Telgiriided

Telgiriided are traditional Estonian garments, specifically referring to the clothing worn by women who were skilled in spinning wool and weaving. The term "telgiriided" literally translates to "loom clothes" or "spinning wheel clothes." These garments were an integral part of a woman's dowry and her identity within the community. The quality of the telgiriided often reflected the spinner's and weaver's proficiency.

The creation of telgiriided was a time-consuming process that began in childhood. Girls were taught to spin wool from a young age, and as they grew older, they would begin weaving their own clothing. This process involved not only the technical skill of working with the loom and spinning wheel but also an understanding of natural dyes and patterns that were specific to their region. The garments were typically made from wool, linen, or a combination of both.

The style and decoration of telgiriided varied greatly across different regions of Estonia, with each area having its own distinct patterns, colors, and garment types. These differences were often indicative of social status, marital status, and local traditions. For example, the complexity of the woven patterns or the richness of the colors used could signify a woman's wealth or her family's standing. Over time, as industrialization progressed, the traditional practice of creating telgiriided by hand gradually declined.