When Flower Arranging Becomes Violent: From the March/April (2014) issue of MENTAL FLOSS magazine: When Austrias Princess Pauline von Metternich and Countess Kilmannsegg picked up their sabers in Vaduz, Liechtenstein in 1892, it was a monumental event. For the first time in history, all dueling parties (principals and seconds) were women. Of course, in keeping with contemporary standards, the women dueled topless. (Dirty fabric could spread infections.) As soon as they were both injured (the princess on the nose and the countess on the arm), men rushed to their aid, causing the baroness presiding over the duel to yell, Avert your eyes, avert your eyes -- you lustful wretches! The contentious subject at the root of the spat? The ladies disagreed about the floral arrangements for an upcoming musical exhibition.
Posted on: Thu, 20 Feb 2014 21:20:52 +0000
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