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Saroyan

@saroyan.bsky.social
569 followers 521 following 2K posts

Posting about things that interest me. #Photography about anything. Hope to #learn something new every day. #travel when I can. #Christmas. Enough said.

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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
#humour #idiom I heard this today: Madder than a mosquito in a mannequin factory! It is apparently an American idiom meaning extremely frustrated, angry, or agitated.
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk8v... #Robot #Seoul #K-Pop #ThemePark #SouthKorea
youtube.com
Robots Take Center Stage: Inside Seoul's World-First K-Pop Robot Theme Park | WION
YouTube video by WION
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
www.bbc.com/news/videos/... #ThemePark #SouthKorea This is Galaxy #Robot Park, a 16,500-square-meter venue near #Seoul in South Korea. The company behind the park says their aim is to bring artificial intelligence and robotics into the world of entertainment.
bbc.com
Are robots the future of entertainment? This South Korean theme park thinks so
Galaxy Robot Park is a 16,500-square-meter venue in South Korea, with attractions including humanoid robots dancing to K-pop hits.
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
#jokes #coffee #humour What do you call a sad cup of coffee? Depresso.
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
#quotes #FoodforThought #LeoTolstoy #perfection If you look for perfection, you’ll never be content. ― Leo Tolstoy
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
📷 #photography
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
#quotes #FoodforThought #GabrielGarcíaMárquez #dreams #life It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old. People grow old because they stop pursuing dreams. ― Gabriel García Márquez
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
📷 #photography
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
#jokes #humour #computer #puns What did the hungry computer eat? Chips — one byte at a time.
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
📷 #photography
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
#jokes #cheese #humour What did one cheese scientist say to the other? You’re brie-lliant!
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Reposted by Saroyan
清水裕子 @honneamise.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
やった!雲の隙間から中秋の名月 🎑
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
#didyouknow #HongKong #VictoriaPark Giant master-crafted lanterns from Nanjing meet festive displays from 20 countries, featuring over 3,000 distinctive lanterns and bringing diverse lantern stories and cultural traditions to the heart of the city. image ©Hong Kong Tourism Board
Hong Kong Lanterns Festival

Hong Kong Tourism Board

Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival 2026 in Hong Kong 

Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival: September 17–27, 2026 at Victoria Park (Causeway Bay).

Mid-Autumn Lighting Installation: September 17 – October 11, 2026 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza (Tsim Sha Tsui).

Paired with vibrant local intangible cultural heritage — such as the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance and the local Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival organised by the LCSD — the event highlights Hong Kong’s dynamic blend of East and West, offering an authentic unforgettable festive experience.

Victoria Park, 1 Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island
Free AdmissionHong Kong Lanterns Festival

Hong Kong Tourism Board

Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival 2026 in Hong Kong 

Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival: September 17–27, 2026 at Victoria Park (Causeway Bay).

Mid-Autumn Lighting Installation: September 17 – October 11, 2026 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza (Tsim Sha Tsui).

Paired with vibrant local intangible cultural heritage — such as the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance and the local Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival organised by the LCSD — the event highlights Hong Kong’s dynamic blend of East and West, offering an authentic unforgettable festive experience.

Victoria Park, 1 Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island
Free AdmissionHong Kong Lanterns Festival

Hong Kong Tourism Board

Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival 2026 in Hong Kong 

Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival: September 17–27, 2026 at Victoria Park (Causeway Bay).

Mid-Autumn Lighting Installation: September 17 – October 11, 2026 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza (Tsim Sha Tsui).

Paired with vibrant local intangible cultural heritage — such as the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance and the local Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival organised by the LCSD — the event highlights Hong Kong’s dynamic blend of East and West, offering an authentic unforgettable festive experience.

Victoria Park, 1 Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island
Free AdmissionHong Kong Lanterns Festival

Hong Kong Tourism Board

Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival 2026 in Hong Kong 

Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival: September 17–27, 2026 at Victoria Park (Causeway Bay).

Mid-Autumn Lighting Installation: September 17 – October 11, 2026 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza (Tsim Sha Tsui).

