The Term “Handbag” First Appeared In The 1900’s – It Referred To Men’s Hand-Luggage

National Handbag Day on October 10th recognizes the versatile and utilitarian bag that goes by many names.

Call it what you will – pocketbook, clutch, reticule, purse, evening bag, case, or pouch – they’ve been coming in handy for thousands of years.

• The first documented use of handbags comes from 14^th century hieroglyphics.
• The average woman owns 6 handbags.
• The average women’s handbag weighs 5.2 pounds.
• A new study has revealed that women’s handbags are contaminated with more bacteria than a toilet seat.
• The term “backpack” was invented in 1910. Before that the terms knapsack and packsack were used.
• The first unisex bag, a black nylon knapsack, was launched in 1985.
• The average student carries a book bag weighing 25% of their body weight. The recommended weight is no more than 15%.
• The term “handbag” appeared in the 1900’s and was used to refer to hand-luggage for men. However, women’s bags became more popular in that period and now the term is associated with the accessory.
• In ancient Egypt, men used to carry around purse like pouches and it was completely normal at that time.
• The word luggage comes from the verb “lug” which means to drag.
• Shakespeare was one of the first to cite the word “luggage” in his masterpiece Henry IV.
• Carrying bags became extremely popular among women and young girls in the 17^th century. It was one of the most sought after gifts to give to women and young girls at that time (it still is).
• As of 2019, Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse is the most expensive handbag in the world with a price tag of $3.8 million.
• 2 out of 10 luxury purses on the street are knockoffs
• London’s H.J. Cave made the first luxury leather handbag.  In 1841, Cave manufactured the first small and resistant handbags from durable leather. These were especially made for the family of a very successful business man, Samuel Parkinson. Of course, his wife’s purse had a more delicate size and shape. Now, these bags can be seen in the Amsterdam Handbag Museum.
• Rumor has it that, at the end of each year, Louis Vuitton burns all its unsold products.
• The first person mentioned in a written text as wearing a bag is Judas Iscariot. The Bible makes him the first purse owner in history.
• The railroad made people realize that they needed to invent “handbags”. Until the construction of the railroad, people did not need a practical and spacious thing in which to carry their important things. When they started using the train on a regular basis, women realized that they needed something functional. This is how the handbag was born.
• Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Handbags come in second. Therefore, handbags are a girl’s second best friend.
• 22% of women choose to go on a handbag shopping spree, if given a chance to buy branded things.
• 1 out of every 10 women invests more than $150 per year for handbags.
• Louis Vuitton was the first branded handbag to arise. Second came Fendi, third came Hermes, forth came Chanel, etc.

Sources:

National Day Calendar

Langlais

Elegant Bags

Global Sam

Rioni