Has Terry Swallowed A History Book?

The guy has gone quite mad!

But I promised him I would relay the information here - so sorry if it's becoming boring - its not meant too...I am trying to stimulate the creative juices - both yours and mine!

So here it is....

Did you know that the colors of toga’s worn in ancient times discriminated between classes and professions?

There was only one sombre color allowed for peasants.
Officers were permitted to have 2 colors.
Clan commanders generally wore 3 colors.
The Imperial household could wear up to 7 colors.
Plain white was the color of choice of soothsayers.
Black was worn by theologians.
Philosphers kept to blue.
Green was the color of choice of medical practitioners.

Have a think what is most appropriate to you, and the theme of your toga party, when deciding on your fabric color and how to make your toga.

Alternatively do what I will probably end up doing - dispense with tradition and make your toga one that everyone will remember!

Ooops sorry Terry...

Terry's History Lesson 2 - Toga Variations

Did You Know That Toga’s Came in Different Varieties?

Terry is off on a history lecture again - and I am sitting here helpless -all I can do is listen -I knew I should never have shown any interest in the subject. He is always so enthusiastic about everything. He is annoyingly perfect.

I have to admit that the information is quite interesting, especially for anyone about to embark on learning how to make a toga, as it gives examples of the many varieties of toga designs there were during the Roman Empire, and how each one was used. This can be a great source of inspiration if you are stuck for toga ideas. So here goes:

Toga pulla.Translated to mean dark toga this was often used by those in mourning, during a protest, or to signify times of angst or danger and was made from black wool.

Toga picta/toga palmata.This is the ‘posh’ variety of toga. Purple with gold embroidery and highly embellished, it was worn by generals during victory celebrations or parades. It was also worn by consuls, magistrates during gladiatorial games, and the emperor on special occasions.

Toga virilis/toga pura.Sported by most Roman men from the age of fourteen (coming of age) onwards this all white toga was used for special occasions. It was the same off-white color as the toga praetexta, but had no distinguishing marks like the toga praetexta's purple stripe.

Toga Sordida.When a toga virilis got dirty, it was considered a toga sordida, and was generally only worn by poor people who could not afford to maintain their toga. The title of the group of people who wore togae sordidae is sordidati.

Toga trabea.These came as 3 distinct types, all purple for the gods, purple and white for kings, scarlet stripes with purple hem for augurs.

Toga praetexta.This was a white toga having a wide purple stripe to its border. It was usually worn by adolescent boys, priests, kings and magistrates.

Toga candida.This all-white toga, bleached by chalk, was worn for public office.

The Mighty Aphrodite

More on history - I am just lovin' this....

Has anyone been to see the statue of Aphrodite in California's Getty Museum?

At 2,400 year old, and over 7 foot tall, she epitomizes the voluptuousness of womanhood, despite having a chipped nose and being bald - well we all have our off-days!

This plus-sized goddess of love and queen of the heavens, makes it reassuring to think that the larger size was worshiped at one time in our history. In fact it was because of her size, and the strength it gave her, that made her a goddess.

But looking at her it has suddenly struck me! This lady is one clever cookie. The loose, billowing toga she is adorned in would never create a muffin top, or saddle bag thighs, and there would be no need to ask does my bum look big in this.

So anyone looking how to make a toga who is worried about being overweight, fear not, just look at the Mighty Aphrodite for inspiration.

Got The Toga - What About The Hair?

OK so when you have decided upon how to make a toga and have got your accessories in place, its time to think about hairstyles.

So I phoned Terry to get his new-found historical expertise and asked him what did the Romans do.

He tells me up until 300 BC they did not do an awful lot grooming-wise, spending most of their time fairly grubby - eww.

Well hey Terry, that's not much help, un-groomed is not a good look, especially for anyone out there hoping to find a date at said party.

Let me finish, he goes on. This soon changed with men starting to favor a groomed beard, only to be removed once grey hairs started to appear. I like grey on a man - distinguished and all of that. Shut up, he says.

Men’s hair, he goes on, was kept very short or shaven, the vainer amongst them would have had their hair curled with curling irons.

Oh I think I have an old set of curling irons in my bedroom drawer, would he come over so that I can practice on him...no he says, he's busy he says, all week he says...

So what about for us girls Terry? Women’s hair he says, would have been tied in a bun at the back of the neck, or coiled it into a knot at the top of the head. Alternatively the hair may have been adorned with ribbons or worn as ringlets.

Mmmm ringlets, mmmm curling irons..let me just check those curling irons still work...hang on he has not finished he says.

False hair and wigs would have often been used to create such flamboyant styles and many would have had their hair bleached blonde.

Bleach...wigs...oh I am so loving this.

Gotta go I tell him...so much to do I tell him. Curling irons, wigs and all that.

So if like me,your really feel like making like a bona fide Roman, then invest in a set of curling irons or check out your local hairdressing supplies and wig store.

Terry's Toga History Lesson Part 1

My best friend Terry is my toga party staple! Why - because he is just one of those people that everyone loves! He talks non-stop, he laughs non-stop. Everyone has their own Terry, right?

At my last toga party - he was there as usual, dressed to thrill! He had captured quite an audience, being the extrovert he is. When I went over to see what was going on, he was spouting all this stuff about toga history that he had been reading up on, and everyone seemed really interested (maybe they were just being polite!), so I though I would pass it on here. Some of you will be curious, and some won't. But whatever, you can always use it to impress your friends at your next toga party - just like Terry did!

Here goes:

Did you know that in roman times a toga wearer was known as a togatus.

Did you also know that the original toga was a thick woollen cloak and used more as an overcoat. It was worn with loin cloth and tunic underneath and when indoors subsequently removed.

If you have ever worn a toga before you will know how cumbersome they can be. When made the correct way they require large amounts of material, which can be, not so much heavy, but more awkward to wear. Not surprisingly they fell out of fashion quite quickly and buttoned cloaks were introduced. They still remained as court dress during the days of the Empire probably because they have a regal look to them.

Just a word of caution here, if you are thinking about how to make a toga for a forthcoming toga party, I would strongly advise that you forget attempting authenticity and lay off the wool, I have tried it to my cost – hot, sticky – eww!