How Folk Music Influenced Clothing Styles
Contents
How Folk Music Influenced Clothing Styles of the 1970s. The 1970s was a decade of change in many ways, including fashion.
Introduction
Folk music has played a significant role in influencing the clothing styles of various cultures around the world. For centuries, people have used clothing as a way to express their identity, and this is especially true for those who identify with a particular culture or subculture. Folk music often contains elements of traditional culture, and this can be reflected in the way that people dress. In many cases, folk music has helped to preserve traditional clothing styles and even create new ones.
The Origins of Folk Music
Folk music has its origins in the medieval era, and was associated with the lower classes. The music was passed down from generation to generation, and was used as a way to communicate stories and history. The music was often used as a way to express emotions, and was a form of entertainment. Folk music influenced many aspects of culture, including clothing styles.
The British Isles
Folk music of the British Isles has been influenced by many factors, including Celtic and Roman influences, as well as more recent Germanic and Norman invasions. The music is often divided into four distinct categories: ballads, Morris dance tunes, work songs, and play-party songs.
Ballads are narrative songs that were originally passed down orally from generation to generation. Many of these songs are about love, loss, or murder, and they often have a tragic ending. Some of the best-known ballads include “Barbara Allen,” “The Unquiet Grave,” and “The Wife of Usher’s Well.”
Morris dance tunes are lively pieces of music that were traditionally played for English folk dances. These dances were often performed by groups of men wearing brightly colored costumes and waving handkerchiefs or sticks. Some of the most popular Morris tunes include “Jockey to the Fair,” “Dargason,” and “Staines Morris.”
Work songs were sung by laborers while they worked in the fields or performed other tasks. These songs helped to pass the time and made the work seem less monotonous. Many of these songs were about Fools Hiring Day, when young men went to villages to find work for the upcoming year. Other popular work songs include “The Durham Reel” and “The Leaving of Liverpool.”
Play-party songs were sung by children during their games. These games often had simple rhyming lyrics that could be easily memorized. Some of the most popular play-party games included”Oranges and Lemons,” “Pop! Goes the Weasel,” and “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush.”
The United States
Folk music in the United States is often thought of as originating with the music of England, Scotland, and Ireland. This is only partially true. While it is certainly true that English, Scottish, and Irish immigrants brought their music with them when they came to America, the music that they brought was only a part of the overall picture.
The music of many other cultures was also brought to America by immigrants. These included the music of Germany, Italy, Sweden, Poland, and many others. In addition, the music of African slaves was an important part of the early American folk music scene. All of these different kinds of music influenced each other and helped to create the rich tapestry that is American folk music.
One example of how different types of folk music have influenced each other can be seen in the evolution of the banjo. The banjo is an instrument that was brought to America by African slaves. It quickly became popular among white Americans as well, and by the early 1800s, there were already a number of different types of banjos being played in America.
One variety that became particularly popular was the minstrel banjo. This type of banjo was played by performers who imitated blackface performers popular in Vaudeville theaters at the time. The minstrel banjo had a very distinct sound that can still be heard in some modern types of folk banjo playing.
How Folk Music Influenced Clothing Styles
Music has always had a big influence on fashion. In the early 20th century, it was the Gibson Girl and the Edwardian look inspired by the music of the day. In the 60s, it was the hippie look inspired by the Psychedelic music of the time. In the 90s, it was the grunge look popularized by Nirvana and other bands of the Seattle Sound. So, how did folk music influence clothing styles?
The British Isles
Folk music has been around for centuries, and it has had a profound influence on many aspects of life, including clothing styles. The British Isles have a particularly rich history of folk music, and the clothes that were worn by earlier generations of people in this region have often been inspired by the music.
Traditional Irish clothing is a good example of how folk music can influence fashion. The bright colors and patterns of Irish dresses are often inspired by the lively tunes that are played at traditional Irish dances. Similarly, the tartan plaids worn by many Scottish people are based on the patterns that are found in Scottish traditional music.
Folk music can also be seen as a source of inspiration for more modern styles of clothing. For example, the popular British band Mumford & Sons has often been credited with popularizing a “hipster” style of dressing that includes items such as fedoras and suspenders. This type of clothing is based on the more traditional clothing that was worn by earlier generations of folk musicians.
Whether you’re looking for traditional or more modern styles, you can find clothing that has been influenced by folk music from all over the world.
The United States
Folk music has had a profound effect on fashion ever since its inception in the early 20th century. While the exact origins of folk music are a matter of debate, it is generally agreed that the genre emerged as a way for people to express their dissatisfaction with the status quo. The songs were often about social justice issues and weresung by people who were not part of the mainstream music industry. This DIY approach to music-making served as an inspiration for many fashion designers who followed in the footsteps of Folk musicians.
One of the most notable examples of this is Levi Strauss, who was influenced by Folk music when he designed the first pair of blue jeans. Strauss was a German immigrant who came to America in 1853. He initially worked as a dry goods merchant, but he soon realized that there was a great demand for hard-wearing clothing that could be used by workers in the Gold Rush. Strauss saw an opportunity to create a new type of clothing that would be both functional and stylish. He took his inspiration from the workers who were singing folk songs while they worked. These songs often talked about class struggle and social injustice, which resonated with Strauss. He decided to use these songs as inspiration for his designs, and he created some of the most iconic pieces of clothing in American history.
While Folk music may not be as popular as it once was, its influence on fashion is still evident today. Many modern designers have been inspired by the DIY ethic of Folk musicians and have used it to create their own unique styles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, folk music has had a significant influence on clothing styles throughout the years. From the practical and functional garments worn by early peasants and workers to the more decorative and embellished clothing of the Victorian era, folk music has played a role in shaping the way we dress. Today, folk music is still influencing fashion, with many designers incorporating traditional elements into their collections. As long as folk music continues to be popular, it is likely that its influence on fashion will continue.
