Saint Paul
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Moravia
Moving east from Bohemia we come to the hills of Moravia, home of the vineyards that produce excellent Moravian wines. Bordered by Poland to the north and Austria to the south. Culture here is more diverse, reflecting the difference between the lowlands and the pastoral culture of the carpathian mountains. Music in the region still includes the fiddle bands, here joined by the xylophone - like sound of the cimbala or hammer dulcimer. Dances often include independent displays by the women and men, and have a slow section followed by a quick dance.
Moravian kroj
Kroj from Moravia vary as much as the geography. In the valassko region at the edge of the carpathian mountains, their natural produce includes hemp linen and wool from their flocks of sheep. Kroj from the region have felted wool vests, indigo print skirts, wooly socks and soft leather shoes. In the southern kyovsky region we see elaborate embroidery, laces, metal and glass ornaments and painting on textiles, worn with high leather boots.
Leather
Leather was a symbol of wealth in some regions of the country. The more money you had, the longer or thicker your belt could be. Here you see our Moravian men showing off their wealth by wrapping their belts around their waists several times.
Handkerchiefs
You might also notice
some of the Moravian men wearing a handkerchief sticking out of their
pocket. We have been told that it was a tradition that a young man would
present that handkerchief to the girl of his choice after a dance. She
would take it home and put it under her pillow. If she dreamt of the young
man that night, he was the one shewas destined to marry.