Neckoteimus - Patron Saint of Neckties
Historical Facts
“The necktie has its roots in military history. For starters, a collection of terracotta sculptures discovered in 1974 in Xian, China gives insight into the style worn by Chinese soldiers over a thousand years ago. China’s first emperor, Qin Shin Huang, wanted his army to be buried with him as his guardians in the afterlife. Lucky for all the soldiers involved, his advisors convinced him instead to have life-sized replicas of his troops made to be used as his protectors throughout eternity.”
“In 210 BC when he died, his terracotta “army” in this way-was buried with him. Each statue wore a wrapped neck cloth, the earliest predecessor of the modern tie.”
John Starr, former NBC News producer.
The Origin of the [modern] Necktie
“Most sartorialists (those interested in fashion) agree that the necktie originated in the 17th century, during the 30 years war in France. King Louie XIII hired Croatian mercenaries who wore a piece of cloth around their neck as part of their uniform. While these early neckties did serve a function (tying the top of their jackets that it), they also had quite a decorative effect- a look that King Louis was quite fond of. In fact, he liked it so much that he made these ties a mandatory accessory for Royal gatherings, and to honor the Croation soldiers – he gave this clothing piece the name ’La Cravat’ – the name for necktie in French to this day.”
www. tie-a-tie.net
Neckotiemus, Patron Saint of Neckties
But wait! There’s more!
While there’s ample information about the origin and history of the necktie, there’s a rather interesting, albeit unsubstantiated folklore regarding its history as well.
According to the legend, Neckotiemus, an aspiring fourth century clothier and fashion designer, turned the Bedouin fashion world on its head by abandoning the customary sheep’s wool cloth in favor of fine silk fabric and linens in his robes. This daring and heretofore unheard move, along with the simple, but functional elegance of his designs, attracted a more affluent clientele.
Neckotiemus, quite possibly the father of mass marketing and today’s popular box stores, was a social activist, refusing to use animal skins for his garments.
One of his early marketing discoveries was the “tent sale”, where he offered special pricing for quantity buying. His competitors often complained that his market stand was a huge box tent and that they couldn’t compete with his prices. Neckotiemus posted signs at his massive tent sales- ”לא נפגעו בעלי חיים “- NO ANIMALS WERE HARMED IN THE PRODUCTION OF ANY GARMENTS.
He was also an advocate of “free range chicken eggs” but struggled to get a low cost “free range” barn yard established, Neckotiemus, reluctantly but finally, abandoned the idea when, to his dismay, a competitor poached his idea.
As Neckotiemus’ business grew, his sharp negotiating and bartering skills created enormous wealth, and his business became an astronomical success
In spite of his great accomplishments, Neckotiemus felt restless. Ready for a change in scenery and a brand new challenge, Neckotiemous set out for Italy. Little did he know that his pilgrimage would impact the future of fashion and fulfill his destiny!
Italy exceeded his expectations! The architecture! The food! The FASHIONS!
He found the Italians warm and high-spirited. Their fashions were astounding; especially those he saw in Milan. Many of the red and black fabric designs reminded him of home and the garments his ancestors wore.
His mind’s eye was filled with a flurry of designs and patterns. He imagined scarves, towels, and shawls. He saw them on people’s heads and shoulders. Then suddenly, in a flash of light, the idea struck him like an enormous bolt of lightning! A garment for the NECK! YES! That’s it!
And it shall be called the Neckgar!
It had been nearly twelve hours since Neckotiemus had eaten. Famished, he thought “I’m hungry for Chinese” and off he went to the local Chinese food stand.
Turning the corner, he discovered Fung Shui’s Chinese Bistro. Fung Shui, the proprietor, was elderly, very wise, and a descendent of a general in Emperor Qin Shin Huang’s army and a pretty good cook.
Neckotiemus ordered Moo goo gai pan (without chicken). While Fung Shui prepared his take- out order she noticed how excited Nekotiemus appeared. So, in broken Latin they conversed at length about his concept. Fung was able to provide Neckotiemus with her knowledge of Chinese military history of the neck cloth. In fact, it was Fung Shui who suggested that his neck cloth be called the necktie, since those words were in his name, and that his cloth be tied around the neck. Neckotiemus was reluctant to agree but assured Fung that he would give it his strong consideration. Finishing his meal, he smiled and thanked her for her suggestions.
As Neckotiemus was leaving Fung handed him a fortune cookie that he opened and read while walking back to his hotel. “Be mindful of the wisdom of your elders.” In that moment the necktie was named and Neckotiemus’s destiny established.
It would be centuries until Necktiemus was canonized as the patron saint of neckties.
