In every country of the world there is a recognizable element of the national costume, by which it is easily identified by other inhabitants of our planet. For example, Japanese kimono, Indian sari, Vietnamese nonla hat, etc. All these items of clothing are familiar to foreigners, but they are not included in their everyday life and are perceived only as an exotic outfit.
A completely different thing is a traditional Icelandic sweater called Lopapeys. This sweater, for sure, was seen by each of us, but not everyone knows about its origin and features. Today we want to tell you in detail about what Icelandic sweaters are, what they are interesting for and what they are like.
History of
Knitted sweaters were worn in Iceland a thousand years ago, since the first settlers from Greenland appeared on this territory. They brought with them sheep, which not only served as a source of meat and milk for people, but also gave wool. Wool was used to make warm clothes, blankets and other necessary household items.
Things knitted from sheep's wool were practically the only clothes available to Icelandic people, therefore local craftswomen achieved incredible craftsmanship using the knitting technique. Icelanders learned to knit from the earliest years, as it was believed that this is the same necessary skill as reading. There is even a version that knitted products were later exchanged for other goods from residents of neighboring territories.
Up until the beginning of the 20th century, Iceland was a very separate country, and its population lived primarily by what it produced and produced. When the opportunity arose to import and export various goods, knitting from a vital skill turned into a hobby that was not given special importance.
It is believed that it was at this time that the traditional Icelandic Lopapeys sweater appeared.
Interestingly, he appeared in a somewhat artificial way. In the country there was a need to use domestic wool, the demand for which gradually began to fall. Thus, the idea of a new type of national clothing was born - a knitted sweater with a beautiful, original pattern, in which Greenland and Icelandic motifs are woven.
Characteristics of a Lope Pape Sweater
Real Icelandic sweaters knit only from the wool of local sheep. This is a special breed that has not been crossed for over a thousand years. Therefore, it can be said that modern sheep living in Iceland are the same genetically that the ancient Vikings once brought to this land.
These sheep have a very unusual appearance: long, thick, almost straight wool completely covers their body, with the exception of the paws and head.
White and black sheep of this breed are most common, but there are about 30 possible colors. The wool of Icelandic sheep has a special structure, therefore it is harvested in small quantities, which is why it is not suitable for industrial production of yarn.
Lopapeys sweaters knit only from hand-made yarn - and this is one of the main features of this garment.
Another characteristic feature of the Lope Pape Sweater is the recognizable color pattern. There are many variants of patterns that adorn the neck of a sweater.
Traditionally, ornaments were exclusively black and white, but then various color variations began to appear, which became more popular.
The patterns that decorate Icelandic sweaters are partly borrowed from the Greenlanders and Vikings, and partly invented by the needlewomen themselves. Now it is very difficult to imagine what meaning was originally invested in these crosses, loops and stars.
However, carefully considering the Icelandic ornament, you can guess the snowflakes and firs, drifts and frost patterns on the windows, the mountains and the floods of the rivers, in general, all that the locals see every day.
What to wear?
Since a real Lopapeys sweater can be made only from 100% sheep wool, this is a very warm thing that is appropriate in a winter wardrobe. Most of these sweaters are unisex style, so they can be worn by both men and women.
If for the first circle of things with which the Icelandic sweater can be combined, limited to trousers and jeans of different styles (however, you can add to this list a woolen jacket and a knitted vest), much more effective and stylish combinations are available to the fair sex.
In addition to jeans and trousers, it can be warm shorts with tight tights, golf or leggings. Those who prefer a more feminine style can replace shorts with a short skirt or knit dress. As the bottom of the set fit leggings or leggings.
Over a sweater, you can throw a jacket or vest.
As for shoes, it can be almost anyone. Since this is a cold season, leather boots with fur, suede boots, boots with embroidery or bright uggs are perfect along with the Icelandic sweater.
