Fathers Day and the Vanishing Handkerchief

We gave my father some Red Sox apparel and a 6-pack of Pierre Cardin handkerchiefs for Fathers Day.

This got me to thinking:  I've never used a handkerchief in my life--not to blow my nose, anyway (I prefer some sort of tissue)--but my father has carried one with him daily for as long as I can remember.  

Upon further reflection, it dawned on me that I don't know anyone my age (47) or younger who carries a handkerchief around on his person.  Maybe a young guy will have one in his suit pocket but that's just for show.

Just some guy modeling.

I guess back in the day (and by the way, the phrase "back in the day" always refers to a Tuesday) when there was always dust and heavy air pollution clouding the air and before the invention of Kleenex tissue

Kleenex

guys needed to purge the nasal passages frequently and weren't particularly concerned with the lack of hygiene associated with carrying around a mucus-soaked and snot-encrusted square of thin fabric in the pocket.  

Just some guy blowing his nose into a hankie.

Upon further reflection still, I'm wondering if the handkerchief will go the way of the buggy whip some day. I worked at T.J. Maxx for a number of years and we always did a booming business in handkerchiefs but I just don't see that lasting.  Let's face it:  when The Greatest Generation has left us, is there really going to be anyone walking around with a handkerchief?   

Bear in mind, I'm not referring to the kerchief itself--just the handkerchief.  Remember the neckerchief?  Cowboys and bandits and stuff?  That's basically gone bye-bye save for some gang bangers and Justin Bieber 

The Biebster

but the kerchief (from the French couvre-chef, "cover the head") is alive and well and will last forever.

Portuguese chick wearing a kerchief on her head.

I think another cultural phenomenon leading us away from the handkerchief is the "snot rocket" made popular and prevalent by athletes the world over.  I mean, seriously, do you see a hockey player stopping at the blue line to pull out a hankie and blow his nose?

Some hockey guy just standing there.

And I'll leave you with the visual of snot freezing on the ice surface.

Happy Fathers Day!