Editing Handkerchief (section)

==Modern usage==
The material of a handkerchief can be symbolic of the socio-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.  Handkerchiefs can be made of [[cotton]], cotton-synthetic blend, synthetic fabric, [[silk]], or [[linen]].
[[File:Our home physician- a new and popular guide to the art of preserving health and treating disease; with plain advice for all the medical and surgical emergencies of the family (1869) (14777904994).jpg|thumb|upright|Handkerchief used for stopping bleeding]]
Handkerchiefs are also used as an impromptu way to carry around small items when a bag or basket is unavailable. They could also serve as a substitute for a bandage over a small injury.  In the [[United Kingdom]], the habit of wearing a handkerchief with tied corners on one's head at the beach has become a [[Seaside postcard#British seaside postcards|seaside postcard]] stereotype.
[[File:Monty Python Live 02-07-14 12 27 13 (14415368570).jpg|thumb|Knotted handkerchief hat]]
From the late 18th century white handkerchiefs were waved, generally by women (men usually waved their hats), to demonstrate approval at public events such as processions or political rallies.<ref>"Mr. PITT's carriage was nearly the last...he was received with very general applause; the ladies waving their white handkerchiefs from the windows as he passed." "The Procession To St. Paul's". Times [London, England], 20 December 1797, p.&nbsp;2.</ref><ref>General Lafayette was greeted on a visit to Providence, R.I., by "nearly 200 Misses, arrayed in white", who strewed flowers in his path "at the same time waving their white handkerchiefs". "Lafayette In America". Times [London, England] 16 October 1824, p.&nbsp;2.</ref>

Using handkerchiefs to accentuate hand movements while dancing is a feature of both West African and African-American traditional dance, in the latter case especially in wedding celebrations.<ref>"Information About Dancing And Waving White Handkerchiefs In Ewe Cultures Of Ghana & Togo And The Igbo Culture Of Nigeria". Edited by Azizi Powell [http://pancocojams.blogspot.co.uk].</ref> Handkerchiefs are also traditional [[accoutrements]] in certain kinds of English folk dance, such as the [[Morris dance]].

Besides their intended use, they could be used for cleaning equipment, polishing shoes, cleaning hands and face, signaling for attention, as a sweat band, [[neckerchief]], as protection from dust inhalation, to repair footwear, cut out pieces to patch clothes, cut up as emergency firearms cleaning patches, [[Molotov cocktail]] wick (fire-bomb), hot cooking utensil holder, a makeshift bandage, [[tourniquet]], or arm sling.