National costume of Montenegro. Culture of Montenegro. Montenegrin national costume

Montenegrin folk clothes were originally made by women of each family from homespun wool or cotton fabrics, and since the beginning of the last century, tailors began to sew them from purchased, imported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

The men's folk costume includes more elements than the women's. Everyday summer clothing for a man 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 woolen leggings (dokoletitsa) and opalok. In winter, a coarse cloth jacket (gut), a cloth jacket (kaput) and a woolen structure are added to this costume. A struka is a kind of plaid worn by both men and women (the female struka is slightly smaller and has almost imperceptible transverse stripes). In difficult conditions of foam campaigns, the structure protected the Montenegrin from rain and cold, served as his bed. Shepherds and hunters used a kind of wooden shoes - krple for crossings in the snow.

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

The constituent elements of a women's costume are a tunic-shaped shirt with a slit on the chest and embroidery on the collar and sleeves, a knitted or woolen jacket ( Janema ), waistcoat and skirt (ragia) of dark colors, apron (pregacha) or dress and woolen structure. A festive costume does not differ in cut from an everyday one, but it is usually sewn by professional tailors from silk, multi-colored cloth or velvet, decorated with silk and gold embroidery, silver plaques and belts. On holidays, they wear a silk headband (veo); a shirt embroidered with silk around the collar; jacket (dolaktitsa, ]aketa) \ skirt; a swing dress without fasteners (koret), belted with a silver belt; opanki or shoes. A girl's costume is simpler than a woman's. Women comb their hair in a straight parting and braid it into two braids, laying them around their heads; girls put braids on the back of their heads.

In some areas, there are local types of women's costume (Krushevac, Orahovac, Lastovska, Grbala, Pashtrovskaya, Spichanskaya, Shettanskaya, Malisorskaya, Bregasorskaya and Muslim clothing).

The traditional Montenegrin costume still exists today, mainly as festive and ritual clothing. The men's folk costume is especially steadfastly preserved. A Montenegrin of middle and old age (from 40-50 years old) proudly puts on folk clothes on especially solemn occasions - when going to the city or on a visit, on holidays, etc. In recent years, urban clothes have increasingly penetrated into Montenegro, especially in among young people, but among the older generation, the folk costume is preserved to a certain extent. Both in the city and in the countryside, some items of folk costume are sometimes worn (for example, opanki, hats-kapitsa) in combination with urban clothing. Folk costume is also common as ritual (funeral and wedding) clothing. At the wedding, it is obligatory for the bride and matchmakers, and this custom is followed not only by the peasantry, but also by part of the townspeople. If the bride does not have such a suit, then they buy or rent it.

Public 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 - nakhi ( naxuja ): Katunskaya, Leshanskaya, Rijeka and Tsrmnitskaya, each of which consisted of ten or more tribes. The main core of the Serbian population of Old Montenegro was the Katun Nakhia, where there were more than ten tribes - Tseklichi, Tsutsi, Negushi, Ozrinichi, Cetinyan, etc. , Sharantsi, etc. In Brdy, tribal associations were also distinguished - belopavlichi, piperi, bratonozhichi, heaps, vasoevichi, morachani.

The geographical isolation of Montenegro, the backwardness of its economy, the constant struggle with the Turks - all this contributed to the preservation or even the revival of patriarchal foundations. The above-mentioned tribes of Montenegro probably formed during the period of Turkish domination 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 admixture of Albanians is especially significant in the Kuchi 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 prevailed. 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 in the late XVIII - early XIX century. the institute 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 a duty to avenge the offense inflicted on their brother. Cases of blood feuds, economic and political strife often caused long-term enmity and even military clashes between the tribes. Montenegrins were constantly at war with the Turks, and sometimes there were civil strife. The frequent wars that the Montenegrins had to wage had a significant impact on their way of life.

