How Should You Choose Viking Age Colors For Your Costume?

Choosing the right colors for your Viking Age costume is essential for achieving historical accuracy and making a memorable impression. The colors used during the Viking Age were derived from natural sources and held significant cultural and social meanings. To create an authentic Viking look, it's important to understand the historical context and select colors that reflect the period's unique palette.

In the Viking Age, colors ranged from vibrant blues and rich reds to rare purples and earthy browns. Blue hues varied from deep, intense shades to subtle grey-blues, while reds ranged from striking oranges to luxurious wines. Purple, derived from lichens, was a rare and prestigious color, and yellow, extracted from plants, added brightness and warmth. Browns and natural wool colors represented practicality and everyday wear. By understanding these color choices and their historical significance, you can craft a costume that truly captures the essence of the Viking era.

Understanding Viking Age Colors for Authentic Costumes

When purchasing a Viking Age costume online, the choice of color is crucial for achieving historical authenticity and making a striking impact. Here’s a detailed guide to help you select colors that are true to the Viking Age:

Color Palette of the Viking Age

1. Blue: The Viking Age offered a variety of blue hues, from muted grey-blues to deep, intense shades. These colors were achieved through complex dyeing processes using natural resources. For an authentic Viking look, choose rich, deep blues that reflect the high status and wealth, or go for subtle grey-blues for a more subdued, everyday appearance. The dyeing techniques used included indigo and woad, which provided these varied blue tones.
2. Red: Red was a prominent color in Viking attire, ranging from bright orange-reds to deep, luxurious wine reds. This wide spectrum was due to the diverse natural sources used for dyeing, including madder root and various other plants. For a high-status Viking look, opt for vibrant, striking reds that were indicative of wealth and power. These colors were often reserved for important ceremonies and significant social events.
3. Purple: Purple in the Viking Age was derived from lichens and was thus quite rare and expensive. The shades ranged from delicate light lavender to rich, deep purples with red undertones. To capture the essence of Viking purple, choose colors that reflect this natural range. Purple was a color associated with nobility and high status, so it’s perfect for a costume meant to convey authority or distinction.
4. Yellow: Yellow dyes, extracted from plants such as weld or various other sources, produced colors from soft beige to vivid yellows. Viking Age yellow was often used for both practical and ceremonial purposes. For a striking look, select bright, warm yellows that stand out and capture the vibrant spirit of Viking fashion. Yellow tones were also used to signify wealth and high social standing.
5. Brown: The browns used in Viking garments were created from walnut shells and other natural materials. These ranged from reddish-browns to warmer, earthier tones. Choose rich, deep browns to achieve an authentic Viking appearance. Brown hues were commonly used in everyday attire and rural costumes, reflecting the natural environment and practical needs of the Viking people.
6. Natural Wool Colors: Sheep wool in its natural state varied from whites and off-whites to various shades of brown and black-brown. These colors were often used for practical garments and lower-status attire. If aiming for a more rustic or everyday Viking look, consider natural, undyed wool colors. These shades provide a genuine representation of the common wool garments worn by Vikings.

Buying Tips for Your Viking Costume

1. Vibrant Colors for High Status: To achieve a high-status Viking appearance, select deep, rich blues and vibrant reds. These colors were not only visually striking but also expensive and prestigious. They were typically worn by high-ranking individuals and used in ceremonial attire. Pair these colors with high-quality accessories and undergarments, such as white linen, to complete the luxurious look.
2. Muted Shades for Everyday Wear: For a more practical, everyday Viking outfit, opt for muted and soft shades. Consider selecting subtle blues, reds, yellows, and dyed browns, as well as in-between hues like rust-red, red-brown, yellow-green, and light purple-pink. These colors reflect the more common and utilitarian attire of the period. Combine these shades with unbleached or half-bleached linen for undergarments to maintain historical accuracy.
3. Uncolored Wools for Rural Looks: If your costume represents a rural Viking, uncolored wools are an appropriate choice. This fabric, often seen in Norwegian and Gotlandian finds, reflects the more practical and less ornate attire of those living outside urban centers. Use unbleached or half-bleached linen for underwear or an additional layer of wool for a historically accurate outfit.
4. Quality and Authenticity: When selecting fabrics, steer clear of overly dark shades and focus on historically accurate hues. Beige and natural-colored wools are excellent for everyday garments and offer a genuine representation of Viking clothing. Ensure the fabric quality aligns with historical standards, avoiding overly modern or synthetic materials.

By carefully selecting colors and materials based on historical accuracy, you’ll create a Viking costume that is both authentic and visually impressive. Whether for reenactments, themed events, or simply embracing the Viking spirit, choosing the right colors will enhance the historical integrity of your outfit.

Conclusion

In crafting a Viking Age costume, the selection of historically accurate colors is paramount to embodying the essence of the era and ensuring a striking visual impact. By choosing colors like deep blues, vibrant reds, and rare purples based on their historical availability and significance, you can create an ensemble that not only reflects the richness of Viking culture but also stands out at any event. Combining this knowledge with buying tips focused on color intensity and material authenticity will allow enthusiasts to fashion a look that is both true to the time and visually appealing. Whether aiming for the regality of a high-status Viking or the simplicity of everyday rural life, the thoughtful choice of colors and materials will make your Viking Age costume a testament to the vibrant historical tapestry of the Norse people. For authentic Viking jewelry, accessories, and clothing, consider exploring the offerings at Triple Viking, where the spirit of the Viking era is passionately preserved and brought to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the most authentic colors for a high-status Viking costume?
• For a high-status Viking costume, opt for deep, rich blues and vibrant reds. These colors were indicative of wealth and prestige during the Viking Age and were often reserved for significant social events and ceremonies.
2. How can I achieve a more practical, everyday Viking look?
• To achieve a practical, everyday Viking look, select muted and soft shades like subtle blues, reds, and natural wool colors. These hues reflect the utilitarian attire common among Vikings and are suitable for representing everyday life.
3. What materials should I avoid when selecting a Viking Age costume?
• Avoid overly modern or synthetic materials when selecting a Viking Age costume. Focus on natural fibers like wool and linen, and ensure that the colors and textures align with what would have been available during the Viking era.
4. Can I use purple in my Viking costume?
• Yes, purple can be used in your Viking costume but should be chosen carefully as it was a rare and expensive color, associated with nobility and high status. Opt for shades ranging from light lavender to deep purple with red undertones to reflect its historical significance.
5. Is it historically accurate to include yellow in a Viking costume?
• Yes, including yellow in a Viking costume is historically accurate. Yellow dyes were derived from plants and used to produce a range of shades from soft beige to vivid yellows. Yellow was often used to signify wealth and high social standing, making it suitable for both practical and ceremonial garments.