Costume collection
The foundation “Fonden Gamle Sønderho” owns a large collection of costumes that were worn by women in Sønderho as everyday attire until the 1950s. Today, women wear the costumes on Sønderho Day and for festive occasions.
Members of the foundation can borrow or rent costumes for weddings, confirmations, and similar events.
FANØ COSTUMES
The Fanø costume is a traditional dress that was historically worn by the residents of Fanø. The costume consists of different elements that are combined to create a unique and colorful ensemble.
The upper part of the Fanø costume is called a "bodice" and is typically a fitted, short-sleeved jacket. The bodice is made of high-quality materials such as cotton or silk and is often embellished with intricate embroidery and decorations.
The lower part of the Fanø costume, called the skirt, is long and wide. It is made of sturdy materials like linen or wool and typically reaches the calf. The skirt is often in vibrant colours and can be adorned with various patterns and trimmings.
An apron, tied around the waist, is also a part of the costume. This apron is also made of high-quality materials and is often embroidered. It serves both as a decorative element and for the protection of the skirt.
Additional important accessories for the Fanø costume include headscarves called "klude," traditionally tied around the head, as well as jewelry such as brooches, earrings, and necklaces. These accessories complete the costume and give it a special expression.
The Fanø costume reflects the island's maritime history. It is worn at various festive occasions and traditional events. It is an integral part of Fanø's cultural heritage and is passed down from generation to generation.
CHILDREN OF THE LOT AND
THE "LITTLE" BRIDESMAIDS
Since olden times, it has been a long-standing tradition for girls and boys to sell raffle tickets in the week leading up to Sønderhodag in support of the preservation work of Fonden Gamle Sønderho.
Dressed in the beautiful Fanø costumes, the children walk around in small groups in both Sønderho and Nordby. In this way, special friendships are formed, often lasting well into adulthood. In the evenings, many of the raffle-ticket children gather at Sønderho Forsamlingshus, where they receive lessons in Sønderhoning and Fannik together with the adults.
Many of the children dream of becoming such skilled dancers that, when they turn 18, they are allowed to dance on Møllebanken during Sønderhodag as part of the wedding party. Over time, this tradition has meant so much to the children that families have often felt “obliged” to plan part of their holiday in Sønderho during this very period.
THE OLD FANØ COSTUMES
Women dressed in their fine costumes.
The first woman from the left is wearing a nice Sunday costume made of black silk with cotton cloths - scarves - around her head and neck.
The next two women are wearing festive costumes made of silk, along with silk cloths.
The fourth woman is wearing her fine Sunday costume, which consists of a velour bodice - "nattrøje" (worn over another one - "nach" in German) - and a silk apron. She is also wearing cotton cloths around her head and neck.
All four costumes have silver buttons and embroidered rose ribbons. The two women in festive costumes also wear a belt with a silver buckle. Underneath the aprons, the women wear pleated woolen skirts.
Click the button below to view photos and descriptions of the costume collection at "Mit Fanø".
SCARF EXHIBITION
In 2015, there was a thought-provoking exhibition at the Fanø Art Museum about the headwear in the Fanø costume titled "A scarf is a scarf is a scarf". You can find more information about the exhibition here.
PHOTO CREDIT
Katrine May Hansen