The term ‘ridicule’ derived from the Latin ‘ridiculum’ and first used in France during the 17th century and meant subjecting something or someone to mockery. As women’s tiny bags were mocked, or ridiculed, for being a useless fashion accessory when they were first used in the late 1700s, it’s likely this is how the name ‘ridicule’ started. The later term ‘reticule’ derived from the Latin reticulum, meaning ‘netted bag’ and was applied when bags became larger and often made from netting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the early nineteenth century, reticules started to look like future handbags as they were often made from rigid card or molded Mach\u00e9 or card into a variety of shapes. Early bags were circular and with a drawstring but as women wanted their reticules to look individual they could be made with two halves and a hinged metal closure or with concertina sides. Materials varied from silk, cotton and string and shapes were round, hexagonal or lozenge shapes with shell shaped bags becoming very popular during the Regency and Romantic Eras.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1800s magazines were written for well-bred women who could read, so they gave plenty of ideas for how ladies could make and embellish reticules for their own use and as pretty gifts. Needlework was highly encouraged as a pastime for a lady so bags were frequently embroidered or decorated with beading. By the 1820s, reticules became more like our modern handbags using soft leather gathered at the top or hard leather with a rigid fastener and metal chain for carrying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What was fashionable for purses in past centuries? Call them what you like: purses, bags, handbags, reticules, ridicules, clutches, or pocket replacements. They all did the same job and they changed greatly with the prevailing fashions of time. books2read.com\/suziloveReticules<\/a> History Notes Book 3 By Suzi Love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"bag_1831-1850](\"https:\/\/www.suzilove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/bag_1831-1850_ca_ReticuleEnglish_RoundbagofCrimsonSilk_MuseumOfLondon_Sml.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\nWhat's the difference between a ridicule, a reticule, and a handbag? 1831-1850 ca. Round Bag of Crimson Silk. #RomanticEraFashion #VictorianFashion #BritishHistory #reticule http:\/\/books2read.com\/suziloveReticules <\/a><\/span>Share on X<\/a><\/span>\n\n\n![\"HN_3_D2D_RetailerBuyLink_HN_3](\"https:\/\/www.suzilove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/D2D_RetailerBuyLink_HN_3.png\")
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