Paired with vibrant local intangible cultural heritage — such as the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance and the local Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival organised by the LCSD — the event highlights Hong Kong’s dynamic blend of East and West, offering an authentic unforgettable festive experience.

Victoria Park, 1 Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island
Free Admission
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
#didyouknow #HongKong #VictoriaPark The Hong Kong Thematic #Lantern Decorations are a collection of themed lantern installations. Rich in cultural symbolism and visual splendour, they offer a truly magical celebration under the autumn sky. image ©Made-in-China.com
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
#didyouknow #HongKong #VictoriaPark The Hong Kong Thematic #Lantern Decorations are a collection of themed lantern installations. Rich in cultural symbolism and visual splendour, they offer a truly magical celebration under the autumn sky. image ©Hong Kong Tourism Board
Hong Kong Tourism Board

Mid-Autumn Lanterns Festival: September 17–27, 2026 at Victoria Park (Causeway Bay).

Hong Kong Thematic Lantern Decorations
Date: 17 September – 4 October 2026
Lighting Hours: 6:30pm - 11pm (extended to 12am on 24-27 September)

Featured Thematic Lantern Displays:

Dragon Gate
Venue: Water Fountain Plaza, Victoria ParkHong Kong Tourism Board

Mid-Autumn Lanterns Festival: September 17–27, 2026 at Victoria Park (Causeway Bay).

Hong Kong Thematic Lantern Decorations
Date: 17 September – 4 October 2026
Lighting Hours: 6:30pm - 11pm (extended to 12am on 24-27 September)

Featured Thematic Lantern Displays:

Dragon Gate
Venue: Water Fountain Plaza, Victoria ParkHong Kong Tourism Board

Mid-Autumn Lanterns Festival: September 17–27, 2026 at Victoria Park (Causeway Bay).

Hong Kong Thematic Lantern Decorations
Date: 17 September – 4 October 2026
Lighting Hours: 6:30pm - 11pm (extended to 12am on 24-27 September)

Featured Thematic Lantern Displays:

Dragon Gate
Venue: Water Fountain Plaza, Victoria Park
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Reposted by Saroyan
Lady-Rain @lady-rain.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Happiness is knowing when to land and when to fly… #FollowTheButterfly #butterfly #photography #nature #ArtInNature
A butterfly pauses in my garden, somewhere between the joy of staying and the freedom of going.
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
#didyouknow #HongKong #VictoriaPark Hong Kong #Lanterns #Festival. Bringing together festive lanterns from 20 countries. Showcasing global lantern stories and cultural traditions in Victoria Park. image ©Hong Kong Tourism Board
Hong Kong Tourism Board
Hong Kong World Lantern Boulevard
Mid-Autumn Lanterns Festival 2026 in Hong Kong 

Mid-Autumn Lanterns Festival: September 17–27, 2026 at Victoria Park (Causeway Bay).

World Lantern Boulevard
Lighting Hours: 6:30pm - 11pm (extended to 12am on 24-27 September)
Walking Trail near the Model Boat Pool, Victoria ParkHong Kong Tourism Board
Hong Kong World Lantern Boulevard
Mid-Autumn Lanterns Festival 2026 in Hong Kong 

Mid-Autumn Lanterns Festival: September 17–27, 2026 at Victoria Park (Causeway Bay).

World Lantern Boulevard
Lighting Hours: 6:30pm - 11pm (extended to 12am on 24-27 September)
Walking Trail near the Model Boat Pool, Victoria ParkHong Kong Tourism Board
Hong Kong World Lantern Boulevard
Mid-Autumn Lanterns Festival 2026 in Hong Kong 

Mid-Autumn Lanterns Festival: September 17–27, 2026 at Victoria Park (Causeway Bay).

World Lantern Boulevard
Lighting Hours: 6:30pm - 11pm (extended to 12am on 24-27 September)
Walking Trail near the Model Boat Pool, Victoria ParkHong Kong Tourism Board
Hong Kong World Lantern Boulevard
Mid-Autumn Lanterns Festival 2026 in Hong Kong 

Mid-Autumn Lanterns Festival: September 17–27, 2026 at Victoria Park (Causeway Bay).

