Handkerchief Afternoon

[mckha489]

What was a Handkerchief Afternoon?  Did the bride to be just get given a whole lot of handkerchiefs?

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MS19371207.2.163?items_per_page=10&page=10&phrase=2&query=Lorna+Millar+&snippet=true&title=FS%2cHC%2cMH%2cMS%2cMT%2cPAHH%2cPSEA%2cRAMA%2cSNEWS%2cTAIDT%2cWC%2cWH%2cWOODEX

[Stanwix England]

I wonder if it was some sort of club? The only mentions I can find online for 'Handkerchief Afternoons' appear to be newspapers from Australia and New Zealand.

Other things I found suggested that some considered giving handkerchiefs as a gift as bad luck, a sign of tears to come.

[Stanwix England]

So, looking at the website you sent for the term 'Handkerchief Afternoon' it does seem that it is a bridal tradition for the most part.

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/PATM19390626.2.23?items_per_page=10&phrase=2&query=handkerchief+afternoon&snippet=true

Here is a quote from what I linked to above.

"Each guest brought a gift of a handkerchiefs with a rhyme or limerick enclosed, which caused much merriment, and the parcel competition brought forth some most amusing and enlightening remarks".

That was in celebration of a marriage.

However some of the entries I found didn't mention an engagement at all, such as this one.

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HPDG19321007.2.16?items_per_page=10&phrase=2&query=handkerchief+afternoon&snippet=true

This one just talks about a first aid demonstration and competitions. So maybe it was a term that varied over time?

[Stanwix England]

I've had a superficial look at British newspapers and I can't find much mention of the term, however there is one from 1962 for Manchester where members of the 'Sunshine Club' are selling handkerchiefs to raise funds.

However that could just be the term they settled on and not connected to the Australian/New Zealand tradition.

[Rena]

Based on the above where there's a humourous message contained in the handkerchief, I'm wondering if it's  part of the Australian sense of humour based on the old adage/proverb;  "Marry in Haste, Repent At Leisure"

[mckha489]

Thank you both, that was all I could find too.

The thought of some of the ladies named playing games makes my mind boggle.

Perhaps they really just did give a handkerchief and use it as a good excuse for a chat and to have their clothes described in the newspaper 

[sparrett]

Here is yet another item where handkerchieves were actually donated and sent to the Red Cross, presumably to the troops!

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/45327486/3241615

Sue

[Treetotal]

How interesting, I never heard of it before.
Carol

[scotmum]

https://weddingcollectibles.com/blogs/blog/tradition-brides-wedding-handkerchief-gift

https://southernweddings.com/2011/08/03/southern-wedding-traditions-the-handkerchief/

Can see various early 1900s entries in American papers for Handkerchief Showers being held before marriages.

Similar references in other cultures too. Eg Irish linen handkerchiefs given before marriage.