Modest fashion

===== "HANDKERCHIEF: ALL ABOUT IT (History, Symbolism, Benefits, Traditions, etc.)" =====

---->>> A handkerchief is a square of cloth carried in the pocket, used for wiping the hands, face, or nose. The origins of the handkerchief can be traced back to ancient Greece when soft LINEN handkerchief were used for hand-drying and nose-blowing.
Many people today use handkerchief as accessories, rather than functional items.

Linen is the best and good material, than synthetic fabrics/ textiles. Our parents (ancestors) used natural fabrics for every occasions and daily routines; from head to toe, even their tents are made out of linen. In Germany, this type of tent is called "SPEICHENRADZELT".

In medical world needs, they (doctors and paramedics) used this kind of fabric too!
Because of its natural aspects and other advantages, it brings healths to us, the humans.

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---->>> Handkerchief are made out of ABSORBENT materials such as LINEN, SILK, and COTTON.
The primary function of a handkerchief is to be used as a pocket-sized tower or blotter.
They're usually decorated with a monogram or some kind of decorative trim, then neatly folded in a small space for easy storage.

Blotter: large piece of blotting paper (absorbent paper for drying wet ink).

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---->>> Gentleman's standard dimension: 30.5 × 30.5 cm.

Lady's: 22 cm square.

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---->>> Handkerchief may seem more expensive than the purchase of facial tissue. But! You'll save money in the long run, by using them more than once.

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---->>> Handkerchiefs are environmentally friendly, coz they're REUSABLE (can be used multiple times).

1.) NO excessive carbon emissions in production and distribution (every day),
2.) LESS (even ZERO) waste (even can be easily decomposed),
3.) NO pollutions in making, than the industry of paper and pulp,
4.) NO environmental degradation (no need to cut down tress each day to supply the tissue industry).

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---->>> Using a handkerchief correctly can be very hygienic.
We need to remember that it's not about the tool. It's about the MANNER of its use.

Just fold one handkerchief inwards after use, before putting the soiled handkerchief into the pocket, for later washing it.
And ... Of course ... We need "REDUDANCY"; a second plan (Plan-B) or other things for "just in case" scenario.
So ... We need to bring handkerchiefs, not just one item. At least, two of them.

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Not just postcards that can be collectible; but also handkerchief!

The value depends on the quality of the cloth, age (vintage, etc.), stitching (crocheted, tatted by hand, etc.), embroideries, colors, patterns, themes, various from countries, and how they were sewn.

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---->>> The word "handkerchief" comes from two different French words:
"Couvrir" (to cover), and "chef" (head).

Some historians believe that the handkerchief originated in China during The Chou Dynasty (circa 1000 B.C.) and was to shield a person's face from the hot sun.

According to Atlas Obscura, in the first century B.C., handkerchiefs were mentioned in the works of Catullus and used for utilitarian purposes, such as wiping one's brow or general-purpose cleaning.

In early Greek and Roman athletic games, crowds waved white cloths, some of which were likely "sudaria", the NECKERCHIEFs worn by Roman Military Officers.

During the Middle Ages, kerchiefs were used to cover the head. However, in the 16th century, people began carrying kerchiefs in their pockets to wipe their foreheads or their noses.
In order to distinguish these kerchiefs from those used to cover the head ......
The word "HAND" was added to "kerchief".

After King Richard II of England (1377-1399) era who used handkerchief before,
In the Elizabethan era, Nobles presented hankies ti monarchs as a token of appreciation.
Then, in Shakespeare, there was a handkerchief that playing an important role in the play Othello.

By the turn of 20th Century, people use it to breathe through to combat the pollutions.

Its popularity lost as disposable facial tissue became available.

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---->>> SYMBOLISMS OF HANDKERCHIEFS

1.) In the middle of WAR and the remembrance (before photo and camera existed):
In the Medieval times, Knights tied handkerchiefs (and maybe, somebody gave them their own handkerchief to the Knights too. So, its not just about the Knight's own handkerchief. But also a gift from somebody to give the Knights a spirit and encouragement) to the back of their helms as tokens of remembrance and good luck.

2.) Romance & Fidelity (faithfulness. Without an "IN"):
A language of lovers.
And, we can't give a handkerchief to anybody without a reason.
It will make a problem; like "misunderstanding".

3.) As a PROOF that saving the other's life for the other people to believe in him/ her when the person is not with him/ her:
Usually, a handkerchief is a PRIVATE thing and secretly be saved. So, when someone can prove the existence of someone relations to him/ her, the other people who don't know the truth, can believe to what they see: a person's handkerchief.
The handkerchief also contains some certain smells.
In short, he/ she is not lying; he/ she tells the fact.

4.) Social Status:
From Persian Kings, to European Royalty, handkerchief were used as a subtle way to demonstrate one's high station in life.

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---->>> The Usages of Handkerchief

1.) Everyday Carry (EDC):
Can be used for any type of circumstances we experience throughout the day.

2.) Sympathy:
Mourning handkerchief were popular during the Victorian era.
An appropriate gift for a grieving friend.

3.) Prayer:
Can be used as our mattres during performing salah (when sujood).

4.) Much more!

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---->>> The video below is about military parade in 1910s.
The people there were waving handkerchiefs.

Sources:
1.) Bumblebee Linens: Handkerchiefs And Linens For Special Occasions,
2.) Shutterstock,
3.) Oxford Dictionary,
4.) Tempo: 30 July 1983,
5.) Historia Dot ID website,
6.) Laurasjael YT (Medieval Linen Tents),
7.) Yanifa Karimatin (about Linens are used in past).