The word "fustanelle" is a type of traditional Greek skirt worn by men. The spelling of this word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as /fʊstəˈnɛl/. The first syllable, "fus," is pronounced with a short "u" sound, the second syllable "ta" is pronounced with a schwa sound, and the final syllable "nelle" is pronounced with a long "e" sound. The "s" in "fus" is spelled with an "s" instead of a "c" to represent the Greek letter sigma.
Fustanelle is a noun that refers to a traditional Greek garment that resembles a skirt and is worn by men. The word is derived from the Italian word "fustagno," which means "fustian," referring to a type of fabric made of cotton or cotton and flax. The fustanelle is characterized by its full and gathered shape, resembling a pleated skirt that reaches the knee or slightly below.
Typically worn as part of traditional Greek folk dress, the fustanelle is often associated with specific regions or occasions. It is a significant component of the uniform worn by the Greek military elite unit known as the Evzones, who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and other important sites in Greece. The uniform, called the "Evzone uniform," includes a fustanelle made of pleated white fabric, combined with a red or black tassel.
The fustanelle holds cultural and historical importance in Greek society, as it symbolizes traditional Greek values and showcases the country's rich heritage. The garment's unique design and craftsmanship reflect Greek craftsmanship and traditions.
Overall, the fustanelle is a distinctive Greek garment that exemplifies national identity and represents a cultural symbol deeply rooted in Greece's history and traditions.
The word "fustanelle" comes from the Greek language. Its etymology can be traced back to the Byzantine Greek word "fostenla" (φοστένλα), which referred to a pleated, knee-length skirt or kilt-style garment worn by the Greek soldiers of the Byzantine Empire. Over time, "fostenla" evolved into "fustanella" (φουστανέλα) in modern Greek. The Romans, influenced by the Byzantine Empire, adopted the term as "fustanella", which eventually spread to other languages, including English. The fustanella is traditionally associated with Greece and various Greek cultural traditions.