Since ancient times (the beginning of the 16th century), private ownership of land "and movable property has been developed in Montenegro; at the same time, collective (tribal) ownership of pastures or forests has been preserved for a long time. Tribal lands (comunice) were allocated for use by brotherhoods, clans or families. The use of lands was strictly regulated by the norms of customary law. The members of the tribe were interconnected 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 implies the equal participation of all members of the tribe in the use of collective lands, ceased to be equal for all, 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 the elders - governor, knez. All issues related to the life of the tribe were discussed by the general tribal assembly - the assembly, however, as a rule, the opinion of the top of the tribe was of decisive importance. Intertribal issues were discussed at the general assembly (collection), where representatives of all Montenegrin tribes were invited. The policy of centralization of state power, pursued since the beginning of the XVIII century. Montenegrin metropolitans, led to the weakening, and then the collapse of the tribal organization of Montenegro. However, vestiges of it 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 division. Judicial power passed to state bodies, the governor was replaced by state officials. The most persistently tribal remnants have been preserved in the area of ​​religious customs and beliefs.

In Montenegro, families are predominant, usually consisting of parents and children (non-Russian family). Friends were rare before. It is possible to talk about urban families (officials, artisans and merchants) 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 the patriarchal way of life were preserved.

Family life was regulated not by legislation, but by customary law. The husband was the sovereign master of the family. All domestic work, as well as most agricultural work, was done by women, as men were constantly on the campaigns. In wartime, women delivered food and ammunition to soldiers, looked after the wounded, and sometimes took part in the battles themselves. The position of a woman in the family was subordinate - she had to unquestioningly fulfill all the orders of her husband or father, to 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 are always connected by friendly caring relations.

The right to divide family property has long been limited. Property was inherited by will, agreement and kinship rights. Partition could not be made without parental permission until the children came of age 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 the property of their parents. Illegitimate children were deprived of the right to their father's inheritance. Usually, after the division, the youngest son stays 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 one of the other children. In some families, before the division, they jointly build houses for everyone, and then they divide the property.

Childlessness was considered a serious motive for dissolution of marriage. A childless wife could be driven away by a husband and remarried. At the same time, divorce without good reason was strictly forbidden, as was extramarital affairs.

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

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

The customs and rituals that accompany such events of family life as a wedding, the birth of a child, death, are similar to Serbian ones.

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

Montenegrins are very hospitable. Meeting a guest or a traveler who asked to provide him with an overnight stay, the 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 home of the Montenegrin 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 must be seen as a relic of ancient exogamy.

Religion

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

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

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

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

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

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 (data from the 1953 census); however, among a part of the population, especially the peasantry, religious survivals still exist.

Folk art.

Applied art of Montenegrins is rich and original. Almost every house has original works of folk art.

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

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

Of the artistic metal products, many are also associated with church use. The very elegant processing of crosses, censers, silver frames, gospels, communion bowls, icon cases, etc., arouses admiration.

Stone carving is represented by monuments of medieval architecture (mainly ecclesiastical), as well as cemetery tombstones.

Folk costume is very often a work of art. In a women's suit, embroideries on shirts are especially original; The combination of colors in them is chosen with great taste.

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

Oral poetry

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

Montenegrins have long been famous for singing youthful songs to the accompaniment of the harp. Their epic has special cycles - about Chernoevichi and about the liberation of Montenegro in the 18th century. The Chernojević cycle 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 in the 16th-17th centuries. A characteristic feature of the cycle is that the plots are built on the image of political intrigues. In The Marriage of Maksim Chernoevich, the image of his wife is introduced - a Venetian, an arrogant intriguer who despises Montenegrins and tramples on their interests. There are many colorful descriptions of court life, costumes, ceremonies.

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

The Liberation cycle depicts the wide scope of the liberation struggle. Along with famous heroes (Perovich Batrich and others), entire Montenegrin tribes operate in it. The songs describe big battles, for example, the battles of the Montenegrins with the Turks at Grahovets and Zabljak. Pictures of duels of heroes are relatively rare. An important place is occupied by the theme of military friendship. Descriptions of the nature of Montenegro are widely introduced into the songs.

The epic tradition lasted longer in Montenegro than in Serbia and Croatia, but even here the performance of epic songs has become rare. Epic songs were revived during the period of the national liberation struggle. The strength of the epic tradition was also manifested in the fact that during this period the tradition of funeral lamentation revived. Lamentations (tuzhbalitsa) for the dead, created on the basis of traditional forms, often reached a truly dramatic intensity.

