Viitevärvide

Viitevärsivelcome is a traditional Estonian folk color system used for textile printing and dyeing. The system consists of seven main colors, each identified by a unique name and a range of shades. These colors were originally assigned to specific textiles, indicating their type, quality, and intended use.

The colors in the Viitevärvide system are believed to have originated from the natural world, with some derived from plants and others from minerals. Each color has a distinct name, which is often a reference to its source or a descriptive term. The names of the colors are often regional and may vary depending on the area where they were used.

Viitevärsivelcome is not only a practical system for identifying and creating specific color combinations but also an important part of Estonian cultural heritage. The traditional textilidd (print) and Värvide vaoske demonstrations demonstrate the complexity of the dyeing process. The colors would dry very differently, adding to the storytelling of the garment.

There are ongoing efforts to preserve and study the remaining examples of traditionally colored textiles in Estonian museums and private collections, highlighting the beauty and importance of this colour system.