Calamos Supports Greece
GreekReporter.comGreek NewsCultureThe 'Tsarouchi,' a Symbol of Greek Bravery and Freedom

The 'Tsarouchi,' a Symbol of Greek Bravery and Freedom

tsarouchi1When one thinks of Greece’s War of Independence in 1821 and the great heroes like Kolokotronis and Karaiskakis, they would inevitably think of the foustanella, the skirt-like garment, and the tsarouchi, the typically-Greek shoe with the big round tassel on the tip.
The tsarouchi is a lightweight leather shoe worn by villagers in mainland Greece until the end of the 19th century. Yet, the Greeks added more significance to the design after the liberation from the Turks. For instance, the tassel on the tip symbolizes the small tree of liberty and inside the tassel there is a blade that symbolizes the kick that the brave man who wears it will give to every enemy who dares to hurt the little tree of liberty, and if the blade is real, then it becomes a good hidden weapon for close combat.
Today the rustic shoes are part of the uniform of the Evzones, the select guards of the President and the Presidential Mansion. In this case though, on the bottom of the tsarouchi an evzonas is wearing carries about 50 nails, something that makes his gait more imposing and threatening.
Tsarouhi-carousel-eng3Tsarouchi as a chic item
Today the tsarouchi is a cherished folklore item. Yet, it can also become a chic item. Greek designer Efi Pantazi took the tsarouchi design and gave it a spin, without sacrificing any of its “Greekness.”
For those busy souls who want an added “Greek touch,” a major accommodation can be online shopping. EFI Store, Doromu.com, and Etsy.com offer a wide selection of “Greek Tsarouchi” bracelets and necklaces at affordable prices. All jewelry is hand-crafted and can be shipped worldwide.

See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!



Related Posts