Traditional Dress

Many countries or peoples have got a traditional or national style of dress. But nowadays, at least in Europe and other parts of the Western world, people do not usually wear their traditional costumes. They only wear them for special occasions, such as weddings and festivals.

In Scotland, men wear tartan 'kilts' on Burns Night (25th January), when Scottish people celebrate the birthday of Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet.

In Wales, women wear national dress, long skirts and tall hats, at the Eisteddfod, a festival when Welsh people come together and win prizes for singing, writing and reciting poetry in their native language, Welsh.

Native American Indians have got one of the most colourful traditional costumes. Their feathered head-dressed are a traditional symbol of battle skills.

In Japan, women and children wear kimonos for special occasions. Kimonos are long, richly-embroidered robes tied around the waist.

In some parts of the world, however, people wear traditional clothes every day. In southern India, Hindu women wear saris, which are long lengths of colourful material wrapped round the body. In parts of Africa, men wear long robes and women wear brightly coloured cotton dresses. In the cities and towns of the Middle East, you will see many people wearing Western clothes, but you will also see Arab men wearing loose robes and kaffiyehs, pieces of cotton or silk tied to the head by a band of cord.

Level: Beginner

Book: Changes for ESO 4

Year: 2002