BRIDAL COSTUME

The traditions of decorating the bride for the wedding go across all cultures and times. In Western Norway, from the 17th century onwards, it was common for the bride to be given a costume with a red skirt, no apron and a lot of silver: Silver brooch, steel belt with lanyard, buckles, and not least a crown on the head.

It wasn't just anyone who could wear a crown on the wedding day. Only those who were virgins could do that. Widows, or women who had given birth to children had to wear a hat instead.

Those who owned wedding costumes with a crown rented it out and thus had a small income. We know of five such wedding costumes that have been owned by farmers on Osterøy.

The groom's suit has changed little in all these years. Wedding customs have changed, but there are still people who rent out such costumes- and there are still people who use the traditional crowns from Osterøy.