Reactions on Facebook to Synne Vo's pink shirt are divided, with some commenters saying it is not a bunad shirt and should not be used. Costume historian Bjørn Sverre Hol Haugen at Norsk Folkemuseum told NRK Innlandet that bunad owners are free to use it as they wish and it is not punishable, but if one does not follow traditions, reactions can be expected. He noted that most things related to bunad create engagement and strong feelings.
Ellen Krageberg, director of Noregs Husflidlag, told NRK Innlandet she is tired of bunad shaming and media creating a circus around it before May 17. She cheers for everyone who wants to use bunad or festdrakt, emphasizing respect for each other and that May 17 is a day to celebrate community, freedom, and the Constitution. She advised not to shame oneself or others for what they wear.
I don't think I have much to say about this 😅❤️
Norwegian bunader are based on folk costumes from the 1800s, and in Aust-Telemark, people used colored shirts for festive occasions in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
If you have a bunad, you are free to use it as you wish. It is not punishable.
Most things related to bunad create a lot of engagement. There are many who have strong opinions and not least strong feelings tied to Norwegian bunad use.
I cheer for everyone who wants to use bunad, I cheer for you with festdrakt.
And perhaps most important: Don't shame yourself on May 17 for what you wear – and don't shame others either.