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Just Stepped Out of a Band Box

Just Stepped Out of a Band Box

Just Stepped Out of a Band Box - Harriet Michael headshotPlease welcome my friend Harriet Michael as today’s guest writer. Harriet and I met at Kentucky Christian Writers Conference. She is a multi-published author and freelance writer. Harriet currently has five books out with two more coming out this year and three more under contract for release over the next two years. She also has hundreds of articles, devotions, and stories published in numerous magazines and books. Follow her on her blog or on her Amazon author page.

Looking Good!

Matching dresses made by Harriet’s mom

When I was a child, I often heard my mother say, “You look like you just stepped out of a band box!” She would say this to me when I was dressed up for church or some other nice occasion. I came to understand from the way she used this expression that she meant I looked nice:

  • Clean
  • Hair brushed
  • Clothes washed and pressed
  • Shoes shined

Where did the expression come from?

I actually did not know the answer to this question until I looked it up for this post. Here is what I found:

The bands in this expression are clerical bands—the white linen bands often worn around ministers’ necks. The bandbox then is the box that holds the ministers’ clothing which is always spotless and neatly pressed. So, if people look like they just stepped out of a bandbox, they look:

  • Neat
  • Clean
  • Spotless
  • In order

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17 NIV).

Do you have an expression you want explained? If so, please comment below.

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