Gifts for the Beloved

Courtship in rural Sweden during the 1700s and 1800s was (arguably) a somewhat more complicated and socially restricted affair than nowadays. The process of two young people entering the married echelons of society was the concern of the entire community, and they were surrounded by manyfold expectations and traditions to make the process go just right.

As a result, the material culture and crafts were quite magnificent. During this talk, Swedish textile artist and art historian Emma Ewadotter will offer a peek into folk art and the traditions surrounding betrothal and marriage with a special emphasis on the roles of textile goods in this context.