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Polka Dot Talk

Polka Dot Talk

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The polka dot pattern has a history that dates back to the mid-1800s. It originated in Western Europe and quickly spread to America, becoming a decorative fashion trend in the late 19th century. However, the irregularly spaced dots in the pattern were initially associated with diseases like leprosy, syphilis, and smallpox.

According to BluFashion: The rise of the polka dot as patterned clothing initially spread with the lower classes, who were looking for more “interesting” colors and patterns but could not afford the silks of the upper classes. In 1865, we saw an early photograph of a woman holding a broom and wearing polka dots matched with stripes. It was in this period where the polka dot pattern really took flight, and its name originates from the Eastern European dance called the polka, though the reasons behind this association are varied and mostly discredited

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.