World Lantern Boulevard
Lighting Hours: 6:30pm - 11pm (extended to 12am on 24-27 September)
Walking Trail near the Model Boat Pool, Victoria Park
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
#didyouknow #HongKong Hong Kong #Lantern #Galleria. Showcasing colourful local craftsmanship, this dedicated display captures the nostalgic spirit of a traditional Mid-Autumn celebration. image ©Hong Kong Tourism Board
Hong Kong Tourism Board

Mid-Autumn Lanterns Festival 2026 in Hong Kong 

Mid-Autumn Lanterns Festival: September 17–27, 2026 at Victoria Park (Causeway Bay).

Hong Kong Lantern Galleria
Date: 17 September – 4 October 2026
Venue: Hill Knoll Pavilion, Victoria Park
Lighting Hours: 6:30pm - 11pm (extended to 12am on 24-27 September)
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
#quotes #dogs #HelenThomson #humour A well trained dog will make no attempt to share your lunch. He will just make you feel so guilty that you cannot enjoy it. – Helen Thomson
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
#didyouknow Do you know about the lacquer fan? A #lacquer #fan (known in China as #qīshàn) is a traditional handmade handheld fan decorated using a "floating lacquer" hydro-dipping technique. images © (L) Buddha3bodhi (Top) Bonhams (Bottom) Timory DIY
What is a Lacquer Fan?

History: Dating back over 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty, lacquer fans were originally used in royal and noble ceremonies as symbols of power and status before becoming cherished folk art.

The Craft: Artisans drip coloured lacquer paints onto the surface of water and swirl them into marble or flowing abstract patterns using a stick. A blank paper or fabric fan is then gently dipped into the water, transferring the unique design onto the fan surface.

One-of-a-Kind: Because the paint moves naturally with the water's current, no two lacquer fans turn out identical, making each piece a distinct, collectible work of art.

Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University(BNBU)

Lacquer fans (qīshàn, 漆扇) have a history spanning over two thousand years rooted in traditional Chinese craftsmanship, originating as symbols of royal power before evolving into folk art and global export commodities.

Ancient Origins and Ceremonial Roots

Han Dynasty Beginnings: Historical records show that the earliest lacquer fans were used primarily in royal and noble ceremonies to symbolize status and power.

Material Evolution: Traditional frames were constructed from sliced bamboo and covered with delicate xuan paper (rice paper) or silk, then treated with natural tree lacquers and mineral pigments.

The "Floating Lacquer" Technique

Marbled Aesthetics: The iconic look of a lacquer fan relies on the "floating lacquer" (piāoqī) method, taking advantage of the fact that raw lacquer is insoluble in water.

Artistic Process: Artisans drip coloured lacquers onto the water's surface, swirling and manipulating the fluid using gestures like dotting, flicking, and stroking before dipping the fan directly into the water to pick up the unique marbled pattern.

Singular Artifacts: Because water currents and mixing speeds change with every dip, no two lacquer fans turn out identical.What is a Lacquer Fan?

History: Dating back over 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty, lacquer fans were originally used in royal and noble ceremonies as symbols of power and status before becoming cherished folk art.

The Craft: Artisans drip coloured lacquer paints onto the surface of water and swirl them into marble or flowing abstract patterns using a stick. A blank paper or fabric fan is then gently dipped into the water, transferring the unique design onto the fan surface.

One-of-a-Kind: Because the paint moves naturally with the water's current, no two lacquer fans turn out identical, making each piece a distinct, collectible work of art.

Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University(BNBU)

Lacquer fans (qīshàn, 漆扇) have a history spanning over two thousand years rooted in traditional Chinese craftsmanship, originating as symbols of royal power before evolving into folk art and global export commodities.

Ancient Origins and Ceremonial Roots

Han Dynasty Beginnings: Historical records show that the earliest lacquer fans were used primarily in royal and noble ceremonies to symbolize status and power.

Material Evolution: Traditional frames were constructed from sliced bamboo and covered with delicate xuan paper (rice paper) or silk, then treated with natural tree lacquers and mineral pigments.

The "Floating Lacquer" Technique

Marbled Aesthetics: The iconic look of a lacquer fan relies on the "floating lacquer" (piāoqī) method, taking advantage of the fact that raw lacquer is insoluble in water.

