ALSATIAN BONNETS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 June 1939, Page 10

ALSATIAN BONNETS

FOUR YARDS OF RIBBON. The large Alsatian bonnets seen at Strassburg and the region, that sticks out round the head like a butterfly take four yards of silk ribbon ten inches wide to make. They are made up every day afresh and are not supported by any frame. The big bonnet is made up on a close fitting cap, and it takes great skill and practice to get the two sides of the bonnet equal in size. Black was substituted for col-' oured silk as a sign of mourning after the loss of the province when seized by Germany, but although there has been a return to brightly coloured silk for the bonnet, black has been adhered to by many as being very becoming. The butterfly bonnet also looks very fine in scarlet.

Every bonnet in Alsace tells a story. At a glance the practised eye can discern whether the wearer is Protestant or Roman Catholic, single of married. Thirty, however, seems to sound the abandonment of hope, for in many parts old maids over thirty wear the same bonnets as the married women. Adornments of dress are many and peculiar, A shawl plays an important part. In the neighbourhood of Wissembourg the shawls are quilted and worked with brightly coloured, pretty designs. They are very valuable, and one lasts a lifetime. The reverse side, all in black, with embroidery in black silk, is ready for days when the wearer will be in mourning. The big basket that goes daily to market always has a square of white linen to cover the food in it, and this square bears the name of the family neatly embroidered in red.

Inside the Alsatian home, close to the street door, is an oblong of white linen, on which are embroidered the initials of husband and wife, with the date of their marriage, followed by other initials and dates as the family history has grown more eventful with new arrivals.