The use of blankets or throws other than the obvious, for warmth, is just as plentiful as the types. As mentioned above, Native Americans had blankets that were what could be considered personalized. The use of these blankets was used as gifts, warmth for their horses, costumes, bartering, purchasing goods, and protection. More times than not, Native Americans would use their blankets or throws as means to purchase equipment from both cowboys and the military. As we know, it appeared that Native Americans had what others wanted; and, others wanted the Native American's blankets. So, often trading would take place; for instance, guns would be traded for blankets. The blankets made by tribes were either from wool or animal hide and quite warm; just what troops or cowboys desperately needed during the winter months. And, speaking of warmth, the Native American would also use the blanket to stay warm either as a coat or as a door to their teepee. The blanket to the Native American was also used for birthing and burial purposes. Interesting enough, the throw was tied to one's lifecycle, as a baby a blanket was wrapped around them to keep them warm and provide protection. The blanket was also wrapped around an individual that passed away; the burial ritual consisted of the person being wrapped in a blanket. One might say or think that the blanket marks the beginning of life and marks the end of life or the rebirth to the after life.

We too use blankets to mark the "birth" of one, whether it is to wrap an infant as they are delivered or the "birth" of one into Christianity. The blanket is often used for a toddler during their baptism or christening into the Christianity faith. And, this blanket is often personalized with the toddler's name, date of ceremony and sometimes the Church's name. A blanket is often used to distinguish new beginnings or rebirth of an individual; perhaps, just for the sole reason that a blanket provides warmth and security and that is what is needed during a "birth" of an individual.

Not only are blankets used in providing comfort for us humans, but blankets are used for animals too. A saddle blanket is used for riding purposes; this blanket is placed on the animal's back and then a saddle is placed on top of the blanket. For sake of argument, let's use a horse for example. No matter if the tack will be Western or Hunt Seat, the saddle blanket is placed at the base of the horse's withers. The saddle blanket adds comfort and a cushion for the horse's back and withers. If the blanket is placed incorrectly or not fitted properly to the horse, then sores develop almost like bedsores. These sores are often referred to saddle sores and can become very pain and raw for the horse, which needless to say will cause great discomfort for the horse and an undesirable mount will occur. Another form of blanket for a horse is just that, a horse blanket (or cooler). In this case, depending on the weather and the desired goal, a blanket is used during the winter months; and a cooler (lighter blanket, almost like a sheet) is used during the summer months. The winter blanket helps provide shelter during the rigid winter conditions that can exist. Also, for horses that are professionally shown, these blankets help minimize the growth of their winter coat. The stunt of a winter coat, allows the exhibitor to show their horses with a sheen coat and minimal coat shedding. During the summer months, a lighter blanket is used to help prevent chill after a rigorous workout. Also, just like the winter blanket; the cooler will help prevent the horse's coat from being sun bleached. Once again, the desired condition is a slick, sheen, and conditioned coat for the horse that is shown. With warmer weather come those pests called flies! The cooler not only provides protection from the sun, but also from bites that come from files and mosquitoes.

For those of us that have smaller pets, such as a dog or cat; yes, there are blankets available for them too. And, the function is almost the same as it is for us. Yep, our canine and feline friends have a "Linus blanket" too. While this applies more to dogs, there are a few cats that take comfort in having a secure, private, comfortable area to call their own; and, often a blanket is used to claim as their own. A blanket for your pet will provide the same warmth, security and comfort as it does for you. Another purpose for your pet's blanket is for traveling purposes. If you have a pet that is not too keen on that car ride, by bringing their blanket along will help ease their anxiety. Needless to say, it protects your car seats too. For those of us that have dogs, know too that we use a dog blanket when grooming our beloved friend. The purpose here is to provide warmth, as the dog is either being dried or waiting to be dried. A pet blanket will also be found within veterinary offices and boarding kennels; both industries use blankets for the same purpose you do at home. In fact, most offices/kennels encourage you to bring along your pet's blanket for them while they are being treated or boarded. Why? It is to provide security and a sense of familiarity to them while they are away from home. As you can see, no matter how big or small your pet may be; the blanket has a common ground for all and that is security, comfort, warmth and protection. Pretty amazing when you stop and think about it, isn't it?

Now, let's take a short trip. Close your eyes, take nice deep breaths; can you hear that? Can you feel it? You are at the beach! Guess what you packed? Yep, a blanket! Actually, you packed a beach blanket; this blanket often is used as a barrier between you and the ground, in this case, sand. A beach blanket will be waterproof since chances are you will be coming in from a dip into the ocean and want a dry, non- gritty surface to lie on.

After a day at the beach, the next day you would like to pack a picnic basket and have a picnic in the park. But, what will you use as a cover between you and the grass? Why, a picnic blanket. A picnic blanket is smaller than a twin blanket used for a bed, and is waterproof too. Just like the beach blanket mentioned above, the picnic blanket will comprise of one side being soft, cuddly, and comfortable; while the reverse side will be plastic in nature. This underside is what helps give these two blankets the characteristic of being weatherproof/waterproof.

What exactly is the function of a blanket? Well, as you just read and can surmise there isn't just one choice; there are the conventional uses that one thinks of right away to uses that aren't so day to day, the function of your blanket is as individual as you are. You have a function that is needed but can't locate the blanket in the marketplace? Then use your imagination and create your own functional blanket to fit the need.