This costume derives from the times of Alexander the Great, according the tradition that says: due to the very long absence of men from Macedonia, because of the conquering wars in Asia, all responsibilities were carried out by women. So, Alexander wishing to honour them, he “crowned” them with this helmet.
It is also said that the tribe of Kalash, in Afganistan-Pakistan borders, are descendants of the soldiers of Alexander. They still believe in the Twelve Gods of Olympus (ancient greek religion). Look at the amazing similarity of their helmet with the macedonian one!
Thank you Vicky, for this fascinating post. For me, traditional costumes are so valuable because they mean something, as Macedonian do. Find traces of Alexander’s epic is unbelievable, but you’re right, the similarity is amazing with Kalash helmet. I read that, as far as Pakistan, the name “Alexander” or “Iskandar” is still given to boys. We travel further and further with the blog!
And you know what? There is a tradition about the Bigouden headdress: as the Bretons were insurged against Louis XIV (end of 17th century), four bell towers were destroyed in order to punish them. So women said: “We will wear our pride on our heads!!!” And that’s why Bigouden headress is so high…!!!
I found one with beautiful lace ornament
http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Europe/France/West/Bretagne/Saint-Guenole/photo1157889.htm
Isabelle, maman d’élève, is right! The Bigouden headress is high and tends to represent the Breton headress, but it was only worn in the south of our “county”.
http://vspv.free.fr/accueil/bigouden.htm
Each part had its own headress and they are as spectacular:
http://www.lepenven.eu/coiffe.html
The headresses worn in Macedonia are like ” une pièce montée”: do they have feathers?
The similarities between the Kalash headress and the Macedonian one are very striking: Alexander the Great’s soldiers must have been very handsome to push women to wear such “mountains” on their head!
Thanks for this beautiful post. I will tell you a secret: I prefer the costume from Lesvos!
Magnifiques les coiffes bretonnes! Maintenant s’explique très facilement pourquoi Paris est la capitale de la mode du monde entier!
hmmm … interesting story about helmet.
nice and festive !
Kalash headdress look more ancient … maybe … or more strange.
Macedonian look like modern theater costume