Artistic Process: Artisans drip coloured lacquers onto the water's surface, swirling and manipulating the fluid using gestures like dotting, flicking, and stroking before dipping the fan directly into the water to pick up the unique marbled pattern.

Singular Artifacts: Because water currents and mixing speeds change with every dip, no two lacquer fans turn out identical.What is a Lacquer Fan?

History: Dating back over 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty, lacquer fans were originally used in royal and noble ceremonies as symbols of power and status before becoming cherished folk art.

The Craft: Artisans drip coloured lacquer paints onto the surface of water and swirl them into marble or flowing abstract patterns using a stick. A blank paper or fabric fan is then gently dipped into the water, transferring the unique design onto the fan surface.

One-of-a-Kind: Because the paint moves naturally with the water's current, no two lacquer fans turn out identical, making each piece a distinct, collectible work of art.

Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University(BNBU)

Lacquer fans (qīshàn, 漆扇) have a history spanning over two thousand years rooted in traditional Chinese craftsmanship, originating as symbols of royal power before evolving into folk art and global export commodities.

Ancient Origins and Ceremonial Roots

Han Dynasty Beginnings: Historical records show that the earliest lacquer fans were used primarily in royal and noble ceremonies to symbolize status and power.

Material Evolution: Traditional frames were constructed from sliced bamboo and covered with delicate xuan paper (rice paper) or silk, then treated with natural tree lacquers and mineral pigments.

The "Floating Lacquer" Technique

Marbled Aesthetics: The iconic look of a lacquer fan relies on the "floating lacquer" (piāoqī) method, taking advantage of the fact that raw lacquer is insoluble in water.

Artistic Process: Artisans drip coloured lacquers onto the water's surface, swirling and manipulating the fluid using gestures like dotting, flicking, and stroking before dipping the fan directly into the water to pick up the unique marbled pattern.

Singular Artifacts: Because water currents and mixing speeds change with every dip, no two lacquer fans turn out identical.
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
#didyouknow #HongKong Do you know the #robot #Hanyue? The intelligent robot Hanyue will demonstrate the art of #lacquer #fan-making through a series of intricate movements, including picking up the fan, dipping it in lacquer, swirling it and lifting it out. image ©Hong Kong Tourism Board
The Robot Hanyue

Hong Kong Tourism Board

Intangible Cultural Heritage Lacquer Fan-Making by Robot Hanyue
Date: 17 – 27 September 2026
Demonstration Time: 6:30 – 10:30pm
Location: Soccer Pitch No. 1, Victoria Park

The intelligent robot Hanyue will demonstrate the art of lacquer fan-making through a series of intricate movements, including picking up the fan, dipping it in lacquer, swirling it and lifting it out. 

As ink and colour blend together, the performance reveals the distinctive beauty of this traditional lacquer fan craft, inspired by intangible cultural heritage. 

Robot Hanyue demonstrates the traditional Chinese intangible cultural heritage art of drift lacquered fan-making (Qishan) by floating colours on water, dipping, swirling, and lifting the fan.

Overview of Robot Hanyue and Lacquer Fan-Making

Developer: ChangingTek Robotics Technology (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.

Public Debut: Featured at the International Lantern Spectacular in Victoria Park, Hong Kong Tourism Board for the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations.

The Craft: Combines lacquerware artistry and fluid dynamics where pigments float on water, creating a marbled pattern transferred onto the fan's surface during a precise dip and swirl.

Robot Actions: Hanyue replicates human artisan movements, including floating the lacquer, submerging the fan, swirling, and lifting it out to reveal a unique pattern.
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
#didyouknow #GuinnessWorldRecord #Mexico City set a #Guinness World Record for the world's largest serving of #sandwiches with a giant 100-metre torta weighing over 1.5 metric tonnes at the annual Torta Fair. images ©BBC (L) Euronews (R)
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
#quotes #FoodforThought #masks #KurtVonnegut #self We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be. ― Kurt Vonnegut
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
#cats #humour What is the difference between a comma and a cat? One is a pause at the end of a clause, and the other has claws at the end of its paws.
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
📷 #photography
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
#jokes #cats #humour Where did the kitten want to have her birthday party? At a pounce house.
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
#quotes #FoodforThought #life #JosephAddison The grand essentials to #happiness in this life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for. – Joseph Addison
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
#didyouknow #Oktoberfest is coming! Do you have your dirndl yet? A #dirndl is a traditional folk dress originating from the alpine regions of #Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. images ©Wikipedia
Apron Bow Meanings
The side on which the apron bow is tied traditionally signals the wearer's relationship status:
Left Side: Single.
Right Side: Married or engaged.
Middle/Front Centre: Virgin or child.
Back Centre: Widow or waitress

