What do alarm clocks, vending machines, the Olympics, abstract geometry, the science of optics, and fire hoses have in common? They're all things that were invented by the ancient Greeks.
Though the Greeks - often seen as the founders of modern society as we know it - were not as technologically advanced as the Romans, many great minds emerged from amongst this ancient population, whose work - across a broad spectrum of subjects - we still use to this very day.
Much like the scientific, philosophical, and even medical legacies of the ancient Greeks, the world has long held onto a general fascination with this Mediterranean culture (which interesting, is technically named the Hellenic Republic, not Greece). From the stunning azure coastlines to the arid hills, the lush olive groves to the cobblestone marketplaces, Greece beckons one with all the might of a thunder bolt cast down by Zeus himself, and though not a land I've had the pleasure of visiting in person yet myself, it is one that I very much hope to see some day.
Beyond the geographical pleasures of this southeastern European nation, there are many elements of its civilization and cuisine that appeal to people the world over (far beyond bed sheet togas worn at frat parties). Greece is a country at the crossroads of three mighty continents (Europe, Africa and Asia), each one of which has placed a significant role in shaping its culture over the centuries.
In recent years Greece has been effected tremendously by economical problems, however it once flourished as one of the mightiest and wealthiest nations of the world, during which time many motifs, styles, materials and foods were created that remain popular the world over to this day.
While Greek culture (past or present) didn't factor into the design field during the early and mid-twentieth century as heavily as influences from certain other societies (such as the ancient Egyptians, for example) necessarily did, one can still find many a piece from the 1900s-1960s which channels a distinctly Greek vibe.
One very chilly, snowy morning recently, I awoke with thoughts of Greece on my mind. I was craving its scrumptious cuisine (much of which, if we take bread and pastry out of the equation, is - or can easily be made - gluten-free, a huge plus for those like me with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance), daydreams of dipping my toes into its warm, sparkling blue waters, and wishing that I had more Greek inspired garments in my wardrobe.
I haven't been able to stop my thoughts from wandering back to Greece ever since, and so today I want to share with you some of the wonderful Greek related vintage items (while ancient Greek antiquities are highly prized and much collected, the items in today's post are all from the twentieth century, as is keeping with the theme of this blog) that I've recently found on etsy.
I haven't purchased any of these, but a couple are definitely on my wish list at the moment (I wonder which of the Greek Gods good side's I'd need to get on to receive them?).
{The iconic repeating motif often seen as a border on all manner of Greek or Greek influenced articles is known as the Greek key or Greek fret, and its use is one of the best ways to instantly inject a Hellenic vibe into any piece. Here a black Greek key border adorns the hem of this circa 1960s empire waist cocktail dress, further adding to the timeless appeal of this beautiful garment. Fits up to 36" bust/30" waist. $95.00 from Swing Kat's Vintage.}
{Conjure up thoughts of a 1950s vacation to Greece with this lovely 31"x31" nylon souvenir scarf, which hails from that era. $28.00 from Lost Lake Vintage.}
{Pick up this adorable pair of 4" tall 1950s/60s traditional folk costume adorned dolls to use as a centerpiece at your next Greek dinner party. $11.50 for both from Country Cove Creations.}
{For that special Adonis in your life, a dapper 1940s-50s red jacquard satin necktie featuring images of Greek medallions on it. $30.40 from The Vutique.}
{A beautifully attired Greek lass sashays her way across the corner of this charming vintage hand painted handkerchief (which measures almost 28"x30"). $5.50 from A Better Time.}
{Never serve Baklava on a plain plate again when you can bring it to the table on this elegant 11.75" enamel on copper serving platter that's a reproduction of an original Grecian Etruscan design. $11.00 from Trixie Devereaux's Junk Shop.}
{Bar none, my favourite item in today's delightful roundup, this beautiful pink and white 1950s dress is fit for Aphrodite herself. Fits up to a 40" bust/30" waist. $135.00 from Tova's Vintage Shop.}
{For all the sewing fans out there, this charming 1950s pattern would be a great way to whip up a Greek maiden, or goddess, inspired outfit for your next costume party of Greek themed shindig. $14.00 from SydCam123.}
{Look as though you hail from one of ancient Greece's most well-to-do families in this chic 1960s silver tone necklace and earrings set featuring Greek style coins. $148.00 for the set from Ver Unica.}
{Slinky, alluring, and timelessly lovely, this Greek inspired white 1950s cocktail dress strikes me as something Marilyn Monroe would have happily worn. Fits up to a 36" bust/26" waist. $148.00 from Wear It Again.}
{You'll have no need for an interpreter when you've got this lovely and handy vintage English-Greek in your suitcase. $16.00 Attention Vintage.}
{As many of them tend to be, this gorgeous novelty print circle skirt depicting scenes from ancient Greece fits a very tiny (22") waist, however a sewer with the know-how could always add in in an extra panel of fabric to widen it to accommodate a larger waist. $165.00 from Vintage Devotion.}
Now, tell me, don't these elegant, lovely vintage Greek themed pieces put you in the mood to book a flight to Athens right now? Or if that's not very feasible, at least don a crown of laurel leaves and whip up a feast of pita bread, souvlaki, spanakopita, and tzatziki right this very minute! I know they certainly put me in just such a mood, and indeed, I'll be stocking up on the ingredients to make a Greek feast the next time I go grocery shopping.
Today however, as winter is still digging its heels in here, I'm going to curl up with some of my favourite works by Socrates, a bowl of yogurt with walnuts and honey, and thoughts of one day seeing Greece and experiencing its legendary Mediterranean warmth firsthand.
I might not make it to Mt. Olympus anytime soon, but as the vintage items in today's post prove, one can still very easily inject a hearty dose of Greek culture into their home and wardrobe anytime. Now if that's not worth enthusiastically saying "opa" over, I don't know what is! :)
