The wedding attire, and in some cultures the future husband’s marriage shawl, furnishings for the new home, etc. that young girls would traditionally, and still in many parts of the world, gradually make in preparation for their betrothal. The trousseau is thing of great pride, showcasing skill and diligence; its size and quality of work would be an important bargaining point for the future bride’s father.
In the west we’re only a few generations from this tradition; my mothers trousseau would not have been a bargaining point, but one of great personal satisfaction.
Many of the most beautiful and best-preserved hand-worked antique textiles come from such celebration cloths and marriage shawls.