Common Uses
Festivals: Widely worn today at cultural celebrations like Oktoberfest and beer festivals.
Formal Events: Elegant, long silk or brocade versions are worn for weddings, church ceremonies, and traditional balls.

[Wikipedia]
A dirndl is a dress which originated in German-speaking areas of the Alps. It is traditionally worn by women and girls in some Alpine regions of Austria, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. A modern dirndl consists of a close-fitting bodice with a low neckline, a blouse worn under the bodice, a wide high-waisted skirt and an apron.

The dirndl is regarded as a folk costume. Today it is generally considered traditional dress for women and girls in German-speaking parts of the Alps, with particular designs associated with different regions. The usual masculine tracht counterpart of the dirndl is lederhosen.

In the late 19th century the dirndl was adapted as a fashion mode by the upper and middle classes, and subsequently spread as a mode outside its area of origin. 

Speakers of German have conflicting opinions as to whether the name Dirndl can be used for traditional as well as modern designs. Some speakers make a sharp break between traditional folk costume (Tracht) and the "Dirndl", a word which they use only for modern designs.

Traditional dirndls vary in design between regions and even villages. The different details may indicate the place of origin and social status of the wearer. As with other folk costumes, traditional dirndls often come in two forms: one for everyday occasions, the other for traditional festivals and formal wear. Dirndls used on formal occasions are usually made with materials, designs, colours and embroidery specific to the region.Apron Bow Meanings
The side on which the apron bow is tied traditionally signals the wearer's relationship status:
Left Side: Single.
Right Side: Married or engaged.
Middle/Front Centre: Virgin or child.
Back Centre: Widow or waitress

Common Uses
Festivals: Widely worn today at cultural celebrations like Oktoberfest and beer festivals.
Formal Events: Elegant, long silk or brocade versions are worn for weddings, church ceremonies, and traditional balls.

[Wikipedia]
A dirndl is a dress which originated in German-speaking areas of the Alps. It is traditionally worn by women and girls in some Alpine regions of Austria, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. A modern dirndl consists of a close-fitting bodice with a low neckline, a blouse worn under the bodice, a wide high-waisted skirt and an apron.

The dirndl is regarded as a folk costume. Today it is generally considered traditional dress for women and girls in German-speaking parts of the Alps, with particular designs associated with different regions. The usual masculine tracht counterpart of the dirndl is lederhosen.

In the late 19th century the dirndl was adapted as a fashion mode by the upper and middle classes, and subsequently spread as a mode outside its area of origin. 

Speakers of German have conflicting opinions as to whether the name Dirndl can be used for traditional as well as modern designs. Some speakers make a sharp break between traditional folk costume (Tracht) and the "Dirndl", a word which they use only for modern designs.

Traditional dirndls vary in design between regions and even villages. The different details may indicate the place of origin and social status of the wearer. As with other folk costumes, traditional dirndls often come in two forms: one for everyday occasions, the other for traditional festivals and formal wear. Dirndls used on formal occasions are usually made with materials, designs, colours and embroidery specific to the region.Apron Bow Meanings
The side on which the apron bow is tied traditionally signals the wearer's relationship status:
Left Side: Single.
Right Side: Married or engaged.
Middle/Front Centre: Virgin or child.
Back Centre: Widow or waitress

Common Uses
Festivals: Widely worn today at cultural celebrations like Oktoberfest and beer festivals.
Formal Events: Elegant, long silk or brocade versions are worn for weddings, church ceremonies, and traditional balls.

