Charivari

What Is a Charivari and How Do You Wear It?

A charivari is a traditional Bavarian tracht accessory: a short chain with several small pendants that is fastened to the bodice of a dirndl or to the apron bow. This page explains where the charivari comes from, how to wear it correctly, which variants Dirndl.com offers, and which charivari suits your dirndl. It is written for anyone who wants to add an individual, history rich detail to their tracht outfit, whether for Oktoberfest, a wedding, or a traditional parade.

Originally the charivari was a purely male accessory. Hunters and farmers attached it to the fly of their lederhosen and collected small trophies on it over the years: coins, teeth, antler pieces, personal keepsakes. Each pendant stood for an event. Over time this trophy jewellery on the tracht chain developed into an independent, decorative accessory that today is worn mainly with the dirndl. The structure has stayed the same to this day: a chain or cord carrying several small pendants and amulets that jingle lightly while walking.

At Dirndl.com you will find 31 charivaris priced between 14.99 and 54.99 euros, from the brands Alpenflüstern and knopffichtner, in styles ranging from delicate pearl models to combined heart shaped bags with a charivari pendant.

How Do You Wear a Charivari Correctly?

With a dirndl there are three common ways to wear a charivari.

On the apron bow: The charivari is hooked directly onto the bow of the dirndl apron and hangs loosely from there. This way of wearing it is most popular with short and midi dirndls, because the charivari stays clearly visible.

At the bodice: Alternatively you fasten the charivari to the side of the bodice, usually at waist height. This looks more discreet and does not move with every step.

As a necklace: Some models, especially mini pearl versions, can also be worn on their own around the neck, without any dirndl or apron. This turns the charivari into a regular piece of jewellery for everyday wear.

A charivari should always hang loosely and move slightly while you walk. Fastened too tightly, it loses its typical character.

Which Charivari Types Does Dirndl.com Offer?

Amulet charivaris: The classic of the range. A central amulet, often round or oval, hangs from a fine chain. Available with a mother of pearl inlay, with small beads as decoration, or with an edelweiss pendant as an extra detail.

Mini pearl charivaris: Smaller and more delicate than the classic version. Several tiny pearls replace the larger pendants and create a fine, understated overall look. Well suited to anyone looking for a discreet accessory.

Pin charivaris: Instead of a chain, this charivari is attached directly as a pin. Quick to fasten, without needing a loop or buttonhole.

Heart shaped bag with charivari pendant: A combination of a small heart shaped tracht bag and an attached edelweiss charivari. Two accessories in one, practical and decorative at the same time.

Which Motifs and Symbols Appear on a Charivari?

The pendants on a charivari are rarely chosen at random.

Edelweiss: The best known symbol of the Alpine region. It stands for purity and steadfastness and appears on many amulet charivaris as a pendant.

Mother of pearl: This shimmering natural material brings a soft shine to a charivari without looking flashy. Mother of pearl inlays change colour depending on the light and therefore look especially high quality.

Rabbit: A rabbit amulet traditionally stands for spring, fertility and good luck. It is a popular motif for charivaris worn at spring festivals or simply as a small lucky charm in everyday life.

Which Charivari Suits Your Dirndl?

Silver toned charivaris look cool and modern and suit blue, green or black dirndls well. Gold toned versions harmonise with warm shades such as red, burgundy or mustard yellow. Mother of pearl charivaris are neutral and can be combined with almost any dirndl colour, since the shimmer shifts tone depending on the light. If you want to combine your charivari with further jewellery, you will find matching pieces in our tracht jewellery selection.

Which Occasions Suit a Charivari?

Oktoberfest: A charivari on the apron bow is a small but effective detail at the Wiesn that instantly makes a simple dirndl outfit look more authentic. You will find matching pieces for the Oktoberfest look in our Oktoberfest collection.

As a wedding guest: A delicate mother of pearl or mini pearl charivari looks festive without being showy, and complements an elegant dirndl for wedding guests. Browse our wedding dirndl collection.

Everyday wear: Worn as an independent necklace, a mini charivari also looks good outside tracht season, for example with a plain blouse or a jumper. More matching pieces are in our accessories and jewellery collections.

How Do You Care for Your Charivari?

For combined products such as the heart shaped bag with charivari pendant, always check the care label of the fabric part first. The metal part itself can simply be polished with a soft, dry cloth, which is usually all it needs. Avoid harsh cleaning agents or metal polish on gold plated or silver plated pendants, since they can damage the thin coating. Clean mother of pearl pendants only dry or with a slightly damp cloth as well, because prolonged moisture can make the surface dull. Store your charivari dry, ideally on its own, so the chain does not tangle with other jewellery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charivaris