How bandanas came to be The bandana has a rich and varied history as a popular accessory spanning many eras. The word ‘bandana’ is thought to originate from the Hindi word bāṅdhnū, which means ‘to tie.’ The bandana itself, as an object, is said to have roots in South Asia and the Middle East. The paisley pattern of classic bandanas originated in Persia. Nowadays, this square of colorful cloth has a patchwork of meanings and associations attached to it.