In the 15th Century, French sailors returned from the Orient with large, white linen cloths the Chinese field workers used to protect their heads in the sun. French women adopted the cloths and used them on their heads, calling them couvrechef, meaning "covering for the head." The British then took up the custom and Anglicized the word to "kerchief." Because they were carried in the hand until needed in sunlight, they came to be called hand kerchiefs.Upper-class European women already had parasols so kerchefs became simply a fashion affectation. This can be seen in numerous illustrations and paintings of the period. Hand kerchefs were elaborately decorated. They were carried, waved and demurely dropped. Some made of silk with silver or gold thread became so costly in the 1500s they were often mentioned in wills as valuables.
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| Wedding handkerchiefs |
Lace handkerchiefs first appeared in England during the reign of Elizabeth I. Eventually they were monogrammed with a loved one's initials or name and measured four inches square, with a tassel dangling from one corner. These were called "true love knots." A gentleman would wear one from his ladylove tucked into his hatband and she would carry his between her breasts.
In the Middle Ages people blew their noses and wiped it on their sleeves.Early etiquette books legitimize the practice. The first admonitions against nose wiping on sleeves appear in 16th century etiquette books in which it was advised to use a hand kerchief instead.From the nineteenth century clear up until around 1950, a real lady wouldn't be caught dead without a handkerchief. They were often kept tucked up a sleeve until needed. They dangled from purses and, of course, ended up in men's coat pockets.
Next came Kleenex, but that's for another blog.
Love the post, Charlene! I find even the most mundane things are interesting and I learned a lot about handkerchiefs from this blog. My mom used to crochet pretty lace around plain ladies handkerchiefs and I still have several of those. I can't look at them without remembering how she always kept one either in her purse or pocket. This brings back fond memories of her.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. I have some old pretty handkerchiefs too.
ReplyDeleteI did not know this. Very interesting. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLoved this article, Charlene. Lots I never knew about handkerchiefs, including that nose-blowing was not their original purpose! Personally, growing up in a Kleenex world, I don't find handkerchiefs all that useful if you have a cold. Unless you have a hundred of them on hand, I guess. But I loved the examples of the beautifully decorated ones.
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