The Hanky Code



The origins of the Hanky Codes date back to American cowboy during the mid- and late- nineteenth century. It is thought that wearing of bandanas which was a common practice for men, originate in San Francisco after the Gold Rush, when because of the shortage of women, men dancing with each other in Square Dances developed a code wherein the man wearing the Blue Bandana took the male part in the dance and the man wearing the red took the female role. They were usually worn around the arm or hanging from the belt or in the pocket of one's jeans. The modern Hanky Code may of started in New York City or as some say in the San Francisco, Castro area sometime in the late 1970 - early 1971 and has become a staple of Modern Gay Culture. But it was more of a basic color system, left or right pocket then. Today it seems  that you may need an interpreter. 





But as in most thing they tend to change the direction from it's earlier meaning or direction and something that signified your preference now has become a fashion.