DVDizzy Forum

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!

Thanks!

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.

needed it for wat exactly??

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.

I think that maybe Jane is kinda sick , so maybe she'll need it at night...

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

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!

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.