Montenegrin folk clothing was originally made by women of each family from homespun wool or cotton fabrics, and from the beginning of the last century, tailors began to sew it from purchased, imported materials.

Men's folk costume includes more elements than women's. A man's everyday summer clothing consists of a white shirt, white canvas or cloth short (knee-length) pants, a cloth vest (tsamadan), a long silk belt, a round and shallow cap (Kapitsa), tight-fitting wool leggings (dokoletitsa) and opankas. In winter, this costume is supplemented with a jacket made of coarse cloth (gut), a cloth jacket (kaput) and a woolen cord. Struka is a type of blanket worn by both men and women (women's struka is slightly smaller in size and has almost imperceptible transverse stripes). In difficult conditions of foamy campaigns, the string protected the Montenegrin from rain and cold and served as a bed for him. Shepherds and hunters used a kind of wooden shoes - krple - to walk through the snow.

A festive costume, both summer and winter, is in many ways similar to an everyday one, but richly decorated. Sometimes young people wear a cloth vest (dugianka) with false sleeves, embroidered with gold, over their shirt. The elderly wear a cloth caftan (dolama), and over it a cloth vest (]"elek or toke). A revolver is usually worn in the belt as part of the clothing.

The components of a women's costume are a tunic-shaped shirt, with a slit on the chest and embroidery along the collar and sleeves, a knitted or woolen jacket ( janema ), a vest and skirt (ragya) of dark colors, an apron (pregacha) or dress and a woolen tuft. A festive suit is no different in cut from an everyday one, but it is usually sewn by professional tailors from silk, multi-colored cloth or velvet, and decorated with silk and gold embroidery, silver plaques and belts. On holidays they wear a silk headband (veo); a shirt embroidered with silk at the collar; jacket (dolactic, ]aketa)\skirt; a swinging dress without a fastener (koret), belted with a silver belt; boots or shoes. A girl's suit is simpler than a women's one. Women comb their hair in the middle and braid it into two braids, placing them around the head; girls put their braids at the back of their heads.

In some areas, there are local types of women's costume (Krusevac, Orahovac, Lastovska, Grbaljska, Pashtrovska, Spichanska, Shetanska, Malisorska, Bregasorska and Muslim clothing).

The traditional Montenegrin costume still exists today, mainly as festive and ritual clothing. Men's folk costume is especially preserved. Middle-aged and elderly Montenegrins (from 40-50 years old) proudly wear folk clothes on special occasions - when going out into the city or on a visit, on holidays, etc. last years Urban clothing is increasingly penetrating Montenegro, especially among young people, but among the older generation, folk costume is preserved to a certain extent. Both in the city and in the countryside, some items of folk costume (for example, opankas, caps) are sometimes worn in combination with urban clothing. Folk costume is also common as ritual (funeral and wedding) clothing. At a wedding, it is obligatory for the bride and matchmakers, and this custom is followed not only by the peasantry, but also by some of the townspeople. If the bride does not have such a suit, then she buys it or rents it.

Social and family life

A characteristic feature of Montenegro is the stable existence of a tribal organization in it in the recent past, traces of which have survived to this day. Old Montenegro was divided into four regions - nahii ( naxuja ): Katunskaya, Leshanskaya, Rijeka and Tsrmnitskaya, each of which consisted of ten or more tribes. The main core of the Serbian population Old Montenegro there was the Katunskaya Nakhia, where there were more than ten tribes - Tseklichi, Tsutsi, Njegushi, Ozrinich, Cetinyan, etc. The north of Montenegro was occupied by the Herzegovians, who were also divided into smaller groups, for example, Banyans, Beer, Drobnyaks, Sharantsi, etc. In Brdakh there were also tribal associations - Belopavlichi, Piperi, Bratonozhichi, Kuchi, Vasoevichi, Moračani.

The geographical isolation of Montenegro, the backwardness of its economy, the constant struggle with the Turks - all this contributed to the preservation or even revival of patriarchal foundations. The above-mentioned tribes of Montenegro probably emerged during the period of Turkish rule as territorial-administrative units, but to some extent they were given the form of a classical tribal organization.

