A kerchief (from the French couvre-chef, "cover the head") is a triangular or square piece of cloth tied around the head or around the neck for protective or decorative purposes. A "handkerchief" primarily refers to a napkin made of cloth, used to maintain personal hygiene. A bandanna or bandana (from the Hindi: बनà¥à¤§à¤¨ bandhana, "to tie") is a type of large, usually colorful, kerchief, usually worn on the head.