History of Irish Dance Costumes
The traditional agricultural life of Old Ireland was isolated and full of hard work on the family farm. The community would look forward to Sundays when they would come together and celebrate Mass. The people would put on their best clothes for church. Girls put on their dress and their mothers would curl their hair using rags the night before. The tradition of curling hair began as a way to show respect for the Sacrament; to make the ordinary extraordinary. After Mass people would gather at the town's crossroads and meet with the neighboring town. Musicians would play and everyone, both young and old would participate in traditional group dances. This is how the tradition of Irish dancers wearing fancy dresses and curled hair began.
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