Like every garment, even handbags have their own story behind them. They are not just a simple accessory to be paired with our outfit of the day, bags are a psychological need, something essential we could not live without, an extension of our life!
But how was this incredible invention of vital importance born?
Believe it or not, handbags were not created as a women’s accessory. The origin of the term dates to 1900, when men used to carry pouches in the Ancient Egypt – as depicted in many hieroglyphics of that time.
The oldest purse was found in Germany in 2020, and dated from 2,500 to 2,200 B.C.; it was studded with dog teeth, while the oldest handbag, instead, is a 700-year-old-clutch discovered in Northern Iraq; it is a unique piece, decorated with gold and silver court scenes – what an incredible treasure!
And did you know about the meaning held by such a unique accessory?
In the Middle Ages, purses had a great symbolic weight representing marriage and betrothal, thus usually conveying a romantic note.
Symbol of power, status and beauty, handbag has always had a very practical use as well.
That is why this indispensable element is so necessary for each woman, especially when spending the whole day out and having to deal with another hectic schedule.
But let’s have a deeper look at the evolution of the handbag from the Elizabethan Era to this day…
In the 1950s, while trends were proposing a new concept of fashion, with tea length swing dresses, pencil and circle skirts and tailored suites, the small girdle purses that women used to carry began to increase in size (we can notice this by seeing the humblest people of that time already wearing large satchel-type bags across their body).
It was the introduction of pockets to men’s clothing in 1670, when men fully discarded bags, so that they began to be known purely as the domain of women’s fashion.
On top of that, handbags played an important role in the women’s equality movement, giving women a specific place where to keep their own money and possessions, thus stopping relying forever upon their husbands; this has also contributed to guarantee more privacy and control of women personal belongings, empowering them even more.
But, as you might imagine – while you are getting to know a little bit about myself, I am not fully satisfied if I do not add a hint of psychology to my blog articles, thus I would like you to focus your attention on the psychological aspect that is intrinsic in women’s handbags, not only as a fashion accessory, but as a pure reflection of our personality and lifestyle.
Because, whether you know it or not, you can learn a lot about people by simply observing the way they carry their bags and how they organise their own items in it.
The body expert, Patti Woods, has studied the meaning of women’s bag habits, and she talks about it in a Reader’s Digest feature.
Let’s have a look at the different ways to carry handbags and what they show about our personality:
- Holding a bag securely between arm and body
If you do that, then you tend to be cautious and practical, occasionally too much that you might need some time before opening up to people around you and giving your trust. You are also very attentive and selective, which is a good thing as it makes you the smartest person in the room. It can generate a wrong impression about yourself though, as you overthink before taking action and this can result to be a bit slow and looking insecure in people’s eyes.
- Carrying a cross-body bag at the front
You are the busiest business woman! You like things to be easy and practical. You have no time to pair your accessories to the right outfit, wearing something fashion that is too uncomfortable for your standards. You need something that would make you feel secure, by giving you enough space to keep your belonging necessary for a long day full of meetings at work, without bothering you too much.
- Wearing a small sling bag that hangs freely from one shoulder
This tells a lot about you and your personality. You are a free spirit and your genuineness and spontaneity are what really make you stand out from the crowd. You like living your life to the fullest, bursting positive energy from every pore. You do not need too much; you are only carrying with you what is a real necessity (this explains the small size of your bag). Although you do not pay attention to brands, you like to have good quality stuff. Be careful to your personal items when you are outside though. Sometimes your chilled attitude could lead you to be a bit scatterbrain.
- Holding a satchel from the crook of the elbow
Class and elegance make you a charismatic, charming woman that men look at with curiosity and desire. Prestige is your thing. Sometimes people that do not know you may think that you are a bit arrogant or that you have an attitude of superiority at first impression, but you simply know what you want and how to get it.
A recent study on women with dementia found that they responded well with having handbags with them in their care homes, suggesting that after a time, we even begin to treat handbags as an extension of ourselves.
In fact, if you think about it, bags are not only a mirror of our personality. They contain part of our life; they make us feel safe and secure day and night, even at the very thought of wearing them.
It is like bringing your inner essence with you, your personal effects, the extra lipstick that will rejuvenate you on a last-minute meeting with the CEO of the company, the spare toothbrush that will save you before going on a random date.
And obviously, even how you organise your stuff into your purse will reveal a lot about you. You may be that free spirit that does not need a lot with her, as long as you have the essential needs for your daily schedule, or like myself, you may be that kind of woman who will bring along with her the entire flat (I know this may sound exaggerate, but sometimes I really do this).
Who knows better than you what feature represents you?
Your bag will speak for yourself. Now that you know that, make sure you will wear the right one on the most special occasion of your life!
