News

Enduring Significance

September 30, 2024

When asked about Aroundsquare, it can be challenging to describe what the company and the products are all about. Aroundsquare occupies a curious space. Our customers get what we are all about, but putting it into words is another matter. Most of our products don’t fit neatly into any category. That's part of their appeal, because after all, our customers don't either. Our products span the space between serious tools and playful diversions. Resonating strongly with what we create is a rich concept that has shaped centuries of craftsmanship, play, and mindfulness--the Chinese concept of wenwan.

The History and Development of Perekidnye Chetki

September 28, 2024 • chetki

Chetki, known formally as Eastern Orthodox prayer beads, hold a rich history in Russian culture. Traditionally, these beads were strung in loops, and were used in a religious context for reciting prayers--especially the Jesus Prayer--or simply aiding meditation. Over time, however, a distinct style of chetki emerged in Russia and Eastern Europe known as перекидные четки—or flipping chetki. This linear type of chetki marked a departure from traditional looped chetki. Flipping chetki were used for manipulation and performing tricks, sharing some similarities with Greek komboloi and modern begleri, but their origins and development are deeply tied to specific cultural and social contexts unique to Russia.

Sling Slam 2024 Results!

August 27, 2024

Sling Slam 2024 was a big success.. The skills in this community are astonishing, and this contest continues to push the limits with talented contenders from around the world showing up and presenting the state of the art. It's pretty incredible to see how far things have come since we first started running the contest back in 2019. But what really makes the event so incredible is the broad participation of members of the community showing up, supporting one another through views, likes, and comments, and contributing themselves to the overall event. This year we once again had record participation numbers,...

Sling Slam 2024

July 19, 2024 • begleri • contest • events

TLDR Sling Slam 2024 runs August 1st to 4th, 2024 Submit 20-30s clips online to participate Clips must be continuous, but slow mo/ freeze frames are allowed Main event is begleri, any conventional begleri set can be used, with side events for komboloi/ MKUltras, chetki, knuckle rollers/ kbones, and deadeyes/ contact coin/ or straight up coin manipulation, and for the first time, ring manipulation (including banzhi and hollows in this category) Minimal editing effects and short intro/ title screens only Submit clips on Instagram, using #slingslam2024 PLUS the appropriate event tag #ss2024begleri, #ss2024chetki, #ss2024kbone, #ss2024ultras, #ss2024coin, #ss2024ring, or see below...

arcane symbolism in Armenian chetki

February 02, 2024

In a recent exchange, I found myself in conversation with a Londoner of Uzbek roots--one who had spent time in the prison system. This individual is very much in the know. I shared photos of my personal collection of chetki, and he immediately singled out one piece in particular--a set of Armenian chetki gifted to me by a friend. This set is full of symbolism, with esoteric images resembling tattoos. He offered to decrypt the imagery for me, and I obviously jumped at the chance.