The Traditional Romanian Blouse

- the code of symbols -

“La Blouse Roumaine”oil-on-canvas

painting by Henri Matisse - 1940
Throughout time, people marked their origins and told stories about their way of living through art
forms. Starting from rupestral paintings to everyday objects such as clothes, hunting tools,
homewares.

Today, I would like to take you with me and explore how Romanians told their stories and described
their connection to nature through garments. I am pulling back the curtains for you to see behind
the prints (pun intended) of the traditional Romanian blouse also known as IE/IA.

The Romanian national costume embraces every social group and most importantly, every stage of
life. Every piece reflects the specific area where the owner was born and raised, the stage of life,
social status and then the moment of the year (harvest, wedding, religious celebration). Even though
the symbols might differ from region to region, one thing is for sure. Ancestral codes of symbols are
used to bring spiritual energies into daily activities and different celebrations, mostly religious.

photo source: www.peasantcraft.com

The geometric figures date way back, from times when the inhabitants of these places still
worshipped gods and practised pagan rituals. They are part of sacred geometry and every symbol
brings a different vibe of energy.

Let’s have a look at some of the meanings behind the most encountered ones.

The code of symbols:

Triangle

● upside-down triangle = womanhood, feminity

● pointed up triangle = manhood, masculinity
● the three planed world humans experience = mind, spirit (inside world), nature (outside
world)
● The Trinity = the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in Christianity

Square

● the “hands-on world” seen as solid and durable; material existence

○ the earth = the four seasons, the fours cardinal points, the four elements (earth,
water, air, fire)

Circle

● the seen world (the square) turns into the unseen world (a dimensionless world, outside of
space and time)
○ the unseen world = balance, growth, transition, rebirth

Rhombus

● the two worlds melt together = creation, life, fertility

Five-pointed star

● upside down star = the perfect man/human; high aspirations in a strong body; witchcraft
● pointed up star = a relationship oriented to the Divine power

Source: Romulus Popescu/ jurnalul.ro.

Other symbols interpretations:

The solar disc, circle and spirals = light and eternity

Hands on hips (feminine sign) = the power of seduction. (“My hips don’t lie” as Shakira would say)

Ram’s horns = male energy, virility

Tree = life, wisdom, renewal

Colours:
People from the highlands mostly wear red, grey and brown (symbols of the mountains and rocks),
while those from the lowlands wear red, green and gold (symbols of the rich lands and crops).
Red is a common colours as it protects health and ensures long life.

Remember social status? This is well represented in colours: married and elderly women ear toned-
down colours, while younger girls wear bright colours.

Queen Mary of Romania wearing traditional Romanian clothes

photo source: www.historia.com

The Traditional Romanian Blouse Nowadays:

People still wear traditional clothes, but only in rural areas and in well-preserved parts of the country
like hidden villages in Transylvania and Maramures.

Location:

Village of Drăguș and Viștea de Sus , Brașov County, Transylvania

Photo source: www.peasantartcraft.com

Romanian designers brought the concept into the urban areas presenting their modern view on the
traditional Romanian garments. Not only did they inspire Romanians, but brought international
attention as well and so, know international designers created their own collections inspired by the
Romanian spirit.

Adele posing in a Romanian-inspired shirt Tory Burch inspired by the Romanian coat
from Tom Ford - Vogue 2012. from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Romanian designers from who you can buy modern versions of the traditional clothes and accessories:

● Iutta
 ● Romanian Blouse

● Alisia Encho

Choose your favourite ie for the international Ie Day.

Yes, this is a thing.