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Housewife keys
We are no strangers to the key in the belt, even though it does not actually belong to the silver of the bunad. It was often the case that the mistress of the house always carried keys to the storehouse, outbuildings and main house, as well as many other things. The mistress of the house was responsible for food, clothing and household goods. That's why she wore a key on her belt.
To be handed the housewife key from either mother or mother-in-law was an honor. It meant that she now had power, so it was a solemn moment in a young housewife's life. So the symbolism of the housewife's key that many wear with their national costume is precisely the woman's power over the care of the household.
