It’s been a part of western culture just as much as the
cowboy hat. The hat shaded the eyes
from blinding sun and kept the sun off the
neck and ears. The bandana was used to cover the mouth and nose and protect it
from dust during cattle drives or roping. It also could be wrapped around the neck to protect it from sun and
soak up perspiration. It could be wrapped around the forehead to keep sweat out of the
wearer’s eyes. And it was a handy hankie or towel and used for dozens of things
including bandages.
My father always had cotton bandanas in his pocket when he
worked. And in those days, those things had to be ironed. Guess what every
little girl learned to iron on? Bandanas. Wouldn’t want to scorch a fancy
hankie, but that poor bandana was more forgiving, or at least no seemed to
complain if it wasn’t perfect. It was only a bandana.
Over the years it’s been used as head covering, a head band,
a sweat band, and ponytail holder. Sometimes it was used to carry things. Drop
in the center of a bandana and tie it up. Then it started to symbolize gangs. The
average person quit wearing the traditional paisley bandana, especially if
someone lived in a city.
But with Covid-19 pandemic, bandanas have taken on a new
life. People are wearing them again as a face mask. Do they work? It’s probably
one of the least effective masks. But! For those who have a problem wearing something
over their nose and mouth, the bandana is an alternative. It’s
better than nothing but not great. It’s less apt to wind up in your mouth when
you try to talk.
You see the study here. https://www.nbc12.com/2020/07/01/bandana-is-least-effective-form-face-mask-study-says/
I went to a drive-thru and the gentleman inside was wearing
a mask. But I couldn’t understand anything he said. I finally gave up and said
I was coming to the window because I could not understand him. It was a little
easier face to face without a piece of electronic equipment between us. We all
need to remember to be extra patient. We’re in this together. There are better
and safer masks than the bandana. But maybe it still has a place during this
pandemic. It’s better than nothing for those who can’t wear a traditional
mask.
We’re not the only ones in history to wear masks. The Black
Plague doctors wore the long beak masks. The beak was stuffed with herbal materials
with the hopes that it might protect them. That ugly mask is how doctors gained
the unwanted reputation for being “quacks.” Apparently, it didn’t work very
well for them. They died and their patients died. It might have helped to cover up the stench
of death.
Paul Fürst, engraving, c. 1721, of
a plague doctor of Marseilles
Remember, the mask is protecting others from you. So if you
have a cough, fever, or have been exposed to the virus, don’t wear a bandana. Don’t
go out unless you must, and then wear a real mask. But a clean bandana, folded
and placed a zippered plastic bag, comes in handy when kept in the car or purse.
It can protect your hands when that bottle cap refuses to budge or it can help
grip the container so it doesn’t slide as you unscrew the cap. It can be used
wet to help cool you on a hot day. And it looks really cute on the dog!
How do you use a bandana?
My newest historical western.
Click the link and you can read a sample.
Your book sounds intriguing! As for masks, I'd never realized how much I depend on reading lips to help he with my poor hearing until masks. I also am surprised at how expressive a person's face can be above the mask.
ReplyDeleteIt's a serious problem for the deaf who rely on facial expression. Did you know that the deaf watch the face and not the hands? They catch the hand movement but it's the facial with the hand movement that is important. Even those with Cochlear implants still need to watch our lips. I have a terrible time keeping the mask out of my mouth when I talk. :-(
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