Zone (vestment)
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The zone (/ˈzoʊnɛ/ ZOH-neh or /ˈzoʊni/ ZOH-nee; Greek: ζώνη, romanized: zṓnē) is a form of girdle or belt common in the ancient Eastern Mediterranean. In ancient Greece, the zone was traditionally worn by women.
Cultural significance
For ancient Greek women, the zone is used as a sign of their sexual maturity, since pre-pubescent girls do not wear them. However, younger girls do wear zones, but an unbelted version of it. Adult women who are unmarried wear a belted version of the zone which signifies their virginity. The process of the bride tying the belt's knot prior to the wedding is symbolic of her readiness for marriage. The belt is meant to be removed by their husband on their wedding night. A married woman still uses a zone, and also a belted version, though it looks different from the one used by an unmarried woman. The belts are only removed during their pregnancy and childbirth.[1]
At the same time, female foreigners (also known as barbarians in ancient Greece) do not wear belts. The male foreigners, however, do, and this signifies their lack of manliness.[1]
In literature
The zone has featured in Greek literature depicting female mythological figures. It is often used to symbolize female sexuality, such as when Hera seduced her husband, Zeus, while wearing her zone in the Iliad or Pandora, as she was created by Athena in Works and Days, appeared with her zone and "silvery raiment". The zone is also used as a way to maintain female agency, where the zone is used by Aeschylus' Suppliant Maidens as a way to commit suicide when the alternative is to enter unwanted matrimony.[1]