The Wealth of Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of Greece’s greatest sources of wealth. The silver-green leaves of olive trees are among the most beautiful features of the Greek landscape. These trees are remarkable not only for their beauty but also for their longevity. Many olive trees can live for centuries, and some legends even suggest that certain groves still standing today may have borne fruit in the days of Socrates and Demosthenes. Near Eleusis, there are trees that locals claim may be as old as 2,800 years.
The trunks of these ancient trees are huge, often hollowed out by age and decay, yet still alive because new bark continues to grow around the damaged areas. Most of the olives harvested in Greece are consumed within the country, but a large amount of olive oil is also exported, especially to France, where it is highly valued Greek Shepherds Currant Country and the Canal of Corinth.
Irrigation and Farming Methods
Because rain in Greece is often irregular and scarce, irrigation is essential for farming. Every farmer must maintain a simple but effective irrigation system of his own. Traditionally, water is drawn up from wells by blindfolded mules, horses, or oxen. The water then flows into cement reservoirs built at an elevated level, allowing gravity to distribute it naturally to the fields.
Interestingly, windmills—so common in other Mediterranean countries—are not commonly used in Greece for irrigation. Instead, farmers rely on these more traditional and animal-powered methods. This system, though basic, has sustained Greek agriculture for generations.
A Colorful Scene at the Railway Stations
Travelers arriving at Greek railway stations often encounter lively crowds, many dressed in traditional costumes. These outfits are striking and unique, combining elegance with practicality. The men’s attire is especially eye-catching, resembling a cross between a ballet dancer’s costume and the outfit of a Highland chieftain.
The kilt, made of white cotton and pleated like an accordion, is worn over woolen tights with black garters tied just below the knees. The footwear is also distinctive: slippers or shoes without heels, curling upward at the toe like an old-fashioned skate, decorated with large silk or cotton pompons at the tip Tour Packages Bulgaria.
Details of Traditional Dress
The jacket, sleeveless and open in front, is richly embroidered with gold or silver braid. The shirt beneath has wide, flowing sleeves and a finely plaited front. Around the neck is a stiff collar, also decorated with gold embroidery or braid. The waist is secured with either a leather belt or a sash.
Greek men in full dress often carried weapons as part of their attire. A gentleman might wear a pistol and two or three daggers tucked into his belt in an accessible way. Peasants, too, commonly wore a leather belt with a sheathed dagger or a pouch at the front, where the handles of a knife and revolver often protruded.
One of the most recognizable parts of the outfit is the red Phrygian cap, which has a long tassel that hangs gracefully over the shoulder. This cap, both practical and decorative, has remained a symbol of Greek identity.
Tradition and Continuity
From the wealth of ancient olive groves to the sight of farmers irrigating their fields with age-old methods, and from the bustling railway stations to the proudly worn traditional dress, Greece shows a fascinating blend of past and present. Olive oil, farming traditions, and national costumes all reflect the enduring culture of a people deeply connected to their land and history.