[Wikipedia]
A dirndl is a dress which originated in German-speaking areas of the Alps. It is traditionally worn by women and girls in some Alpine regions of Austria, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. A modern dirndl consists of a close-fitting bodice with a low neckline, a blouse worn under the bodice, a wide high-waisted skirt and an apron.

The dirndl is regarded as a folk costume. Today it is generally considered traditional dress for women and girls in German-speaking parts of the Alps, with particular designs associated with different regions. The usual masculine tracht counterpart of the dirndl is lederhosen.

In the late 19th century the dirndl was adapted as a fashion mode by the upper and middle classes, and subsequently spread as a mode outside its area of origin. 

Speakers of German have conflicting opinions as to whether the name Dirndl can be used for traditional as well as modern designs. Some speakers make a sharp break between traditional folk costume (Tracht) and the "Dirndl", a word which they use only for modern designs.

Traditional dirndls vary in design between regions and even villages. The different details may indicate the place of origin and social status of the wearer. As with other folk costumes, traditional dirndls often come in two forms: one for everyday occasions, the other for traditional festivals and formal wear. Dirndls used on formal occasions are usually made with materials, designs, colours and embroidery specific to the region.
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Reposted by Saroyan
DemocracyDiary @nanesenkron.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
The older I get, the more I realize: the most beautiful look is not needing to prove a thing. #GracefulAging #Confidence #WomenWisdom
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
#jokes #humour #puns How do you fix a broken pizza? With tomato paste!
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
#didyouknow #rocketwars Did you know #Greece has a "rocket war"? Called #Rouketopolemos, it is held during #Easter in Vrontados, Chios. #Fireworks are fired by two rival churches at the belfry of the opposing church. images ©The Atlantic
Rouketopolemos {Wikipedia]

Rouketopolemos is a local traditional event held annually at Easter in the town of Vrontados, on the Greek island of Chios in the eastern Aegean Sea. It is a variation of the Greek custom of lighting fireworks at the Paschal Vigil on midnight of Easter Sunday. Two rival church congregations in the town stage the annual "battle" by each firing tens of thousands of homemade rockets at the opposing church, aiming especially for the belfry.

The event is held on Orthodox Easter Day as defined by the Julian calendar, which falls later in the year than the date of Easter determined with the Gregorian calendar in Western Christianity.

The exact origins of this tradition are unclear, but local legend holds that it dates back to the Ottoman period. According to folklore, real cannons were once used,[1] until Ottoman authorities prohibited these in 1889.

Rockets are fired between two rival parishes, Saint Mark's and Panagia Ereithiani, built on two hilltops about 400 meters apart. During the battle, direct hits on the belfries are supposedly counted the next day to determine the winner, but each parish invariably claims victory. The result of this apparent disagreement is both parishes agree to settle the score the following Easter, and the custom is thus perpetuated. The churches and nearby buildings are extensively boarded up and protected with metal sheets and mesh for the occasion.

The skyrockets are homemade, comprising a head loaded with a gunpowder-based propellant, tied to a wooden guide stick. These rockets are then lined by the hundreds and fired from angled, grooved platforms.

Several residents regularly express dismay at the explosive nature of the custom, but it is a source of significant seasonal tourist revenue for the area.

The event was cancelled in 2016 due to complaints of property damage from some locals, but was revived in 2017 with new regulations on the duration of the battle and number of rockets launched.
Rouketopolemos {Wikipedia]

Rouketopolemos is a local traditional event held annually at Easter in the town of Vrontados, on the Greek island of Chios in the eastern Aegean Sea. It is a variation of the Greek custom of lighting fireworks at the Paschal Vigil on midnight of Easter Sunday. Two rival church congregations in the town stage the annual "battle" by each firing tens of thousands of homemade rockets at the opposing church, aiming especially for the belfry.

The event is held on Orthodox Easter Day as defined by the Julian calendar, which falls later in the year than the date of Easter determined with the Gregorian calendar in Western Christianity.

The exact origins of this tradition are unclear, but local legend holds that it dates back to the Ottoman period. According to folklore, real cannons were once used,[1] until Ottoman authorities prohibited these in 1889.