The ethnic composition of the Montenegrin tribes is quite diverse - it included immigrants from different regions of Yugoslavia (especially many from Serbia and Herzegovina), Albanians (as well as Montenegrins - part of the Albanians).

The Albanian admixture is especially significant in the Kuchei tribe. However, according to popular beliefs, it is believed that all members of the tribe have a common origin and are related by blood. As a result, in the Montenegrin tribes, with the exception of the Osrinich tribe, until the end of the 19th century. exogamy reigned. The Montenegrin tribes consisted of brotherhoods and clans, the organization and structure of which was similar to the tribal one. In Montenegro, before the formation of state authorities at the end of the XVIII - early XIX V. The institution of blood feud was widespread. Blood feud was officially abolished only at the end of the 18th century. All members of the tribe were responsible for the actions of their fellow tribesman and, for their part, considered it their duty to take revenge for the insult inflicted on their fellow tribesman. Cases of blood feud, economic and political strife often caused long-term hostility and even military clashes between tribes. The Montenegrins constantly fought with the Turks, and sometimes civil strife occurred. The frequent wars that Montenegrins had to wage had a significant impact on their life.

Since ancient times (beginning of the 16th century), private ownership of land and movable property was developed in Montenegro; at the same time, collective (tribal) ownership of pastures or forests was preserved for a long time. Tribal lands (komunice) were allocated for the use of brotherhoods and clans or families. The use of land was strictly regulated by customary law. Members of the tribe were bound together by customs and holidays (glory, etc.). However, with the development of commodity-money relations and the growth of property differentiation, the tribal elite stood out more and more clearly, concentrating land and cattle Customary law, which presupposes equal participation of all members of the tribe in the use of collective lands, ceased to be equal for everyone, and the customs of collective labor and mutual assistance often turned into a tool for the exploitation of the poor by the top of the tribe.

Each tribe had its own administration and judicial power. It was headed by elders - the voivode, the prince. All issues related to the life of the tribe were discussed by the general tribal assembly - the Skupshtina, but, as a rule, the opinion of the top of the tribe was decisive. Intertribal issues were discussed at the general assembly (zbor), where representatives of all Montenegrin tribes were invited. The policy of centralization of state power, pursued since the beginning of the 18th century. Montenegrin metropolitans, led to the weakening and then the collapse of the tribal organization of Montenegro. However, its remnants survived even after the creation of a centralized state. The tribes, as administrative-territorial units, continued to own their lands (where they still existed). The military organization of the tribes was also preserved, but it was now an integral part of the all-Montenegrin army. Back in the 70s of the XIX century. military units were formed taking into account tribal divisions. Judicial power was transferred to state bodies, and the governor was replaced by government officials. The most persistent tribal remnants have been preserved in the area of ​​religious customs and beliefs.

Families predominate in Montenegro, usually consisting of parents and children (foreign family). Zadrugs were rare before. We can talk about urban families (officials, artisans and traders) in Montenegro only after 1878, when, by decision of the Berlin Congress, several cities were annexed to Montenegro. In urban families, as well as in rural ones, many features of patriarchal life were preserved.

Family life was regulated not by legislation, but by customary law. The husband was the absolute master of the family. All household work, as well as most agricultural work, was performed by women, since men were constantly on campaigns. IN war time women delivered food and ammunition to the soldiers, cared for the wounded, and sometimes took part in the battles themselves. The position of a woman in the family was subordinate - she had to unquestioningly carry out all the orders of her husband or father and serve them. The Montenegrin tried not to mention his wife in a conversation with anyone, and if it was necessary to talk about her, he added “yes, forgive me” (sorry). However, women are treated with respect. Insulting a woman or girl is considered unacceptable. Women-mothers enjoy great authority. Brother and sister always have friendly, caring relationships.

