A UNESCO World Heritage Region, the Wachau is primarily associated with apricots and wine making.The beautiful WachaU on the banks of the Danube in Lower Austria is the subject of this year’s stamp from the “Classic traditional costumes”series. The stamp shows the highly traditional costume for everyday use for women, the indigo-printed dirndl. The dark-blue dirndl dress is made from cotton. Using a traditional artisanal dyeing technique, so-called indigo printing, creates the delicate white floral pattern on a blue background. The bodice with its characteristic bib is tightly fitted thanks to the two curved seams in the back panel. A dark-blue ruched cotton trim, the so-called “Froschgoscherl”, decorates the neckline and the bib. The monochrome apron is slightly darker than the dress. A white blouse with gathered sleeves and white stockings round off the costume. With the costume for special occasions, which is made of silk and brocade, the ladies wear the Wachauer Goldhauben, golden bonnets which are painstakingly crafted by hand. This costume traces its origins to the Biedermeier period and has barely changed since.
Issue Date:03.04.2020
