Everything you need to know about the charivari chains for a dirndl dress

Oktoberfest is upon us, which means that the ladies have started the festive preparations and what is more important than the dirndl dress for this occasion? Nothing else shines brighter than this traditional Bavarian tracht during the fall season’s celebrations. It outshines the enormous chocolate-smeared pretzels and the gigantic beer halls. 

The classic elements are a foolproof way to look exquisitely exceptional in your outfit and enchant everyone, and charivari chains are one of the most statement pieces in this category. This blog will give you insight into the charivari chains and how to wear them with your Oktoberfest dress. 

The History Of Dirndl Dress

Although it is not a rigid rule to wear the traditional Bavarian tracht to Oktoberfest, it’s no fun to wear any other outfit. The dirndl dress sets the mood right for the event as soon as you wear it. This ensemble has surely come a long way since its inception. Let’s look at its history before we jump into the deets of the classic charivari chains.

Europe’s fascination with nationalism in the late 18th and early 19th centuries included a return to nature movement that emphasized peasants and farm life. But how exactly did this happen?

The rural people were idealized as authentic and unrestrained by the modern, increasingly metropolitan, industrialized community. 

The traditional dirndl is one of many Trachten created during this period. It was not originally an article of conventional clothing but became one after the rich class started donning it.

What Does The German Dirndl Dress Symbolize?

The authentic dirndl is a costume with a full, floor-length or calf-length skirt, long-sleeved blouse, and a fitted bodice. Traditionally, an apron and a shawl (sometimes even a jacket) were worn over the garment. The word dirndl symbolizes its wearer. 

German dialects from Bavaria and others simply refer to a young woman. It was first a bourgeois projection that became a tradition after a few generations. It also became emotionally charged, as do many customs. 

The Bavarian dirndl and, more broadly, the trachten (or Heimat in German) became symbols of heritage, identity, belonging, and a homeland. 

Charivari Chains 

A classic Bavarian costume jewelry, the charivari, is constructed of solid silver or a unique silver-plated chain. It is decorated with charms, jewels, coins, horn discs, sculpted deer teeth, hooves, and several animal claws designed into antique pieces. 

During the Napoleonic era, the word charivari first entered the German-speaking world. It’s secondary, more significant meaning at the time was confusion or disturbance. Both English and French have maintained this meaning up until the present. However, it got mingled with the Beerfest dresses and evolved from chaos to a symbol of style.

Originally, these chains symbolized the farmers’ hard work ethic and rank. The charivari was once a watch chain occasionally draped with different hunting trophies from the buttonhole of men’s shirts. It was carefully conserved, could not be purchased, and was passed down over time in a single family.

Read more:- How to layer up your dirndl dress for an autumn festival?

Contemporary Charivari Chains

The value of some ancient charivaris can exceed 10,000 euros. They are dispersed throughout the Eastern Alps and have been restored by the growing popularity of traditional regional costumes. 

The chains have become trendy throughout Bavaria in the modern day. The men’s chain is often crafted of 825- or 925-part silver and measures around 33 centimeters in length. 

Women’s chains are typically finer, fashioned of rose-plated Erbsketten, and can be embellished with tiny solid silver charms, coins, or antler pieces that go perfectly with a full maxi dirndl skirt.  

Pricey composite antlers or fox teeth are used in some chains. Animal materials are now being replaced with cast metal trinkets in contemporary charivaris.

Combine Them With Dirndl Dress

Although various vogue accessories and jewelry pieces are now available to pair up with the Bavarian tracht; however, the charivari chains continue to be unique and special at Oktoberfest. 

There are various styles and designs in these chains for the German dirndl. But firstly, it is important to know where exactly you should tie or position these accessories on your Bavarian outfit.

Just where your bodice ends and the skirt starts, these chains can be easily connected to the holes in the bodice from where the lace is tied together. You can conveniently attach and remove the charivari chains from the dress with two snap hooks at opposite ends. 

When it comes to the styles, they are typically crafted of silver, but the additions on the chain can vary based on your preference. Sometimes, two or three chains are hanging from one side and adornments on the other. 

A very graceful choice is to buy a charivari with rhinestone embellishments. They look exquisite and chic. The edelweiss flower, heart, and deer craft is our favorite pick for the charm combination on the chain. It brings out femininity and cultural elements simultaneously. 

Buy A Dirndl Online

The charivari chains look great only if combined with a great quality dirndl dress. For this reason, Dirndl Online Shop brings you a diverse assortment of the traditional Bavarian tracht so you can pair them up with the beautiful chains to steal the limelight at Oktoberfest.