Eleftheria
The culture of Greece has evolved over thousands of years and is known for being the cradle of Western civilisation, a place where many ideas in the Western world have flourished. Indeed, the Greeks’ influences and contributions have had a profound impact on Western civilisation: much of modern Western politics, language, art, architecture, science, sport, philosophy, literature, etc., evolves from Greek practices.
(Photo credit to Owen)
Among the earliest Greek literature, dating back to the Archaic period, are two epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey by Homer (circa 750 – 650 B.C.). These two ancient epic poems have become archetypal road maps in world mythology. While the Iliad is an epic tale of war and battle, the Odyssey is the story of a life’s journey filled with obstacles. After the Greeks’ victory in the Trojan War, it was time for Odysseus to return to his kingdom of Ithaca, which had been at war for ten years. After another ten years of wandering the Mediterranean and its coastal lands. Odysseus finally arrives home with the help of the messenger god Hermes.
(Photo credit to Owen)
Many brand names and companies’ logos are based on original Greek mythological stories. The French luxury brand Hermès is named after its founder, Thierry Hermès. In the Odyssey, Hermes was the messenger god. He represents the God of roads and doorways, and also the protector of travellers. Thus, Hermès is a perfect name to represent a brand that specialises in equestrian horse equipment, leather goods, and accessories.
(Photo credit to Wiki)
The Greek Revolution of 1821, also known as the Greek War of Independence, was a successful war by Greek rebels and freedom fighters against the Ottoman Empire between 1821 and 1829. Greeks around the world celebrate the revolution as their Independence Day on March 25th.
When Greece marked its 200 years of independence with hopes of rebirth in 2021, Hermès announced the theme “The Human Odyssey” on its press day. Hermès paid tribute to the 200th Anniversary of the Greek Revolution with a limited-edition scarf, “Eleftheria”.
(Photo credit to Hermès)
The Hermès scarf Eleftheria was designed by the Greek artist Elias Kafouros. The limited-edition scarf features the spectacular landscapes of Greece and the bold word Ἐλευθερία (Freedom) in white colour. It was only available at the Hermès Athens store from March 2021, and the Company pledges to donate part of the proceeds to Sotiria Thoracic Diseases Hospital of Athens. The other six colourways will be available worldwide in the Fall/Winter seasons of 2021.
As stated in the Hermès catalogue: “Elias Kafouros commemorates the bicentenary of his country’s independence and celebrates the courage of his compatriots. His design unfolds like a flag, and each letter of the Greek word for “freedom” is written in a characteristic landscape of the country’s three regions: Continental Greece, the Peloponnese, and the islands of the Aegean sea. Mountainside houses, bell towers, ancient colonnades, bridges, and terraces flower at the heart of luxurious nature. A lake is superimposed at the centre of the letter “θ”, taking the shape of a blue eye – a symbol the Greeks see as warding off bad luck. Here, it symbolises citizens’ open gaze regarding their cultural, social and human heritage. Resolutely turned towards the future.”
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