HANDKERCHIEFS:

HANDKERCHIEF MAY SEEMS TRIVIAL BUT USEFUL

By Maritim Kipngetich

Handkerchief is one of the things people carry whenever they are moving around. They normally keep it in their pockets or inside a purse. But how functional handkerchief is when it comes to human hygiene? Do people carry it as a show of status or they are carrying it purposely for wiping one's hands or face, or blowing one's nose?

The material of a handkerchief can be symbolic of the social-economic class of the user, not only because some materials are more expensive, but because some materials are more absorbent and practical for those who use a handkerchief for more than style.

In addition to carrying for practical purposes, handkerchiefs have long been displayed in the top pocket of men’s jackets. As a visible fashion item there are a wide variety of ways to fold a pocket square, ranging from the austere to the flamboyant.

Although handkerchief may seem useful and should be part of one’s life, there are people who are never used to carrying handkerchiefs. Meet Gideon Kirui a second year Bachelor of Science student at the University of Nairobi who has never bought a handkerchief in his entire life.

“I don’t see the need of buying a handkerchief. I have stayed without it since I was born and I am living comfortably. In fact people who carry handkerchief in their pockets are dirty since they use it to blow their noses and keep the same handkerchief in their pockets”, Kirui says.

Handkerchief may be used to wipe sweats or it may be socked in cold water and place on the nose to stop nose bleeding.

Disposable paper handkerchiefs are common in developed countries. This kind of handkerchiefs have a long history in Japan where as early as the 17th-century they blew their noses in soft silky papers the size of a hand, which they never use twice and today the use of a cloth handkerchief is considered old-fashioned or unhygienic to blow the nose in some parts of the world, because they are stored in a pocket or a purse after being used.