What’s in Your Bag? Exploring the Hidden History of Your Accessories

No matter how many bags you have, everyone has their own usefulness. This is because a single bag can completely change the vibe of your daily look. As the saying goes, “A bag completes fashion,” the role of bags has become increasingly important in today’s world. So, how about we take a look at the history of bags? Before the advent of various kinds of bags, what did bags look like in the past? We delve into the hidden story of bags, which have evolved from simple containers for personal belongings to an integral part of fashion.

The Origin of Bags

First, look into the origin of the Korean word “kabang” for bag. It is widely believed that the term originated from the Chinese word “kya ban.” Although the exact origin is unknown, all theories suggest that the term means “something to carry around.” Nowadays, we use “bag” more than “kabang.” The word “bag” originated from the Scandinavian word “baggi,” which means a pouch.

The Beginning of Bags

Before the advent of various types of bags, such as hobo bags, crossbody bags, shoulder bags, and eco bags, the earliest bags were no longer animal skins, cotton, or plant fibers with folded edges held together by a thread made of the same material. Bags, which could carry more than what could be held by hand, significantly impacted the advancement of human civilization.

Bags’ Usage Varied by Social Status

In the past, the use of bags varied according to social status. Nobles and royals used small bags as fashion accessories and carried jewels and money, while merchants, soldiers, and commoners could carry their belongings in large bags. In modern society, bags are ubiquitous, and their use varies not by social status but by individual personality and style.

14th Century Bags: Sachets

In the 14th century, many people used bags tied with a string to carry money as a precaution against pickpockets and thieves. These bags were attached to belts by running through long coats tied around the waist. As the Black Death began to spread in Europe, people believed that contact with water would cause them to catch the disease and die. Sachets were born to hide the unpleasant body odor from avoiding water.

Reticules

In the early 19th century, the Empire-style dress emerged, reminiscent of the Greco-Roman era. These dresses were made of thin fabric that clung to the body, so the pouches were worn at the waist to prevent ruining the dress’s silhouette, which eventually came outside later. These were called reticules, which, despite being small, became fashionable. It then began to increase in size in the late 19th century.

Chatelaine

The chatelaine was popular among women for its practicality and decorative purpose. The term “chatelaine” is French for “mistress of the house,” it refers to a piece of jewelry that women of the time wore at their waist, adorned with various personal items and trinkets needed for housekeeping. They usually wore chains around their waists that held 3 or 4 practical household items, including keys, pencils, notebooks, knives, scissors, perfume bottles, and silk-made rulers. They varied in type and craftsmanship depending on each woman’s household status.

Lingerie Bags

Sewing and needlework used to be indicators of a woman’s domestic prowess. Therefore, many women used lace, quilting, and embroidery to create lingerie bags to display their talents. These lingerie bags were primarily used to store and protect delicate handmade lingerie, such as camisoles, short corsets worn under dresses, and petticoats, vulnerable to damage.

By. Hye In Oh