Bridal costume of Skyros Bridal costume of Skyros

The bridal “chrysi” costume of Skyros, consists of a petticoat, the “kolovoli”, a white embroidered under-chemise, a waistcoat of patterned brocade (“mendene”) and over these a second chemise, the “poukamiso me ta chrysa”, which is white from the waist down but has a crimson or green bodice of fine silk with gold embroidery. The embroidery on the “skoutes” (skirts) of both chemises is widely famed. Next comes the sleeveless dress (“kap’has”), which is often made of rich brocade and has a decorative “poydere” (hem). Over all these is a short sleeveless waistcoat, the “gouna”, with a buckled belt. The “podemi” (footwear) includes white knitted stockings with various patterns, as well as the “terlitsia” and “g’dores”. The headdress consists of a “tsemberi” (scarf) and, over it, a long white scarf (“bolia”) with a crimson central section, the “opsi”. When the bolia has been passed over the head and the opsi secured under the chin, the two embroidered ends hang gently to decorate the back. Over the bolia is the “f’tas”, the large, specially-woven blue and crimson kerchief. Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation Collection