Bag facts for kids

A bag (sometimes called a sack) is a common tool that works like a flexible container. People have used bags for a very long time, even before history was written down! The first bags were probably made from animal skins, cotton, or woven plant fibers. They were folded and tied with strings.

Even though bags are simple, they were very important for human civilization. They helped people easily collect loose things like berries or grains. Bags also let people carry more items than they could hold in their hands. The word "bag" might come from the Old Norse word baggi.

Today, you can find cheap paper bags and plastic bags everywhere in shops. Stores often give them away for free or for a small fee. Some people even bring their own reusable shopping bags. Paper was used for wrapping in ancient China around 200 BC. But the first paper bags, used to keep tea fresh, appeared in China during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD).

History of Bags

Bags have been around for hundreds of years and were used by both men and women. They were common as far back as ancient Egypt. Many ancient Egyptian pictures show men with bags tied around their waists. The Bible also mentions pouches, like the one Judas Iscariot carried for his personal items.

In the 14th century, people used drawstring bags to carry their money. This was to protect against pickpockets. These bags were tied to "girdles" (belts) around the waist. Women also wore fancy drawstring bags, sometimes called hamondeys or tasques. These showed off their social status.

Later, in the 14th century, handbags became popular wedding gifts from the groom to the bride. These bags were often embroidered with love stories or songs. During the Renaissance in England, clothes became very fancy. Women wore their pouches hidden under many layers of petticoats. Men carried leather pockets or "bagges" inside their pants. Rich people even carried "swete bagges" filled with nice-smelling things. This was to help with poor hygiene back then.

Modern Bags

Today, bags are everywhere! Many people carry different types of bags every day. These include cloth or leather briefcases, handbags, and backpacks. Bags made from paper or plastic are used for shopping and carrying groceries home.

A bag can be closed with a zipper, a snap fastener, or simply by folding it (like a paper bag). Some money bags or travel bags even have a lock for safety. Bags are usually soft and can be folded small, which makes them easy to carry when empty. This is handy for taking them to a shop or storing them.

Bags come in all sizes. There are small ones, like purses, and large ones for traveling, like a suitcase. Even the pockets in your clothes are a type of bag! They are built into your clothing for carrying small items.

Bags and the Environment

There are concerns about how plastic shopping and trash bags affect the environment. Many countries are trying to control and reduce their use. For example, in some places, cheap plastic bags are taxed. This means customers have to pay a small fee for them.

Sometimes, shops sell strong, reusable plastic or fabric bags. These often cost a little more but can be used many times. They can replace disposable bags completely. In some cases, you can even get a free replacement if your reusable bag wears out.

A bag might be made to be thrown away after one use, but even "disposable" bags can often be used many times. This is good for both your wallet and the environment. However, sometimes a bag needs to be used only once for health or practical reasons. For example, a garbage bag is usually thrown away with its contents. Bags used for packaging snacks like pretzels or potato chips are also usually thrown away when empty.

Types of Bags

• Backpack
• Bin bag (garbage bag or trash bag)
• Body bag
• Drawstring bag
• Duffel bag
• Gunny sack
• Handbag (purse)
• Laptop Bag
• Messenger bag
• Money bag
• Paper bag
• Plastic bag
• Sandbag
• Satchel (bag)
• Shopping bag
  • Plastic shopping bag
  • Reusable shopping bag
• Thermal bag
• Tote bag
• Travel bag (suitcase)

Other Uses of "Bag"

The word "bag" is also used in other ways:

• Airbag: A safety device in vehicles.
• Punching bag: Equipment used for physical training.
• Sleeping bag: A warm cover for sleeping, often outdoors.
• Tea bag: A small bag holding tea leaves for brewing.
• Coin purse: A small pouch for coins.
• Grocery bag: A bag for carrying groceries.

Images for kids

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  A garbage bag

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  A paper bag

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  A fur bag

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  Jute bags (gunny sacks) of coffee

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  A modern bag for carrying personal effects

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  A tote bag

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  Pouch, Arapaho (Native American), late 19th or early 20th century, Brooklyn Museum

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  Paper bags with handles

See also

In Spanish: Bolsa (recipiente) para niños