Члены общества Colonial Dames почтили память участницы и рассказали об истории носовых платков

Colonial Dames honor member, explore history of the handkerchief Published 9:36 am Thursday, July 16, 2026 THOMASVILLE — The John Lee of Nansemond Chapter of the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century recently honored the memory of longtime member Margie Hendrix Barden during its latest meeting. Chapter Chaplain Anita Ward led a memorial service for Barden, who died March 20, 2026. A member since 2015, Barden joined the chapter through her ancestor, Richard Pace, and his wife, Isabella Smyth, who helped settle the Virginia colony during the 1600s. She remained an active member until declining health prevented her participation. Following the memorial service and the chapter’s business meeting, Kathy Mills presented a lively program titled “Flirting with Handkerchiefs,” exploring the history of handkerchiefs as both fashionable accessories and a form of silent communication. Mills explained that some of the earliest known uses of cloth handkerchiefs date to about 1000 B.C., when Chinese figurines were depicted holding pieces of cloth. The Romans later waved square cloths to signal the start of public events. During the Middle Ages in Europe, knights tied a lady’s scarf to their helmets as a token of good fortune, while kerchiefs were commonly worn as head coverings. By the 14th century, members of King Richard III’s court recorded his use of a small square cloth to wipe his nose. To distinguish it from a head covering, the term “handkerchief” came into use. By the Elizabethan era, handkerchiefs had become common accessories. The popularity of snuff during the 18th century further increased the handkerchief’s importance. Both men and women of the upper classes used handkerchiefs to wipe away snuff stains and cover sneezes. Portraits from the Renaissance frequently depict fashionable men and women carrying decorative handkerchiefs. Queen Elizabeth I was especially fond of handkerchiefs, using them as gifts of affection and to send silent signals to members of her court. William Shakespeare also featured a handkerchief as a central plot device in Othello. During the Victorian era, women developed an elaborate “language of the handkerchief” to communicate discreetly with potential suitors. Mills invited chapter member Pamela Tucker to demonstrate several of these gestures, including: - Drawing the handkerchief across the cheek: “I love you.” - Drawing it across the eyes: “I am sorry.” - Drawing it across the forehead: “We are being watched.” - Drawing it across the hand: “I hate you.” - Drawing it across the lips: “I wish to meet you.” - Folding it: “I wish to speak with you.” - Twisting it in the left hand: “I wish to be rid of you.” - Twisting it in the right hand: “I love another.” - Winding it around the forefinger: “I am engaged.” - Placing it in a pocket: “No more love at present.” By the Edwardian era, the practice had largely fallen out of fashion and was nearly obsolete by the end of World War I. The influenza pandemic that followed the war, coupled with the introduction of disposable tissues and the advertising slogan, “Don’t carry a cold in your pocket!,” further contributed to the decline of the traditional handkerchief. The Georgia Society of the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century was established Nov. 17, 1931, with 87 members. The organizational meeting was held at Wingfield, the home of Mrs. Sara Grant Staton, wife of former Georgia Gov. John M. Staton. Mrs. Patrick Brey Staton served as the society’s first president.