object alongside with other traditional pieces, a confirmation of my maternal Romanian origins.
Queen Elisabeth (Carmen Sylva) and Queen Mary of Romania wearing marama
Carmen Sylva
Queen Mary of Romania
Nicolae Grigorescu’s paintings
Me wearing marama
In these photos I am wearing authentic handmade traditional Romanian clothes.
À bientôt !
comme jadis 