The handkerchief is universally associated with wiping one's hands or face, drying tears, or blowing one's nose. But this timeless piece of fabric has a far more colorful history than you might imagine.
The story of the humble handkerchief spans millennia, and is intrinsically tied to human development. It has played a role in defining our culture through fashion, ritual, and literature, while its use spans customs, traditions, and etiquette.
The handkerchief continues to serve a variety of practical and symbolic purposes today. But how did such a simple, square-cut patch of material become such an important accessory? To find out, continue reading.