Idaho news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1887-1891, 1888-04-07
Modern Greek wom,eu.

Tho Greek women Of the upper class ara
generally clever, well bred, well Informed, and
might rival in accomplishments, culture aud
conversational powers their sisters OF the west
And the Greek ladies OF the ''Phanar'' at
Consianiinople have for centuries been re-
uowued for their ability aud requirements.
The advantages OF education are, however,
by no means restricted to the upper class, for
not only In towns, but In almost every village
where there is a Greek community, schools
have been founded in which the instruction
given TO girls ranges from the simplest ele-
mentary lessons to ancient Greek, psychology
and mathematics. Here the children Of rich
and poor SIT side by side 10 the same class q
practice which, / am assured, tends rather 10
elevate the tone OF the children OF the people
than to deteriorate the manners of the better
bred.
The most striking faults IN the Greek wom-
ans character are her vanity, fondness for
dress and display, and jealousy Of the better
circumstances Of her nelghbors. The spirit OF
ambitious rivalry is often carried 10 such ex-
cess that the real comforts Of home life are
sacrificed 10 It: and many live poorly and dress
meanly at home, in order to display a well
furnished drawlng-room and expensive holt
daV toilets to the public. They are, however,
very domestic, make devoted wives, and fond,
If not always judiclous mothers.
Family affection is, perhaps, the noblest
characteristic of the Greek character. No
where else, think, does one see fraternal
love so strongly developed nor the women OF
the family SO tenderly cared for. Should the
father die the brothers take his place, and so
long as sister Of manageable age remains
unportoned and unwed they will not think Of
taking wife themselves.
Though the Greek women in the towns have
almost entirely discarded their picturesque
national costumes, they are still worn in the
country. In some districts these costumes
bear great resemblance TO those Of the Bull
garians, though without their gaudiness Of
color; in others they consist generally Of
skirt OF brightly striped stuff, and an en-
broldered cloth jacket, while for out Of door
wear fur-lined pelisse is added. The hair is
braided into numerous tresses, and surmount-
ed by small red cap decorated with gold and
silver coins similar to those worn as a neck
lace.
A Greek peasant girl takes an active part in
household duties and helps to spin, card,
wind and weave or knit the wool, fax and
silk used for the garments of the family. She
leads her fathers flock TO the pasture, and I'M
der The title Noskopoula steals the hearts Of
shepherd SWANS, and is by them immortalized
in rustic song. On Sundays and feast DAYS
she rests from her toll, and with her compan-
.SAS NNNNES hlS ~AAAaAS S8ttyf VI
dance on the village green.
II there is more than one daughter IN a
PEASANTS family she is sent out to service IN
some neighbOrlng town. Very frequently, If
| the girl is well conducted, and especially
should she happen to be an orphan, she Is
| adopted as a member OF the family into which
she entered as fsSyehDd dd, or soul child. y
In that case, If still young, she is sent to
school for year or two, is clothed and cared
for. She receives no wages but when she ar
rives at the age of twenty five or six she is
lowered and married from the house Of her
adoption WomdR's World.