Miraculous survival of the handkerchief

The handkerchief, also known as a “handkercher” or “hanky” is a common utility item that needs no definition. However, it is a form of “kerchief”, typically a hemmed square of thin fabric that can be carried in the pocket or purse. It is intended for personal hygienic purposes such as wiping one’s hands or face or blowing one’s nose. Sometimes, a handkerchief is used as a decorative accessory in a suit pocket.

The material of a handkerchief can be symbolic of the social or economic class of the user. Some materials used to manufacture handkerchiefs are expensive. However, a handkerchief should be made of material that is absorbent and practical. Today we have handkerchiefs made of cotton, synthetic fabric, silk or linen. Although we do not know who invented the handkerchief, King Richard II who reigned from 1377 to 1399 is widely believed to have invented the cloth handkerchief. In fact, handkerchiefs were in use even during William Shakespeare’s time. He used a handkerchief as an important plot device in his play Othello .

Prominence

Today most men carry the handkerchief in their trouser pocket and women carry it in their handbags. Some people carry it discreetly and others conspicuously. For instance, the late C.V. Goonaratne carried a red handkerchief prominently in his shirt pocket.

King Richard II is widely believed to have invented the cloth handkerchief.

Wherever we carry it most of us cannot do without a handkerchief. If we forget to pick up one in the morning, we might even return home to take a handkerchief. Most women, rather than men, lose their handkerchiefs. For instance, we see ladies’ handkerchiefs lying in railway compartments, buses and on highways, but very rarely do we see men’s handkerchiefs left in such places.

There was a time when women dropped their handkerchiefs suggestively to attract the attention of a man. The practice seems to have fallen into disuse with the advent of mobile phones. Most women from the humble to the sophisticated do not fail to carry their mobile phones even if they forget to pick their handkerchiefs!

Habit

Most men are always on the move and they need a handkerchief every now and then to wipe their faces. What is more, without a handkerchief their dressing is incomplete. In fact, some men carry two handkerchiefs, one in either trouser pocket. Even those who work in air-conditioned rooms carry handkerchiefs, may be as a habit.

Men are particular in buying branded varieties of handkerchiefs that come in pure white or light colours with small designs. Those who cannot afford to buy them are quite happy with the non-branded variety which can be bought at any ordinary drapery store. The pavements in Chennai, India are famous for handkerchiefs of any variety. They are relatively cheap and the vendors are never short of customers.

Most women add a few drops of perfume to their handkerchiefs. Ordinary office and factory workers carry handkerchiefs as a piece of utility, but unlike men, women have a wider choice. Their handkerchiefs come with printed designs in many colours. However, the branded segment has ignored this market for some unknown reason. As a result, women are compelled to buy them at shops or the pavement.

Paper handkerchief

The use of cloth handkerchief is occasionally considered old-fashioned or unhygienic. This is mainly due to the popularisation of disposable paper handkerchiefs or tissues mainly used by women. However, the cloth handkerchief is more environment friendly than tissues which have to be thrown away after use. What is more, the cloth handkerchief is reusable. It can be washed, ironed and kept neatly in your pocket.

There are certain myths about handkerchiefs. It is believed that if you give a handkerchief as the first gift to your lover, your love affair will end in tragedy. This is because handkerchiefs are used to wipe away tears!

Handkerchiefs are also used by children. Sometimes, handkerchiefs are pinned on to the shirts of small children who attend primary classes. The pinning is done to prevent the loss of handkerchiefs. Children take a long time to get into the habit of carrying handkerchiefs in their pockets. Children’s handkerchiefs come with cartoon characters from Micky Mouse. Their handkerchiefs could also serve as a substitute for a bandage over a small injury.

Despite the attempts to popularise paper handkerchiefs or tissues, the cloth handkerchief will be with us for many more years to come. We cannot ignore its miraculous survival for seven centuries.