The right to divide family property has long been limited. Property was inherited by will, agreement and rights of kinship. Division could not be carried out without parental permission until the children reached adulthood and married. During the division, men had the right to equal parts of property, and girls received their part only for use in order to support themselves until marriage; only girls who had no brothers inherited their parents' property. Illegitimate children were deprived of the right to their father's inheritance. Usually, after partition, the youngest son remains to live with his parents in their house, but it also happens that the parents do not want to live in the family of the youngest son and go to live with one of the other children. In some families, before division, they build houses for everyone together, and then divide the property.

Childlessness was considered a serious reason for divorce. The husband could drive away a childless wife and remarry. At the same time, divorce without good reason was strictly prohibited, as was extramarital affairs.

In Montenegro, there were cases when a childless wife looked for a second wife for her husband, and she herself remained in his house as a mother-in-law or sister.

After the formation of the SFRY in Montenegro, civil legislation on marriage came into force.

Customs and rituals accompanying such events family life, like a wedding, birth of a child, death, are similar to Serbian ones.

In Montenegro, kinship was distinguished by blood, marriage and adoption, as well as spiritual kinship (twinning and sisterhood, nepotism).

Montenegrins are very hospitable. When meeting a guest or traveler who has asked for accommodation for the night, a Montenegrin tries to serve him in every possible way - the best dishes are served for the guest, his clothes are dried, etc. Even blood feud receded before the law of hospitality - the Montenegrin’s home was inviolable, and no one could offend a person, located in the house.

Just like Serbs in general, Montenegrins celebrate glory. Members of brotherhoods celebrating the same glory were previously unable to marry, which should be seen as a relic of ancient exogamy.

Religion

Montenegrins adopted Christianity (Orthodoxy) in the early Middle Ages. Under Turkish rule, some Montenegrins, the so-called Turks, converted to Islam. Metropolitan Danilo (1697-1735), with the support of the Orthodox, waged a fierce struggle against the Turks. At the same time, many of them were exterminated, while others fled to Turkey. The lands of the Turchens were transferred to the ownership of monasteries and tribes. Already in the 17th century. the church was the largest feudal lord in the country. In the 18th century Metropolitans, as mentioned above, concentrated in their hands not only spiritual, but also secular power.

According to 1953 data,* the absolute majority of Montenegrin believers (80% of all believers) profess Orthodoxy. But there are also Muslim Montenegrins - there are about 57 thousand of them.

The calendar rituals and beliefs of Montenegrins are in many ways similar to Serbian ones, but there are also differences. Some of the rituals are connected with the military life of Montenegrins (for example, twinning sometimes even with almost strangers, providing asylum, etc.).

In those areas where cattle breeding predominates over agriculture, many rituals are performed to increase the number of herds. In Primorye and on Lake Skadar, religious and magical fishing rituals are performed; for example, the blessing of boats and nets before fishing begins.

In the past, religious rituals over the sick (reading prayers, leaving the holy fool overnight under images), over “defiled” water in which someone drowned (blessing of water), etc. were very common.

In modern Montenegro, due to the general increase in the cultural level of the population, the number of believers is noticeably decreasing - almost half of all Montenegrins declared themselves atheists (1953 census data); However, among part of the population, especially the peasant population, religious remnants still exist.

Folk art.

The applied art of Montenegrins is rich and original. Almost every home has original works of folk art.

The wealth of Montenegrin forests in various tree species has long contributed to the development of the art of wood carving. The first master carvers were shepherds. Among the numerous objects decorated with carvings, the gusle is of particular interest - these are examples of folk art of carvers; they depict zoomorphic, anthropomorphic, plant and geometric figures (symbolic snakes, lions, legendary youths, temples, local coats of arms, sayings of folk wisdom, poems, etc.). The spindle whorl, bottles, molds for coliva, and original tripod tables are richly decorated. A special place among carved wooden products is occupied by monumental iconostases made of walnut, beech, and oak, stored in old monasteries; here are also carved episcopal chairs, gates and lecterns.

City artisans make metal and silver jewelry - plaques, belts, parts of weapons.

Many of the artistic metal products are also associated with church use. The very elegant workmanship of crosses, censers, silver frames, gospels, communion cups, icon cases, etc. is admirable.

Stone carvings are represented by monuments of medieval architecture (mainly churches), as well as cemetery tombstones.

