Csípöv

Csípöv is a term that may refer to a hip belt in Hungarian language contexts. The standard form in Hungarian is csípőöv, a compound of csípő meaning “hip” and öv meaning “belt.” The variant csípöv appears in some dialectal writings or as an orthographic simplification, but it is not common in contemporary usage.

Description and construction

A hip belt is a strap worn around the hips to secure clothing or to carry items such as pouches or small tools. In folk costume, csípőöv is typically made of leather or sturdy fabric and may be decorated with braiding, embroidery, or metal fittings. Fastening methods commonly include buckles, hooks, or ties, and the belt can vary in width, color, and ornamentation according to regional style.

Historical and cultural context

Hip belts have been part of Central European dress for centuries, serving both practical and decorative roles. In Hungarian traditional attire, the csípőöv complements other elements of the costume and helps distribute weight from carried objects. Regional differences in width, decoration, and fastening reflect local identity and social practices.

Modern usage and preservation

Today, hip belts are primarily encountered in ethnographic collections, costume recreation, and craft contexts. They are studied as components of material culture that illuminate historical daily life and regional variation. The term csípőöv remains the standard reference for the object, with csípöv appearing mainly as a lesser-used variant in some texts.