Last Updated on August 15, 2021 by
Some form of handkerchief has been used by law Since the very earliest times. Probably the first form of the handkerchief was the tail of a jackal which was mounted on a stick. Primitive people used this as both a handkerchief and a fan.
8 Interesting Facts About Handkerchiefs
1. A handkerchief is an item of soft cloth used for wiping the nose, or face or as a shawl around the head.
2. They are unisex, one size fits all item of clothing.
3. They are flexible, lightweight and easy to carry.
4. They are also very easy to clean.
5. The most famous handkerchiefs are the ones used by the police force, firefighters and in the military.
6. However, they are also used by individuals as fashion accessories.
7. The most important feature of a handkerchief is its absorbency.
8. They are also sold in a variety of shapes, sizes, and patterns.
The History
The first handkerchiefs were made by the ancient Egyptians, around 4000 years ago. Handkerchiefs were often made out of linen and silk and were used to wipe the noses of pharaohs.
A handkerchief is a small square of fabric or other disposable material used for personal hygiene, most commonly for the nose or for wiping tears. The word handkerchief derives from the Middle English “handkerche”, which is, in turn, a variant of the Middle High German “handkerc”. Because the word “Handkerchief” is not found in Old or Middle English, it is thought to be an adoption of the French “mouchoir”, meaning hand cloth. The word was also often spelled “an hankercheef”. M.L. further explains the meaning of handkerchief as “a small cloth carried about the person, to wipe the hands, face, or any part of the body.
We know that many savage races made little mats of straw which they wore on their heads and used to wipe away perspiration. This was probably the chief early use of the handkerchief.
In Greek and Roman times, there were not only handkerchiefs but napkins, too. Napkins were used for drying the hands at the table. Handkerchiefs were made out of small linen squares which were put inside the clothes and taken along on journeys. In the seventeenth century in France, handkerchiefs became very elegant.
They were made of lace and often decorated with gems. When snuff became popular in the eighteenth century, women began to use handkerchiefs of colored cloth. Marie Antoinette persuaded Louis XVI of France to issue a law that a handkerchief had to be square in shape, instead of round, or oval.
What Are Handkerchiefs Used For?
Personal hygiene purposes such as wiping one’s hands or face, or blowing one’s nose.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How are handkerchiefs made?
1. Handkerchiefs are made by folding a piece of cloth in half and sewing the side seams together to form a pouch. Handkerchiefs can be made from a variety of materials such as cotton, silk, linen, and polyester.
2. How long have handkerchiefs been around?
2. Handkerchiefs have been around for thousands of years.
3. What are the different types of handkerchiefs?
3. Handkerchiefs are square-shaped cloths, they are also called “hankies” or “fans”.
4. What is a handkerchief used for?
4. Handkerchiefs are used for different purposes like cleaning, dusting, or cleaning the nose. They are also used to wipe the tears from the eyes.
5. Is the handkerchief a male or female item?
5. A handkerchief is a predominantly male item. But these days it is used by both men and women.
6. What is the most expensive handkerchief in the world?
6. The most expensive handkerchief in the world is made from velvet and was sold for $23,000.
7. Do you have to iron handkerchiefs?
Ironing a handkerchief is not required. But, if the handkerchief is made of delicate or delicate materials you should iron it.
8. When did people start using handkerchiefs?
Answer- Handkerchiefs show up in world history as early as the first century BC, when they were mentioned by the poet Catullus and used for utilitarian purposes, such as wiping one’s brow or general-purpose cleaning. They would not become fashion accessories until at least the 17th century.
9. What is a woman’s handkerchief called?
Short Answer- Historically known as a handkerchief or kerchief, it helps to wipe those unavoidable wedding tears, blow a persistent runny nose or even save the planet (think landfills).