Partisan folklore is rich among Montenegrins. Many songs of partisans, anecdotes from the life of fighters and dances called patriotic (tsrmnichko and zetsko kolo) remain popular. New songs are created about the exploits of famous Montenegrin heroes - Mirko Srzentich, Zharko Marinovich, Ivan Milutinovic, about major events, for example, about the battles near Cetinje in 1936, about the struggle on Sutjeska, as well as about a new life. Modern folklore is characterized by an eight-syllable verse; in epic songs, a ten-syllable verse is preserved, but rhyme and paired combination of verses appear.

Folk music, dancing

Montenegrin dances, aka Serbian, are very diverse and beautiful. Many of them are circular. Montenegrin melodies usually reach thirds, fifths or sixths. Most songs combine two or more musical motifs as a contrast.

Widespread art games on the goose 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 incessant 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 XVIII century. Montenegrins began to send their children to study in Russia, and later - in Serbia. Metropolitans Vasily and Peter I made repeated attempts to open schools, but only under Peter II Petrovich-Njegosh in 1834 was the first main (primary) secular school founded in Montenegro. In Boka Kotorska, as early as 1811, several primary and secondary schools began to function. By the middle of the XIX century. their number has increased significantly. In 1850 the Navigator School was founded in Kotor, in 1854 a lower gymnasium was reorganized into a higher one in 187Z. In Cetinje, a theological and teaching school was opened in 1863; etc.

In Montenegro, Djurdzh Chernoevich founded in 1493 the first printing house on the Balkan Peninsula, where on January 4, 1494 the first book was published. However, after the Turkish conquest, it was closed. In the second half of the XVIII century. Montenegrin metropolitans Vasily (in 1757) and Peter I (in 1784) tried to establish a new printing house, but only Peter Njegos succeeded in 1833. Later, several printing houses worked in Montenegro. The first book of the Negosh printing house was printed in 1834, the first newspaper ("Chernogorets") began to appear on January 23, 1871.

After the Second World War, illiteracy eradication courses were set up in the republic, general education and art schools, pedagogical and maritime schools were opened.

Until the middle of the XIX century. the sick and wounded were treated in Montenegro by self-taught home healers. At present, almost every rural community has a doctor, in many places health care homes, dental clinics, veterinary stations, etc. have been built. All workers and employees have an annual vacation 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 old cultural backwardness is disappearing.

Me in a suit, photo: Gaga Boricic

Wow! - this is always the first reaction of people who saw 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, considering that our national costume is 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 a whole property. It was the most valuable thing that 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 were supposed to wear black suits without characteristic details, but the proud Montenegrins refused this and showed their defiance, resistance and their love for Montenegro with their luxurious suits. The national costume was a symbol that it is better to die than to become a Turkish servant.

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 put on by the medieval ruler Djuraj Crnojevic. The outfit made such a strong impression on people that they began to imitate it. This has become a unique example in history: the ruler's outfit has become a national costume.

The national costume was worn for wedding ceremonies, for church, for public holidays, or simply to be proud of 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.

The most valuable part of the costume was the chemer belt. It was often made of silver and adorned with precious stones. A man's suit would be hard to imagine 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, it was very expensive, but the most modest was an inseparable part of the costume and symbolized the lifestyle and love of freedom.

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

Even now, there is no important date, ceremony or festival in the country without a couple in national costume. A wide smile is essential and goes well with this expressive suit. The tradition of sewing is passed down in the families of tailors from one generation to another, and two suits - male and female, are made for three months.

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 the clothes that make us special, but the brave heart that beats under that shiny surface.

Kotor Montenegro

Bokelska mornaritsa - an old brotherhood of sailors, which is more than 1000 years old. In 1463 it adopted a special Statute, according to written sources. Then the estate was called the Marine Brotherhood of St. Nicholas in Kotor. The sailors who lived in the villages on the shore of the bay sailed to various countries. Today, local residents honor centuries-old traditions. On Bokel Mornaritsa Day, the mayor presents the symbolic keys to Kotor to sailors. They take power in the city for three days. At the end of the official ceremony, representatives of the brotherhood perform the traditional kolo dance on the Square of Arms and solemnly walk through the streets of the Old City. (http://balkanpro.ru/montenegro/photo/19278/#hcq=bnXAaYp)

The national Montenegrin costume is remembered by many tourists because of its headdress - “cap”. 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 their native land, the black sides - grief for the dead and the former greatness of the country, and 5 golden stripes remind of 500 years of foreign domination. Sometimes such hats are decorated with the national emblem, in the old or new version.

