Clothing as Marital Status Insignia. A Study on the Traditional Female Clothing of Romanians from Rupea, Transylvania

The current study shows how the traditional feminine clothing functions as a system of signs in Rupea (Romania). For this purpose, several photos taken on the occasion of various community events, and commented in interviews with local people, were capitalized through photo elicitation. The differences in the outfits worn by girls and women underline the importance given by the community to its female members’ nubility and fertility. The clothing is a sign showing marital status. The community uses it as a means to guide males’ connubial choices. Moreover, it indicates each woman’s place in the community and in her kin.

Full Text