Bridal costume of Alexandria Bridal costume of Alexandria

This bridal costume was worn in about 50 villages in the plain of Yannitsa, an area then called Roumlouki, where Gidas (now Alexandria) is the most important village. The chemise is made of white cotton. The “anderi”, a black quilted coatdress, is worn only by brides. The “sayas”, an open-fronted dress of dark blue cotton, is lined on the inside, right and left, with panels of gold-embroidered velvet (“podies”, ‘aprons’) which are visible when the sides are turned back. The podies are never turned back when the wearer is in mourning. The belt, embroidered with silver spangles, is worn round the waist over the sayas. The “kondossi” (sleeved waistcoat) and the “fouta” (apron) complete the ensemble. An essential part of the bridal costume is the pair of sewn-on velvet sleeves (“broumanika”). The bridal headdress looks like a helmet and is called “katsouli me tis foundes”: the katsouli is the hard, egg-shaped part of the headdress held in place on the crown of the head by a lock of hair taken from married women which was never taken off even in bed. Wrapped round the katsouli are the three kerchiefs of the headdress, one black and two white. One of the white kerchiefs hangs down the back of the neck and is called the “peristera” (dove). A good bridal katsouli also has a pair of tassels. The hair is cut in a fringe. The costume is finished with jewellery and flowers. Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation Collection