Do Mormons Wear Prairie Dresses?

Often mistaken as a part of their regular attire, prairie dresses are more of a cultural and historical expression for some members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, rather than a uniform requirement.

The Beliefs and Dress Code

It is essential to understand that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church, does not enforce a strict dress code. Instead, they encourage modesty in attire. The definition of modesty, however, can vary across different cultures and contexts within the church.

Historical and Cultural Context

Historically, prairie dresses were popular in the 1800s and early 1900s. These dresses were a symbol of pioneer heritage in the state of Utah, where an annual celebration on July 24th recognizes the arrival of the first wagon train in the Salt Lake Valley. This event, often commemorated in the Days of 47 Parade, is a day where participants can see and hear about the early pioneers and their struggles. It is not uncommon to see people wearing prairie dresses during such events.

Practical Environments

During certain events and reenactments, such as Trek, a youth program, members of the church reenact the journey of early pioneers. During these activities, participants often wear period-specific attire, including prairie dresses. Trek is a week-long experience where young members and their leaders pull handcarts and camp out, learning about the sacrifices made by early church members to practice their faith. While participating in these activities, they may wear prairie dresses and other historical clothing to better immerse themselves in the experience.

Modern Day-to-Day Attire

For their day-to-day lives, female members of the church typically opt for more contemporary attire, although with a greater emphasis on modesty. They prefer longer skirts, longer shorts, and they cover their torsos and upper limbs. This preference for modest clothing can be interpreted as a way to align with their religious values and adhere to the principle of modesty.

Community Celebrations and Parades

During community celebrations, other events, or parades dedicated to Mormon pioneer history, such as the Days of 47 Parade, you might see members of the church wearing prairie dresses. It is a way to honor their heritage and connect with the historical roots of the church. The goal is to honor the pioneers' legacy while celebrating the rich cultural history of the area.

Conclusion

In summary, while prairie dresses are not worn daily by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they do have a place in their cultural and historical celebrations. The church encourages modesty and comfortable attire for everyday use, reflecting its core values of faith, modesty, and continuity with historical pioneers.