A folk costume is very often a work of art. In women's clothing, the embroidery on shirts is especially original; the combination of colors in them was chosen with great taste.

Home leather processing was little developed. The most original of the leather items are opankas, adapted for walking in the mountains.

Oral poetry

Montenegrin folklore has so much in common with the folklore of Serbs in other regions that only some of its features, generated by specific historical conditions, should be specially noted.

Montenegrins have long been famous for singing youth songs to the accompaniment of the gusli. Their epic has special cycles - about the Chernoevichs and about the liberation of Montenegro in the 18th century. The series about the Chernoevichs depicts the political relations of Montenegro with neighboring countries, especially with Venice. It gives a vivid picture of the tragic fate of this dynasty of Zeta rulers of the 16th - 17th centuries. A characteristic feature of the cycle is that the plots are based on the depiction of political intrigues. In “The Marriage of Maxim Chernoevich” the image of his wife is introduced - a Venetian, an arrogant intriguer who despises the Montenegrins and tramples on their interests. There are many colorful descriptions court life, costumes, ceremonies.

The medieval economic way of the Montenegrins - mainly cattle breeding - left its mark on the Montenegrin epic: epic songs are characterized by stories about the theft of sheep herds by the Turks. The song about the reprisal against the pasha, who brought the army for tribute, also composed during the era of Turkish rule, is unique.

The Liberation cycle depicts the wide scope of the liberation struggle. Along with famous heroes (Perovic Batrich and others), entire Montenegrin tribes are active in it. The songs describe big battles, for example, the battles of the Montenegrins with the Turks at Grahovac and Zabljak. Pictures of hero fights are relatively rare. The theme of military friendship occupies an important place. Descriptions of the nature of Montenegro are widely introduced into songs.

The epic tradition lasted longer in Montenegro than in Serbia and Croatia, but even here the performance of epic songs became rare. Epic songs were revived during the people's liberation struggle. The strength of the epic tradition was also manifested in the fact that during this period the tradition of funeral lament revived. Laments (tuzhbalitsa) for the dead, created on the basis of traditional forms, often reached truly dramatic tension.

Montenegrins have a rich partisan folklore. Many partisan songs, anecdotes from the lives of fighters, and dances called patriotic (tsrmnichko and zetsko kolo) remain popular. New songs are being created about the exploits of famous Montenegrin heroes - Mirko Srzentic, Žarko Marinovich, Ivan Milutinović, about major events, for example about the battles near Cetinje in 1936, about the struggle on Suteska, as well as about new life. Modern folklore is characterized by eight-syllable verse; in epic songs the ten-syllable verse is retained, but rhyme and paired verses appear.

Folk music, dancing

Montenegrin dances, similar to Serbian ones, are very diverse and beautiful. Among them there are many circular ones. Montenegrin melodies usually go up to the third, fifth or sixth. Most songs combine two or more musical motifs as a contrast.

Art is widespread games on the gusle. Other folk instruments are pipes, shepherd's pipes, double pipes, mandolins. They are made by the peasants themselves. Recently, ancient instruments are increasingly being replaced by urban ones, in particular the harmonica.

Cultural development

Despite the almost continuous wars, in Montenegro in the middle of the 15th century. Schools began to appear at monasteries and parish houses. There are references to private schools in Montenegro and Boka Kotorska. From the middle of the 18th century. Montenegrins began to send their children to study in Russia, and later - in Serbia. Metropolitans Basil and Peter I made repeated attempts to open schools, but it was only under Peter II Petrovich-Njegosh in 1834 that the first basic (primary) school of a secular nature was founded in Montenegro. In Boka Kotorska, several primary and secondary schools began to function back in 1811. By the middle of the 19th century. their number has increased significantly. In 1850, the Navigator School was founded in Kotor, in 1854 - a lower gymnasium, reorganized in 187Z into a higher one. In Cetinje in 1863 a theological and teachers' school was opened, in 1869 an institute for girls, in 1871 a women's primary school, in 1880 a lower gymnasium, reorganized in 1892 into the Higher State Gymnasium, and etc.

