The Nose Knows the Real Purpose of Handkerchiefs

The handkerchief was never meant to be a fashion accessory, only a gas mask.

In medieval Europe, diseases such as bubonic plague, typhoid and malaria were often thought to be caused by “bad air.” Health-conscious ladies or gentlemen would pull out a piece of perfumed cloth, hold it to the nose and breathe through it as their carriage rolled past a sewer, dump or swamp.

Unfortunately, they didn’t do the same when visiting sick friends.

No one thought much of this cloth, which was also used after a sneeze, until the sneeze itself became fashionable.

Around the 16th Century, finely ground tobacco, known as snuff, became popular among European noblemen. They wanted to be seen publicly snorting the expensive powder, but they didn’t want to wipe their wet noses with an ordinary rag.

Silk handkerchiefs from India in a wide array of colors and designs were wanted by anyone who could buy them. Men tucked them proudly into their jackets, and women also took an interest, tying them around their necks in colors to signify mood: red--playful, white--respectful. A woman in mourning wore only black neckerchiefs for at least a year.

Today the simple handkerchief is back in. White cotton with designs or piping along the border is the most popular, with the monogrammed hankie still a favorite gift.

But even the nicest handkerchief is designed for sanitary purposes and is meant to be kept in a dark pocket until needed.

Its decorative duties have been taken by the scarf and pocket square.