Montenegrin national clothes are one of the most expensive in the world, thanks to golden embroidery and the use of the highest quality and most expensive materials.

It is interesting that the Montenegrin national dress is the only one in the world by its origin, which took as a model the “ceremonial” clothes of its ruling dynasty and nobility.

BasilDmitrievichPolenov: Chernogorka. 1874 .

Academician Radoslav Rotkovich believes that folk clothes came from Crete, and sailors brought them to Montenegro. In 1496, according to historical data, Djurdje Crnojevic arrived in Venice in a full dress "a la Greca" (in the Greek style), which confirms the hypothesis of Academician Rotkovich that Crete was the ancestral home of the Montenegrin folk costume. The church, to which power passed after the Crnojevic dynasty, supported and approved the desire to wear the “clothing of the Crnojevics”, and soon it appeared in almost every Montenegrin house. So, by coincidence, the clothes of the ruling dynasty became popular.

In the 16th century, all of Southeastern Europe, with the exception of Montenegro, was in the hands of Turkey. In addition to their cultural traditions, the occupiers 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 costumes and special materials "kadif" and "skerlet". Interestingly, it was considered a provocation to even wear a hat on one side!

Such an attitude of the Turkish conquerors towards the enslaved peoples provoked a 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 the most powerful empire in Europe at that time. Montenegrins stubbornly strove 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 details that were made of cloth or other similar materials. The former aristocracy was in the same position. Every effort was made 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 also determined to a high degree 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 in battles with the Turks as a trophy were used to make Montenegrin clothes. It was considered a sign of protest and personal prowess to wear such clothes in public, even in its unchanged appearance. When the financial situation of the population of Montenegro improved significantly during the time of Peter I and Peter II, both combined with cloth details and entirely festive Montenegrin clothing returned again. In everyday life, clothes with a large number of details made of cloth were more often used, and on solemn occasions, elegant costumes were also worn.

During the reign of Prince-King Nikola I Petrovich, Montenegrin clothing reached such a degree of luxury that sometimes it cost more than all the property of its owner. It was worn for prestige and out of a desire to appear in all its splendor; ceremonial clothes sought to acquire 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 solemn occasions in almost every Montenegrin family, and it was impossible to fight this.

Montenegrin clothing has changed a lot 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, in numerous descriptions of ethnologists, especially those relating to the 19th century.

But Montenegrin folk clothes can be seen not only in the windows of museums. The traditions associated with the complex process of making national costumes are passed down in the families of craftsmen from generation to generation. And their skill does not go unclaimed. In Montenegro, in almost every city there are ensembles of folk music and dance, the so-called “claps” are especially popular (the choir, which traditionally performs without music, but a cappella, and of course in national costumes). 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 a rich and ancient culture, the formation of which was greatly influenced by 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 practiced 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 most cordial welcome.

National features

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

Another manifestation of the national character is the traditional hospitality and love of life of Montenegrins. Their houses are always open for 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 manners to bring a small gift with you.

One of the brightest signs of life in Montenegro is its smooth slowness. Local men love to spend time at leisurely conversations in coffee houses, and haste, according to legend, can bring misfortune to a person. Many institutions in the country close their work at 16:00.

Montenegro is a wine-producing country with an ancient tradition of drinking wine. Despite the love of Montenegrins for feasts, excessive passion for alcohol is considered bad form here. Talking about interethnic and interreligious conflicts also belongs to undesirable behavior during a feast.

