Does anyone really care about the history of the tie?
‘Tis said it dates from a Chinese emperor who was afraid to die.

China’s first emperor, Shih Huang Ti, in the year 210 B.C.
Told his army, “When I die, I'm taking you guys with me!”

His trusted aides cried, “Let’s be cool, you just can’t kill them all.
Seventy-five thousand life-size replicas will guard thy mortal pall.”

So Shih Huang Ti bestowed on them an honor of renown —
Silk cloths, a luxury, on their necks — he wound each one around.

Now skip ahead to Roman times, about 113 A.D.
when Emperor Trajan built a column to his latest victory.

Twenty five hundred legionnaires who triumphed over Dacian in war
Are depicted in marble wearing neck cloths — in styles never seen before.

France’s King, Louis XIV, when presented with the armies of Croat
Was impressed by the silk kerchiefs that each wore about his throat.

In 1660, he adopted the style, added lace and called it a “cravat”
And ‘ere long old England’s King Charlie emulated that stylish French cat.

Cravat styles raced around the world made of various cloths and trimming —
In India, the original “bandana” of silk is said to have its beginning.

Bandanas were worn by working-class types, by cowboys, and English sailors;
Only the wealthy wore lacy cravats that were sewn for them by tailors.

The modern tie evolved, they say, from an English boater’s hatband,
When he put school ribbons round his neck and tied them, four-in-hand.

Thus began the trend of creating ties to denote schools, clubs, or achievement,
And even then, the somber black was worn in times of bereavement.

Throughout history, ties have been called by many styles and names,
The Ascot, Cravat, Bandana, Jabot all looked pretty much the same.

Created in 1800, a ribbon bow lightweight and neat,
Was worn in place of lace and silk in deference to southern heat.

Today’s neckties; they've long been around; be they festive, bland or daring,
The tone of the day; yea, the mood of the man is discerned by the tie he is wearing.

Ties also transmit tidings, as they did in days of yore;
If you need to send a “message” tie, take a look at our choices galore.

The tie’s become, believed by some, an important fashion statement
It adds some zest to suit and vest, the standard masculine raiment.

We have specialty ties and designer designs, novelty ties and more,
So email us or give us a call at www.wildties.com, the oldest internet tie store.

- Maryann Brown 12/11/02