In Montenegro, the first printing house on the Balkan Peninsula was founded by Djurdj Chernoevich in 1493, where the first book was published on January 4, 1494. However, after the Turkish conquest it was closed. In the second half of the 18th century. Montenegrin metropolitans Vasily (in 1757) and Peter I (in 1784) tried to found a new printing house, but only Peter Njegos succeeded in 1833. Later, several printing houses operated in Montenegro. The first book of the Njegosh printing house was printed in 1834, the first newspaper (“Chernogorets”) began to be published on January 23, 1871.

After the Second World War, literacy courses were created in the republic, general education and art schools, pedagogical and maritime schools were opened.

Until the middle of the 19th century. the sick and wounded were treated in Montenegro by self-taught home healers. Currently, almost every rural community has a doctor, in many places health care centers, dental clinics, veterinary stations, etc. have been built. All workers and employees have annual leave paid by the state, they are provided with free treatment in hospitals and sanatoriums; nurseries, playgrounds, camps, etc. have been built for children.

After the end of the Second World War, many scientific institutes and societies were founded, the Faculty of Economics was opened in Titograd, and a film studio was created. The former cultural backwardness is disappearing.

Me in a suit, photo: Gaga Boricic

Wow! - this is always the first reaction of people who see our tall men and women dancing in beautiful national costumes. I noticed their admiration while traveling around the world with a local folk group. This is not surprising, given that our National Costume considered one of the most beautiful and most expensive in Europe.

It is made of high quality materials embroidered with gold and silk threads, it is bright in color and luxurious and makes a strong impression on everyone. The cost of one high-quality suit in the past was equal to 3 pairs of oxen or an entire property. It was the most valuable thing one could have. Many travelers who visited our country in the 18th and 19th centuries were surprised by the contrast between the very modest interior of the houses and the very luxurious attire of the Montenegrins.

The main reason for such a luxurious outfit lies in Montenegrin pride. For five centuries, Montenegro fought against the powerful Ottoman Empire, which constantly tried to impose its way of life, its culture and its tradition. People in the Balkans had to wear black suits without characteristic details, but proud Montenegrins refused this and showed their defiance, resistance and their love for Montenegro with their luxurious costumes. The national costume was a symbol of the fact that it was better to die than to become a Turkish servant.

Men's suit, photo: www.panacom.net

The origin of the costume is also interesting. It is very old and is supposed to come from the island of Crete, but over the course of five centuries it has changed significantly and is now different from its first version. The costume was first worn by the medieval ruler Djuradj Crnojevic. The outfit made such a strong impression on people that they began to imitate it. This became a unique example in history: the ruler’s outfit became a national costume.

The national costume was worn for wedding ceremonies, for church, for public holidays or just be proud in everyday life. Until recently, it was considered an honor to be buried in this costume, so many wonderful costumes ended up underground - like my great-grandmother's costume and the costumes of her contemporaries, this was one of her last wishes.


photo: http://www.montenegroconsulate-lb.org

The most valuable part of the costume was the camouflage belt. It was often made of silver and decorated precious stones. It would be hard to imagine a man's suit without a pair of pistols. The weapons were handmade in famous workshops or confiscated in battles with the Turks. Pistols were sometimes decorated with precious stones, silver and mother-of-pearl; this was very expensive, but the most modest one was an inseparable part of the costume and symbolized the lifestyle and love of freedom.


Belt, photo: www.spiritus-movens.me

The Montenegrin national headdress is red with a black border around it and the symbol of Montenegro in the center. Our greatest ruler, writer and philosopher, Peter II Petrovic Njegos, explained that the red color symbolizes the blood shed for the freedom of the country, and black grief for all who gave their lives for this noble goal.


Headdress of Montenegrins, Ethnographic Museum of Montenegro

Even nowadays, there is no important date, ceremony or festival in the country without a couple in national costume. A big smile is essential and goes perfectly with this expressive costume. The sewing tradition is passed down from one generation to the next in tailoring families, and two suits, one for men and one for women, take three months to complete.