Holidays in Montenegro

• New Year(1st of January)
• Nativity or Bozic(January 6-8) - the main family holiday in Montenegro, accompanied by solemn church services and traditional rituals.
• Easter or Vascres(determined by the church calendar - April-May) - one of the most fun holidays of the Orthodox calendar, famous for mass festivities ("popular council").
• Labor Day(1st of May)
• Victory Day(9th May)
• Republic Day(May 21st)
• Statehood Day or Rebellion Day(July 13)

National features of Montenegro

The distinctive national features of Montenegro are pride and independence, friendliness and tolerance.

Montenegrins are very sociable and hospitable people. They will gladly talk about themselves, but at the same time they will not get into the soul and affairs of the interlocutor. The people of Montenegro are very respectful of any religion and belief. They also honor the traditions of their country, its history and customs. And although European clothes are worn everywhere in the country, the national costumes of Montenegrins are very revered.

Priority concepts for them are "junastvo" and "cojstvo", which means "courage" and "bravery".

Montenegrins are very fond of bargaining and know how to do it wonderfully, but at the same time they have no desire to deceive or hang around.

Freedom-loving peoples in the Middle Ages attached special importance to their national clothes. She played an important role in their external identification and was the personification of national identity, and also reflected the social and social status.
Montenegrin national clothes are 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 outstanding artistic taste and flair.
In addition to all that has been said, it is interesting that the Montenegrin national dress is, by its origin, the only one in the world that took the “ceremonial” clothes of its ruling dynasty and nobility as a model.
This clothing has a history spanning over five centuries! It all started at a time when the Montenegrin dynasty Crnojevic was in power in the country, in the 15th century. Academician Radoslav Rotkovich believes that folk clothes came from Crete, and sailors brought them to Montenegro. In 1496, according to historical data, Djurdje Crnojevic arrived in Venice in a full dress "a la Greca" (in the Greek style), which confirms the hypothesis of Academician Rotkovich that Crete was the ancestral home of the Montenegrin folk costume.
After the demise of the Crnojevic dynasty, part of the Montenegrin nobility continued the tradition of wearing luxurious Montenegrin clothes and, in difficult times, the constant struggle to preserve the freedom of the country. The Montenegrin aristocracy, which preserved the traditions of national dress, used it to demonstrate its lost social status in the new historical conditions. The church, to which power passed after the Crnojevic dynasty, supported and approved the desire to wear the “clothing of the Crnojevics”, and soon it appeared in almost every Montenegrin house. So, by coincidence, the clothes of the ruling dynasty became popular.
In the 16th century, all of Southeastern Europe, with the exception of Montenegro, was in the hands of Turkey. In addition to their cultural traditions, the occupiers 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 costumes and special materials "kadif" and "skerlet". Interestingly, it was considered a provocation to even wear a hat on one side!
Such an attitude of the Turkish conquerors towards the enslaved peoples provoked a 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 the most powerful empire in Europe at that time. Montenegrins stubbornly strove 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 details that were made of cloth or other similar materials. The former aristocracy was in the same position. Every effort was made 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 also determined to a high degree 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 in battles with the Turks as a trophy were used to make Montenegrin clothes. It was considered a sign of protest and personal prowess to wear such clothes in public, even in its unchanged appearance. When the financial situation of the population of Montenegro improved significantly during the time of Peter I and Peter II, both combined with cloth details and entirely festive Montenegrin clothing returned again. In everyday life, clothes with a large number of details made of cloth were more often used, and on solemn occasions, elegant costumes were also worn.
During the reign of Prince-King Nikola I Petrovich, Montenegrin clothing reached such a degree of luxury that sometimes it cost more than all the property of its owner. It was worn for prestige and out of a desire to appear in all its splendor; ceremonial clothes sought to acquire 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 solemn occasions in almost every Montenegrin family, and it was impossible to fight this.
Montenegrin clothing has changed a lot 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, in numerous descriptions of ethnologists, especially those relating to the 19th century.
But Montenegrin folk clothes can be seen not only in the windows of museums. The traditions associated with the complex process of making national costumes are passed down in the families of craftsmen from generation to generation. And their skill does not go unclaimed. In Montenegro, in almost every city there are ensembles of folk music and dance, the so-called “claps” are especially popular (the choir, which traditionally performs without music, but a cappella, and of course in national costumes). And not a single holiday (and there are many of them in Montenegro) is complete without a procession in national clothes.