The Hat Tales
A fun and stylish Easter bonnet is a great way to celebrate this time of renewal. By Sarah Polyakov.
“In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it, you'll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade”. –From the song Easter Parade by Irving Berlin
For many women, buying a new Easter dress and Easter bonnet or hat is part of their annual Easter tradition. Though many of us look forward to the hunt for new Easter clothes, we may not be aware of the original significance that they bestow upon the wearer. Did you know that this Christian custom can be traced back to the late 16th century in England?
Originally, donning new Easter clothes and a coordinating bonnet was steeped in symbolism and meaning. These new Easter outfits fit in harmoniously with the coming of spring, which in itself represents new life. But, most importantly, donning them originally symbolized redemption and spiritual renewal. Everyone needs a fresh start and spiritual renewal, and there is no better way to denote this than donning a stylish Easter hat.
The original Easter headwear actually originated in ancient Rome and was made of leaves, vines and flowers. They were woven together to form a fragrant wreath that was worn on the head. These garlands symbolized hope, rebirth and the euphoria that comes with spring. But, leaves and flowers were also ephemeral, lasting for a couple of days at most. These were also associated more with pagan celebrations that involved the rites of spring and honoring the Goddess Eostre.
Only later did Christians develop a tradition of wearing new clothes and bonnets, which symbolized a type of post-Lent purification and rebirth. These were made of less short-lived materials such as woven straw or organically derived fabrics. What they had in common with the original garlands is that they usually featured flowers.
In the United States, the Easter tradition of attiring oneself in new clothing and a floral bonnet did not evolve until after the Civil War. European immigrants who brought with them their more formal Easter customs strengthened these budding traditions. By 1933, when Irving Berlin wrote his famous song, Easter Parades had become a cultural staple.
This year, don’t forget to check out your local stores for a colorful Easter dress and elegant hat. These days, there are so many different types of hats to choose from, and they can be found in vibrant colors as well as more subdued earth tones. This year’s Easter hats have many different styles that include 1920’s style cloches, extra-wide brimmed hats for drama and hybrids that are part beret and part feather fascinator for a touch of extra flare. Whichever hat you choose, be sure to participate in this fun and age-old tradition.