Rockets are fired between two rival parishes, Saint Mark's and Panagia Ereithiani, built on two hilltops about 400 meters apart. During the battle, direct hits on the belfries are supposedly counted the next day to determine the winner, but each parish invariably claims victory. The result of this apparent disagreement is both parishes agree to settle the score the following Easter, and the custom is thus perpetuated. The churches and nearby buildings are extensively boarded up and protected with metal sheets and mesh for the occasion.

The skyrockets are homemade, comprising a head loaded with a gunpowder-based propellant, tied to a wooden guide stick. These rockets are then lined by the hundreds and fired from angled, grooved platforms.

Several residents regularly express dismay at the explosive nature of the custom, but it is a source of significant seasonal tourist revenue for the area.

The event was cancelled in 2016 due to complaints of property damage from some locals, but was revived in 2017 with new regulations on the duration of the battle and number of rockets launched.
Rouketopolemos {Wikipedia]

Rouketopolemos is a local traditional event held annually at Easter in the town of Vrontados, on the Greek island of Chios in the eastern Aegean Sea. It is a variation of the Greek custom of lighting fireworks at the Paschal Vigil on midnight of Easter Sunday. Two rival church congregations in the town stage the annual "battle" by each firing tens of thousands of homemade rockets at the opposing church, aiming especially for the belfry.

The event is held on Orthodox Easter Day as defined by the Julian calendar, which falls later in the year than the date of Easter determined with the Gregorian calendar in Western Christianity.

The exact origins of this tradition are unclear, but local legend holds that it dates back to the Ottoman period. According to folklore, real cannons were once used,[1] until Ottoman authorities prohibited these in 1889.

Rockets are fired between two rival parishes, Saint Mark's and Panagia Ereithiani, built on two hilltops about 400 meters apart. During the battle, direct hits on the belfries are supposedly counted the next day to determine the winner, but each parish invariably claims victory. The result of this apparent disagreement is both parishes agree to settle the score the following Easter, and the custom is thus perpetuated. The churches and nearby buildings are extensively boarded up and protected with metal sheets and mesh for the occasion.

The skyrockets are homemade, comprising a head loaded with a gunpowder-based propellant, tied to a wooden guide stick. These rockets are then lined by the hundreds and fired from angled, grooved platforms.

Several residents regularly express dismay at the explosive nature of the custom, but it is a source of significant seasonal tourist revenue for the area.

The event was cancelled in 2016 due to complaints of property damage from some locals, but was revived in 2017 with new regulations on the duration of the battle and number of rockets launched.
Rouketopolemos {Wikipedia]

Rouketopolemos is a local traditional event held annually at Easter in the town of Vrontados, on the Greek island of Chios in the eastern Aegean Sea. It is a variation of the Greek custom of lighting fireworks at the Paschal Vigil on midnight of Easter Sunday. Two rival church congregations in the town stage the annual "battle" by each firing tens of thousands of homemade rockets at the opposing church, aiming especially for the belfry.

The event is held on Orthodox Easter Day as defined by the Julian calendar, which falls later in the year than the date of Easter determined with the Gregorian calendar in Western Christianity.

The exact origins of this tradition are unclear, but local legend holds that it dates back to the Ottoman period. According to folklore, real cannons were once used,[1] until Ottoman authorities prohibited these in 1889.

Rockets are fired between two rival parishes, Saint Mark's and Panagia Ereithiani, built on two hilltops about 400 meters apart. During the battle, direct hits on the belfries are supposedly counted the next day to determine the winner, but each parish invariably claims victory. The result of this apparent disagreement is both parishes agree to settle the score the following Easter, and the custom is thus perpetuated. The churches and nearby buildings are extensively boarded up and protected with metal sheets and mesh for the occasion.

The skyrockets are homemade, comprising a head loaded with a gunpowder-based propellant, tied to a wooden guide stick. These rockets are then lined by the hundreds and fired from angled, grooved platforms.

Several residents regularly express dismay at the explosive nature of the custom, but it is a source of significant seasonal tourist revenue for the area.

The event was cancelled in 2016 due to complaints of property damage from some locals, but was revived in 2017 with new regulations on the duration of the battle and number of rockets launched.
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Saroyan @saroyan.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
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