TRADITIONAL COTTON SCARF OF CYPRUS

Traditional Cotton Scarf of Cyprus with printed flowers. 

This Traditional Scarf is great for accessorizing your traditional Greek costume. This is imported from Greece and made by the premiere manufacturer of traditional Greek costumes. Shipping time is generally about 1-2 weeks.

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In traditional Cypriot female dance costumes, the headscarf—often called a "mandili" or "tsipiska"—is an essential element, tied in a way that is both functional and symbolic. Here's how it's traditionally tied, especially in folk dance contexts:

How Cypriot Women Tie Headscarves for Traditional Dance:
🔸 Style & Fabric
Typically a square or rectangular piece of fabric, often silk, cotton, or muslin.

Colors vary but often coordinate with the regional costume—commonly black, white, maroon, or floral patterns.

Tying Method (Common Styles):

1. Triangle Fold & Back Tie (Most Common)

Step 1: Fold the scarf into a triangle.
Step 2: Place the folded edge along the forehead, with the triangle tip falling down the back.
Step 3: Bring the two long corners under the chin or behind the neck.
Step 4: Tie securely either: Under the chin (for modesty and security during dance) or at the nape of the neck (for a sleeker look).
Step 5: The back tip either hangs freely or is tucked in.

2. Wrapped Over Bun -  For older women or formal styles:

Hair is tied in a bun.
Scarf is folded longways and wrapped over the bun like a turban and tied at the nape or side.
Often secured with decorative pins.

Symbolism
In many villages, how the scarf is tied indicated marital status or region. Unmarried women might have more colorful or elaborately tied scarves, while married women wore more modest styles.

Practical Notes for Dance: Scarves are often pinned or tied tightly to prevent movement during spinning or jumping.

Some groups use netted or embellished edges for added flair.