“EVZONES” THE GUARDIANS

Today, it refers to the members of the Presidential Guard, a ceremonial unit that guards the Greek Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Mansion in Athens. An Evzone is also known, colloquially, as a Tsoliás.

Evzones are known for their distinctive uniform, which evolved from the clothes worn by the klephts who fought the Ottoman occupation of Greece. The red farion (cap) symbolizes the blood shed by the Greeks, while the black tassel hanging down the side symbolizes their tears. The most visible item of this uniform is the fustanella, a kilt-like garment. The 400 pleats of the foustanela (skirt) equals the years Greece suffered under Ottoman rule. The fermeli (waistcoat), entirely embroidered by hand, is the epitome of the Evzone uniform and it bears various folk symbolisms. The white colour of the shirt refers to the purity of their struggle. Bearing in mind that each pair of tsarouchia (shoes) weighs 3kg and features a combined 120 nails in order to produce a specific sound when they march, you can imagine the strength and endurance it take to be an Evzone.