Montenegrins, like their ancestors, respect physical beauty. On the streets you will see tall, beautifully dressed people and you will immediately learn about fashion trends. And remember, it's not just our clothes that make us special, but the brave heart that beats beneath that shiny surface.


Photo: Bojan Kuburovic

Buying national souvenirs and gifts for numerous relatives and friends is as integral a part of any trip as the vacation itself. The vast majority of tourists who find themselves in Montenegro for the first time are unlikely to be able to correctly answer the question - what to bring back home in memory of this country? As a result, buying souvenirs often results in a trip to a nearby store (and similar shops for tourists are found there at every turn), but out of ignorance it is very easy to buy another trinket with the inscription “made in China” in memory of Montenegro.

Meanwhile, Montenegro is quite original and interesting country. An inquisitive traveler will definitely find here truly unique things that he can bring as a gift to his friends and which he can buy for himself personally, so that they remind him of his vacation in this country and give positive emotions from pleasant memories for a long time.

For convenience, the entire variety of memorable souvenirs about Montenegro can be divided into several categories. This will help you quickly decide on a purchase, and will also allow you to choose the theme of the gift exactly according to the interests of its recipient.

What to bring from Montenegro

Food and alcohol

Montenegrin cuisine has a number of undoubted advantages, one of which is its unique taste. Having once tried a local dish, you want to eat it again and again, and you also have a desire to treat a loved one to this product. Unfortunately, food products do not travel well well. long distances, and many of them may spoil or lose their taste. But some can easily be used as a national souvenir.

Homemade cheese made from cow, goat or sheep milk will be a good gift for any gourmet. Natural olive oil, containing a whole scattering of useful substances and the aroma of fresh olives, will delight any housewife. Prosciutto, a pork ham smoked or cured according to a special recipe, is another hit of Montenegrin cuisine that can be used as a souvenir.

Local alcoholic drinks are a standard gift from any country. In Montenegro you can buy several types at once. For lovers of strong drinks, all kinds of rakia - local vodka - are suitable, but wine connoisseurs will certainly like the Montenegrin "Vranac" and "Krstac" - these wines are not only unique (they are not produced outside of Montenegro and Balkan Peninsula), but also have a good taste and aroma.

National clothes

National costume - in whole or in parts - is one of the most popular goods at any tourist bazaar. And many tourists remember the national Montenegrin costume because of its headdress - “kapa”. The Montenegrin “kapa” is a round black cap with a red top, and each part of it is deeply symbolic: the scarlet color of the top means the blood shed by generations of Montenegrins for native land, black sides - grief for the dead and the former greatness of the country, and 5 gold stripes remind of 500 years of foreign yoke. Sometimes such hats are decorated with the national coat of arms, in an old or new version.

In addition, tourists love to buy ordinary clothes (T-shirts, T-shirts, shirts), but painted in the colors of the national flag, with the Montenegrin coat of arms or the inscriptions “Montenegro” and “Montenegro” in different languages ​​of the world.

Handicrafts

A good gift or souvenir to remember Montenegro will be products from local craftswomen. On sale you can find good house mittens, socks and sweaters knitted from natural wool. The markets also sell hand-embroidered towels and tablecloths, as well as homespun carpets. Such things are not cheap, but they have very good quality and a beautiful spring look.

There are many talented wood carving craftsmen in the country. They make very beautiful and elegant figurines and jewelry. They are varnished on top or inlaid with semi-precious stones. Masters also make national ones for sale musical instruments- shepherd's pipes and harps.

There are also a lot of excellent jewelers in Montenegro. In the so-called “golden shops” you can find original works made in the traditional Montenegrin style of weaving with silver wire. The resulting precious lace can be a necklace, hairnet, earrings or bracelet.

Religious objects

Montenegro is a country of numerous religious shrines. Many tourists come to this country specifically to venerate the ancient holy relics; special tours and pilgrimage trips are organized to numerous monasteries and churches.

Moreover, these places are equally revered by Christians of all denominations. Here you can purchase ancient and modern icons, crosses, amulets, chains and other church paraphernalia.

