Culture question?

Question

When I went on holiday to Greece, we went to Turkey aswell. I noticed that alot of the older women and alot in other mediterranean countries (Spain, Italy) wear all black including black hair wraps like the grandmother in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, I think (don't know what they're called!) My spanish teacher told me it's because they are in mourning but it seems to be just part of everywhere dress in some places. Does anyone know why this is the traditional dress?

Answer 1

In some cultures, when the husband dies, the widow always wears black.

Answer 2

It DOES mean they are in mourning. i'm from a Maltese background, and over there, they are devout Catholics.

When a lady loses her husband, she dresses in black for the rest of her life to symbolise her loss.

Not all women do this out there though as the onset of modern life has come into play in some regions, and you do tend to fine its older ladies who more partake in this tradition.

Parts of Spain, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Sicily, Malta...they're ALL Meditteranean countries and follow the same traditions.

As for Fat Tart, you're way out of line passing comments on subjects you know nothing about. Go have another pie. (If there are any left, that is...)

Bobounumpty, its true-due to strong religious beliefs, women only marry and love once. There's no bullying or fear involved, its just the way traditions lie. You have to remember also, in places like Malta, divorce is still frowned on due to the strong Catholic beliefs, and is generally not done. Once you're in a marriage, you're in it for life.

We certainly never bulllied my nan, and she certainly din't live her life in any sort of fear lol! She just chose to wear black in mourning for the rest of her life after my grandad passed away. She missed him so much.

Answer 3

I have friends in Corfu and the mother of the family has been wearing black since she lost a child in childbirth. She has had another daughter since but still wears black and will continue to do so for the remainder of her life. It's a mark of respect & mourning. Not all do it as it is a very traditional thing. I think it might wear off with the up and coming generations.

Answer 4

I think you will find that they are ALL widows. Just out of interest, you may have noticed that nearly ALL railings in London are painted black.

They were originally painted black as mourning for Queen Victoria and, although you will see them in other colours, the vast majority are still black.

Answer 5

SAD but you think in 21st century we may have come out of the dark ages think again ...are women being deprived of education ..it appears so ....or are they living in fear maybe ....but sorry mourning not accepting that ..think bulling control ..but mostly FEAR of educated women how sad are you males without us females were would you be ...NOT HERE or the fruits of your loins ..respectfully ..... beware we can be just as mean as you ..you think you wear trousers and we let you but don't push us to far ....there is a limit ..sorry guys know your not all control freaks and your woman don't think so but try telling me what to wear and you would get ....... get lost ....wouldn't dream of criticising your garb but come on alls love in ...doh ..sorry makes me angry when my sisters are so controlled ...love my guy but RESPECT equally we all have our own equalities

Answer 6

well i know that in spain they wear black because they have lost their husbands, the younger generation are not following suit, there are alot of old trads that are slowly fading out

Answer 7

The stupid tarts have lost their husbands and so mourn them for the rest of their lives. Get a life I say and find another bloke. What's the point of mourning a rotting corpse.

Answer 8

BLACK DOESNT SHOW THE DIRT!! JUST JOKING.