People often don’t think about many things in the modern world. But long ago, in order to put on beautiful clothes, they were finally sewn immediately before going out, and then they were removed for the same long time. How did the buttons appear, and what path have they traveled for many years?
The history of the first buttons
Ancient people, before the invention of buttons, fastened clothes in different ways. The simplest option is to tie the ends of the tissues together. Also used various laces and ties. Later, pins were made that were made from bones, plant spikes, and other materials.
It was possible to learn the history of the appearance and use of buttons thanks to archaeological finds. Of course, it is impossible to establish exact dates. However, it is reliably known that the buttons of the modern type people began to use in about the 3rd millennium BC.
This is evidenced by finds discovered during archaeological excavations in India (Indus River Valley). The found buttons had an obvious resemblance to modern products - there are two holes for threading the thread.
Studies have shown that these products date from 2800-2600 years BC. e. and belong to the era of Indian civilization. Similar objects were found in China, as well as in the territories where Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome were located in the past.
Representatives of Indian civilization used buttons as decoration.They were made from shells, had a variety of sizes and shapes. The approach of the ancient Greeks turned out to be more practical, which with a single button secured their traditional outfits - tunics. Other civilizations at this time preferred brooches and pins.
Greek soldiers also found use for buttons - they fastened parts of equipment. Leather products were fastened with metal products. It is noteworthy that some of the 4th century and later finds were gold. This suggests that the buttons performed both a direct function and a decorative one.
Decoration, clasp or amulet?
In the Middle Ages in Europe, buttons did not immediately gain popularity. It is believed that travelers brought them with them from Middle Eastern countries.
Interesting fact: Initially, European women completely refused buttons on clothes and used the usual pins. But such interesting products were liked by men, and their outfits at that time were not inferior to women in terms of luxury and pretentiousness. Until the 19th century, most of the buttons adorned men's clothing.
Decorative buttons have long been considered an element of luxury. They were made of precious metals, decorated with expensive stones. Such products were made to order and in no way inferior to other valuable things, were inherited as family relics.
Functional products appeared along with a new fashion for clothes - outfits became more tight-fitting. It is believed that this trend originated in Germany around the 13th century.
With the proliferation of decorative and functional buttons in Russia, the most unusual attitude developed towards them. These products played the role of amulets, charms - people believed that the presence of buttons on clothes would help them protect themselves from evil forces.
Departmental buttons are the most important for historians - these are products that were sewn to their uniforms. They are preserved much better than the material of clothing itself. With just one button, you can get a lot of valuable information about the person who wore it.
These buttons functioned as identification marks. For example, Nicholas I introduced departmental buttons that were sewn to the uniforms of all officials. Buttons of officers (gold, silver) and soldiers were similarly divided. Some symbols are still used today - sea uniforms are decorated with buttons with the image of an anchor, etc.
Interesting fact: why on women’s clothing buttons are sewn on the left side - the subject of a debate that continues to this day. There are several versions. According to the main one, men always dressed independently, and noble ladies had a servant. Therefore, buttons on the left are a more convenient option.
People have long been looking for ways to fasten clothes. Buttons made of hard materials, similar to modern ones, have been used since at least the 3rd millennium BC. This is confirmed by archaeological finds in the Indus Valley (India). The discovered products had a pair of holes for attaching to clothes and were most likely used for decoration.
