A Mary Poppins Question

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gaysnappercarr
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A Mary Poppins Question

Post by gaysnappercarr »

While watching the new Mary Poppins DVD a few days ago I heard a line of dialogue that I had never heard (or, more likely, never paid attention to before).

While getting the kids ready for their nap (right before the song Stay Awake), Mary asks Jane - "Have you got your handkerchief under your pillow?" [This may not be the direct quote, but it's something close to it.]

What is the significance of this? I'm assuming it's some sort of English custom circa 1910.

Is it like putting a tooth under your pillow for the tooth fairy? Or taking a stuffed animal to sleep with you? I asked my co-workers but they didn't have any clues, so I'm turning to the coolest bunch of people on the internet - the readers of the UltimateDisney message boards! :D

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pinkrenata
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Post by pinkrenata »

I always thought it was in case she needed it during the night. Aside from that, I've never really considered it to hold any other significance.
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Post by IggieKuzco »

needed it for wat exactly?? :shock:
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Post by catNC »

pinkrenata wrote:I always thought it was in case she needed it during the night. Aside from that, I've never really considered it to hold any other significance.
I think that is its significance. Mary Poppins was just making sure Jane had it under her pillow in case she needed it during the night. Ok, I just said what Pink said. People still do stuff like that. My mom sleeps with a kleenex tissue under her pillow. It's easier to find a tissue under your pillow in the middle of the night than searching for the box on your bedside table.
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Post by Pluto »

I think that maybe Jane is kinda sick :lol: , so maybe she'll need it at night...
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Post by Melly »

Definately thinking it is an older generation, possibly English thing. My Nan used to make sure we had hankies under our pillows as kids :D
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Post by gaysnappercarr »

Wow, I guess the easiest answer really does make the most sense.

I'm not sure if I should be embarrassed that it didn't dawn on me!
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Chris
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Post by Chris »

On the audio commentary track during that scene, Julie Andrews repeats the line and sort of chuckles about it. I suppose she got a kick out of it.

I too, always assumed that Mary Poppins was asking Jane in case she were to get a runny nose during the night. :)
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