The internet does not have a definitive answer if you type in the string 'history of the polka dot' and in fact it is one of the worst written wiki entries I have ever seen. Some say it is derived from Czech, a word pulka, which means half, said to refer to the style of steps in the dance which became known as the polka. It swept through Europe in the 1850's. Others say it means little Polish girl. There is some suggestion that the dancers who were part of this craze wore spotted garments to get attention, hence the pattern became associated with the dance. Whatever is the true lineage and evolution of the polka dot, one thing is certain to me, they are effervescent, playful and cheerful. Not to mention elegant. A new batch of polka dots is now live on the website www.lenoeudpapillon.com
