World War II Armistice Christmas Handkerchief

"This is the Christmas that a war-weary world has prayed for through long and awful years. With peace come joy and gladness." ~ President Harry S. Truman

Found at market just outside of Paris, we were thoroughly enchanted by a collection of World War II Armistice Christmas Handkerchiefs.

Proudly proclaiming "Merry Christmas," these lovely hand-embroidered handkerchiefs were produced in France for export in Christmas 1945 to celebrate the end of World War II. While the war had been over for several months by December 1945, many servicemen and women were still scattered around the world far from home. Rationing was still in effect across Europe, meaning that Christmas dinner in London or Paris was likely "mock turkey" or "mock goose," Christmas decorations were crafted from newspaper or other scrap items, and new, store-bought presents were rare.

These finely embroidered handkerchiefs feature imagery commemorating the first peaceful Christmas in Europe since 1938. Father Christmas is dressed in snowy white robes, symbolizing the purity and peace of the 1945 Christmas season. He carries a satchel with a French flag and holds American and British flags, representing the Allies. Merry Christmas is embroidered in fine yellow thread, reminding the user that it will be the first truly merry Christmas in nearly a decade, despite the continuing privations of rationing and sustained recovery from the devastations of the war.

Meant to be tucked into an envelope and sent to family and friends - perhaps by a serviceman or woman who still had not made his or her way home - these lovely handkerchiefs are a beautiful memento of the Christmas of 1945. Not the most glamorous of Christmases, and one that was sometimes tinged by sadness for those not at the table - yet still a hopeful and joyful Christmas, where all were looking forward to better days ahead.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In unused condition but with slight variation to the color of the cloth and stitching as seen in the images. At time of listing 50 handkerchiefs available.