Cindy Baldridge, age 12, of Laconia, N.H., for her question:

WHEN WAS THE FIRST BUTTON USED?

A button is a small disk or knob used for fastening or ornamenting clothing. Worn as ornaments since the Bronze Age back about 3000 B.C., buttons were sometimes used as fasteners by the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Buttons became popular in Europe during the 13th and 14th centuries when form fitting clothing came into fashion.

In the 16th century, wearing buttons became a means of displaying wealth. During this time many buttons were set with diamonds and other gems.

In the 18th century fine, handcrafted buttons were made of painted porcelain, ivory, tortoise shell inlay and engraved gems. Embroidered and brass buttons were also popular at this time.

Buttons in the late 20th century are primarily mass produced in plastic. The collecting of fine buttons or of modern campaign or advertising buttons furnished with pins is a popular hobby.