The components of the uniform Almost nothing has changed in the Evzone uniform to those worn by the Greek revolutionaries in 1821. Handmade using traditional methods, each component is a small work of art.
FARION A cap made of thick felt with a long black tassel. When Evzones salute, their fingers are directed to the Greek coat of arms on the front of the farion
BAYONET Dating from the time when Evzones fought in hand-tohand combat.
FERMELI The waistcoat, which takes about six months to sew and is made entirely from wool. With proper care, it can last for more than 10 years.
SHIRT White, like the fustanella, believed to symbolize purity of purpose.
BELT A cartridge belt with a bayonet scabbard.
FUSTANELL A This is much like a kilt and served the same purpose. It takes many meters of fabric to achieve the intricate pleats, with some saying that there are 400 folds to represent each year that Greece was under Turkish rule. The blue and white fringes represent the colors of the Greek flag.
PERISKELIDE S Cotton stockings, two on each leg.
EPIKNEMIDE S Garters made of silk.
INFO Depending on the season, Evzones wear either the navy-blue winter Doulama (tunic) or the light khaki summer Doulama. There are also Cretan and Pontic uniforms in tribute to the struggles on the island and in the Black Sea region.
TSAROUCHIA Heavy red clogs made of leather with nails in the soles that produce an impressive – and one can imagine intimidating in battle – gunshot-like report during the march.
M1 GAR AND Handling this semiautomatic rifle is the most difficult part of the Evzones’ training. Apart from having to bear its 4-5kg weight and the pressure it exerts on the shoulder, Evzones also have to slam the rifle into their shoulder with great force in order to make a noise. In the initial stages of training, bruised left shoulders are common among recruits.