Standard types of souvenirs

As in any part of the world, in Montenegro there is a large assortment of standard tourist souvenirs: magnets, mugs, ceramics (cups, plates, ashtrays, vases), key chains, flags, bags and the like, decorated with national symbols. Most of the souvenirs of this kind are occupied by figures of people in national Montenegrin clothes.

The corresponding souvenirs remind of the maritime character of the country: ships, anchors, steering wheels, figurines and images of sailors. Various products from sea ​​creatures— boxes and ashtrays made of sea shells.

Shops and shops sell a large assortment of gift books about Montenegro in different languages, postcards and paintings with views of famous attractions.

Italian clothing and jewelry

The proximity of Italy (with which there is a regular connection) has identified another opportunity that tourists vacationing in Montenegro can take advantage of. This is a purchase of real Italian clothing and accessories from famous brands.

In local boutiques you can often find fashionable Italian items at very attractive prices. You can make a particularly good purchase during sales, when many brands sell off the remnants of last year's collections.

Search for flights to Montenegro:

In addition to air tickets for independent rest in Montenegro you will also need to select or , and maybe . If you book all these services in advance, you can get a good discount and save on your holiday costs.

Freedom-loving peoples in the Middle Ages attached special importance to their national clothing. It played an important role in their external identification and was the personification of national identity, and also reflected social and public status.
Montenegrin national clothing is one of the most expensive in the world, thanks to gold embroidery and the use of the highest quality and most expensive materials. The method of its manufacture was complex and required from the tailor not only high skill, but also extraordinary artistic taste and flair.
In addition to all that has been said, it is interesting that Montenegrin national clothing, by its origin, is the only one in the world that took as a model the “ceremonial” clothing of its ruling dynasty and nobility.
This clothing has a history of over five centuries! It all started at a time when the Montenegrin Crnojevic dynasty was in power in the country, in the 15th century. Academician Radoslav Rotkovich believes that folk clothing came from Crete, and was brought to Montenegro by sailors. In 1496, according to historical information, Djurdje Crnoevich came to Venice in full dress “a la Greca” (in greek style), this confirms the hypothesis of Academician Rotkovich that the ancestral home of Montenegrin folk costume was Crete.
After the end of the Crnojevic dynasty, part of the Montenegrin nobility continued the tradition of wearing luxurious Montenegrin clothes in difficult times of constant struggle to preserve the freedom of the country. Montenegrin aristocracy, preserving traditions national clothes, with its help, demonstrated its lost social status in new historical conditions. The Church, to which power passed after the Crnojevic dynasty, supported and approved the desire to wear “Crnojevic clothes,” and soon they appeared in almost every Montenegrin home. So, by coincidence, the clothing of the ruling dynasty became popular.
In the 16th century, all of South-Eastern Europe, with the exception of Montenegro, was under the control of Turkey. Occupants other than their own cultural traditions They also dictated a manner of dressing that would prove the loyalty of the people. People had to wear modest clothes of inconspicuous black or brown, without any characteristic details. It was strictly forbidden to wear clothes of bright colors, gilding on suits and special materials “kadifa” and “skerlet”. Interestingly, even wearing a hat on one side was considered a provocation!
This attitude of the Turkish conquerors towards the enslaved peoples caused protest among the Montenegrins. This was another reason for the proud and freedom-loving people, at least with the help of the luxury and wealth of their clothes, to confirm their status, their freedom and refusal to obey themselves. powerful empire Europe at that time. Montenegrins persistently strived to dress in accordance with their traditions, even despite the lack of materials or funds to purchase them. They combined parts of the traditional Montenegrin national costume with parts that were made from cloth or other similar materials. The former aristocracy was in the same position. Everything possible was done to appear in full Montenegrin national attire at weddings, funerals, public meetings, church ceremonies and other public events, where the material status of its owner was largely determined by the costume. They also made sure that the newlyweds, especially the bride, had as many original, authentic details as possible - parts of the festive Montenegrin dress. Often, clothes obtained from battles with the Turks as trophies were used to make Montenegrin clothing. It was considered a sign of protest and personal valor to wear such clothing in public, even in its unchanged appearance. When, during the times of Peter I and Peter II, the financial situation of the population of Montenegro significantly improved, both combined with cloth parts and entirely festive Montenegrin clothing returned. In everyday life, clothes with big amount parts made of cloth, and on special occasions they wore elegant suits.
During the time of Prince-King Nikola I Petrovich, Montenegrin clothing reached such a level of luxury that it sometimes cost more than all the property of its owner. It was worn for the sake of prestige and out of a desire to appear in all its splendor; They tried to acquire formal clothes at any cost. There was a period when Prince-King Nicholas I even banned such excessive luxury, but he only partially succeeded. Ceremonial costumes continued to be worn on special occasions in almost every Montenegrin family, and it was impossible to fight this.
Montenegrin clothing has changed greatly over more than five centuries of its existence and differed significantly from the first “Cretan” version. Museum exhibitions show these changes; they can also be seen in old paintings and in numerous descriptions by ethnologists, especially those dating back to the 19th century.
But Montenegrin folk clothing can be seen not only in museum windows. Traditions associated with the complex process of making national costumes are passed on in families of craftsmen from generation to generation. And their skills do not go unclaimed. In Montenegro, almost every city has folk music and dance ensembles, the so-called “klapas” (a choir that traditionally performs without music, a cappella, and of course in national costumes) are especially popular. And not a single holiday (and there are many of them in Montenegro) is complete without a procession in national clothes.

