Hankie History

Last year I was reading a book on perfume history called Common and Uncommon Scent, a social history of perfume by Susan Stewart. In the section focused on the Victorian times in the west, it spoke of people scenting their clothing rather than their skin. It also mentioned a perfume made specifically for handkerchiefs by Guerlian in the early 1900s called Monuchoir De Monsieur (the gentleman's handkerchief).

I had already been packing my perfumes with vintage ribbons and thought it would be fun for customers to scent them and wear them in their hair, tied as a bow and pinned on clothing or as a choker. Then I was struck by the idea of wrapping each perfume in its own vintage handkerchief that one could scent with their perfume.

I have always loved old things and have collected vintage and antique treasures for as long as I can remember. I had been tempted for years to collect vintage handkerchiefs but never had a use for them until now! I must admit my love of vintage ribbons stems from Pride and Prejudice where they  speak of going ribbon shopping. I always thought that sounded quite romantic!

In fact handkerchiefs have a long history of romance to them. They were considered a very intimate item and could be bestowed to a friend or lover as a keepsake and token of affection. In the tradition of courtly love in medieval times, ladies would give their chosen knights a handkerchief or small scarf. Often these Knights would wear this token in their hat or around their helmet during  tournaments. 

Queen Elizabeth the First was very fond of handkerchiefs and would give them to courtiers that were dear to her. It’s said she even had a secret language with her inner circle that was expressed through gestures of one's handkerchief. 

Handkerchiefs could also be used as a status symbol by how luxurious they were and what materials or lace were used. There are records of handkerchiefs often being included in dowries and wills. There are also “Missing” advertisements in newspapers about handkerchiefs that have been misplaced. These little pieces of cloth obviously carried quite a significant value whether materially, sentimentally, or both.

There was even a time when there was a flirtatious language of handkerchiefs, where one could communicate in the open with a lover without uttering a word. Sending love notes across a room by just  the placement of one’s handkerchief and what movement was made. 

I hope people find fun uses for the hankies that come with their Eros Rose Perfumes. You can spray them with your favorite fragrance and tie it in your hair, curl it up like a flower and pin it to your clothing, wear it around your neck, ( in the summer get it wet and wear it around your  neck to stay cool0. You  could place it in a drawer of linens, put it in your purse, or glove compartment. Or my favorite of all, give it to a lover or friend as a scented keepsake! I like to think of scented handkerchiefs gifted to one's beloved with the scent of their lover dabbed on to the material. The sweetheart can simply bury their nose into the material to recall the aroma of their darling! Fabric holds scent longer than skin and it's quite surprising how long a perfume lasts on a handkerchief. 

I will also add that I am never tired of the beautiful artistry of vintage handkerchiefs whether it's the print, lace, embroidery or material itself. They are truly so lovely to behold!!