Gloves

• In ancient times gloves were worn to protect working hands.
• In the Middle Ages gloves were worn as a sign of wealth and power. Common people wore mittens.
• In the nineteenth century, society women and men wore gloves indoors and out. Black silk gloves were worn indoors during the daytime; white gloves were worn out at night.

Many social customs involved gloves.

• Gloves were surrendered as a forfeit for an error or a crime.
• Gloves were given as party favors at weddings.
• Knights in armor carried gloves as talismans in their helmets during tournaments. The gloves belonged to a loved one.
• Gloves were used as a pledge.
• Gloves were thrown down as a challenge.

Fact Monster/Information Please® Database, © 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

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