Montenegro is a country with rich and ancient culture, the formation of which was greatly influenced by the various peoples (Illyrians, Greeks, Turks, Serbs) who inhabited these lands. The culture of Montenegro was also influenced by the Orthodox faith, which came to the country from Byzantium, as well as the traditions of Islam, which is professed by more than 20% of the local population.

Montenegro is historically and spiritually very closely connected with Russia. This is a country where Russians are sincerely respected and where our compatriots can count on the warmest welcome.

National characteristics

One of the main national traits of Montenegrins has long been courage, courage and the desire for independence. It is not for nothing that this small people for centuries successfully resisted waves of multi-tribal invaders who tried to seize their homeland. Since the times when Montenegrins fought fiercely for their independence from Turkey, the local men have a tradition of carrying weapons as a means of protection.

Another manifestation of the national character is the traditional hospitality and love of life of the Montenegrins. Their houses are always open to guests, and noisy gatherings with friends are a favorite pastime for local residents.

If you are invited to a Montenegrin home, it is considered good form to bring a small gift with you.

One of the most striking features of life in Montenegro is its smooth leisurely pace. Local men love to spend time having leisurely conversations in coffee shops, and according to legend, haste can bring misfortune to a person. Many establishments in the country close work at 16:00.

Montenegro is a wine-producing country with ancient tradition drinking wine. Despite the love of Montenegrins for feasts, excessive drinking is considered bad manners here. Undesirable behavior during a feast also includes conversations on topics of interethnic and interreligious conflicts.

Holidays in Montenegro

  • New Year(1st of January)
  • Nativity or Bozic(January 6-8) is the main family holiday in Montenegro, accompanied by solemn church services and traditional rituals.
  • Easter or Vaskres(determined by the church calendar - April-May) - one of the most joyful holidays of the Orthodox calendar, famous for mass folk festivities (“narodni sabor”).
  • Labor Day(1st of May)
  • Victory Day(9th May)
  • Republic Day(May 21st)
  • Statehood Day or Uprising Day(July 13)

National features of Montenegro

Distinctive national characteristics Montenegro is pride and independence, friendliness and tolerance.

Montenegrins are very sociable and hospitable people. They will be happy to talk about themselves, but at the same time they will not get into the soul and affairs of their interlocutor. The people of Montenegro treat any religion and beliefs with great respect. They also honor the traditions of their country, its history and customs. And although European clothes are worn everywhere in the country, national costumes are highly revered by Montenegrins.

The priority concepts for them are “junastvo” and “cojstvo”, which mean “courage” and “bravery”.

Montenegrins love to bargain and are great at it, but at the same time they have no desire to deceive or deceive.