The object I chose is the Cretan costume that my grandfather gave me. He got it at age 10 in Greece in 1940. He brought it with him when he immigrated to the United States. My costume represents my culture; my heritage, my pride, and where I come from. It is an outfit worn by men that died fighting Turkey for their independence between 1919 & 1922. It was worn by victors, and by true heroes. It is also worn in village dances that involve fast rhythmic moves like high kicks, and big long steps. The costume consists of baggy pants called a vraka, or breeches, which tuck into black boots. A snug waistcoat, the mediangileko,  is worn across the chest. My mediangileko is navy blue, which symbolizes the sadness and mourning of war. One wears the mediangileko over a white rough shirt to symbolize hope in times of hardship. The outfit is finished with a red belt that is tied around the waist, to symbolize the bloodshed and a black kerchief is worn around the neck or head. In addition to all of these individual pieces of the costume, there are other items such as knives that are worn in the belt by some indigenous people of Crete. The knives are made of ebony, aluminum, or nickel, and represent the readiness of the wearer to tackle all of life's’ problems. They also are to protect Greece ’s independence and well being. Overall, the costume represents both the hero I aspire to be, as well as my roots in the region of Crete. 

– NM

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant