Why Is Manilla Paper Called So?

Manila paper is called so, as it is a kind of paper that was initially manufactured out of Manila hemp. Manila hemp, also simply called as Manilla, is a kind of fibre that is attained from the leaves of the abaca, a member of the same family as the banana. it is not actually a hemp, but called that as hemp was for ages the main source for fibre, hence other fibres were referred to as the same thing. It is named after the capital of the Philippines, Manila, where it was manufactured to a large extent.

Manila paper is usually beige in colour, and one can generally make out the fibrous strands in the paper. It is relatively cheap, and is often used by children to make child art.