"Has any real (as opposed to Faerie-tale) person ever been seen with their belongings tied up in a spotted hankie on the end of a stick? Always thought it was a bit strange. Tied in a bundle on your back would make sense but on the end of a stick? Just wondering. Cheers, Joy "

The Swag (which is the word for what you're referring to) is an old Australian tradition. The great wandering peoples of the bushlands of Australia would take to the road with their swag, loaded with some of the more important items they might carry with them, memories from whence they came.