Paradosiakes Ellhnikes Foresies - Boreia Evia

This book contains the treasures of the folk civilization taken out of a research that had more than ten years to be completed and documented by its bibliography, consisting of about 200 references from old books and personal testimonies. 125 colorful photos guide the reader through time and culture. Rare embroideries, dresses and textiles are taken off the closets and are photographed for first time, to inspire the artists and let the collectors know about them. Exclusive silver and gold-plated jewels, hidden for many years, are exposed to the lens and show their glamour and art of the greek goldsmiths. 19th century greek silver and gold coins, used then as decorative elements, constituted furthermore a display of wealth.

The traditional costumes presented in this book, seem to be the development and theevolution of the byzantine attitudes. The ancient greek chiton, the roman stolam and later the byzantine dalmatiki were substituted by the greek folk chemises. The later, richly decorated with floral and geometrical patterns seem also to have a relationship with ancient worships, since ancient gods' symbols are found embroidered on the chemises' hem to transfer fertility and beauty on the woman. All types of flowers parade on women's clothes in exceptional makeshift designs and symbols like the triangle and the snake, found in many civilizations of the world like the Aztecs and Egyptians, can also be found on the garments to protect the superstitious Greeks from magic and evil eye, showing the global spread of symbols among human social groups. Moreover the jewels share with the ancient ones the same forms and designs, and furthermore the goldsmiths have made them with the same ancient techniques, showing the historical continuity of greek silverware.