Easter bonnets are fancy hats worn by women on Easter Sunday. Though fewer ladies wear them today, the ritual remains important to those who still do.
A longstanding tradition
The subject of wearing head coverings has roots in the Bible. In Corinthians, Paul shares that man should not pray with his head covered. It is also explained that women are distinctly different. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head – it is the same as having her head shaved. (1 Corinthians 11:5) Regardless of varying Biblical interpretations, the tradition of men removing their hats in church to show respect and honor is connected to the Bible, as well as the wearing of head coverings like hats and veils for women. It remains part of Western culture to remove hats to demonstrate honor or for civilians saluting the flag, or when entering buildings such as a house of worship.
Protective hats in the USA
Men and women have traditionally worn hats in the U.S. for centuries. Aside for Biblical reasons, hats served practical purposes. For example, during colonial times, bonnets that tied together at the bottom protected hair from wind and sun. Other hats, such as hard hats, for example, were developed and commonly worn by dock workers to protect the head from objects dropped from ship decks.
Changing fashion
Like clothing, fashion styles continually evolve. Today, the practice of wearing fancy hats is largely related to haute couture. Frequently, in the U.S., popular and casual style hats, such as knit hats, sunhats, or baseball caps, are worn out of practicality, such as for warmth, to protect against sun exposure, or to show team support. Though less than days gone by, women sometimes wear decorative hats, carrying on traditions such as the wearing Easter bonnets to church.
What exactly are Easter bonnets?
Easter bonnets are decorative hats that consist of bright pastel colors. Some feature flowers and other symbols that reflect the period of “rebirth” that occurs with spring. Therefore, these types of bonnets are closely associated with the warm season.
Religion aside, what made Easter bonnets popular?
The idea of new clothes for spring dates to Shakespeare. In the Victorian Age, there was an emphasis on fine dressing to include the wearing of bonnets. Victorian bonnets typically featured large crowns and were finely trimmed with frills like flowers, feathers, lace and more. Frilly hats never lost their appeal. Easter bonnets became part of pop culture as expressed through the media, largely influenced by film and glamourous movie stars. Irving Berlin’s referenced them in his well-love song entitled “Easter Parade.” The song was published in 1933 and later appeared in films. In 1942, the tune was featured in Holiday Inn, where it was sung by Bing Crosby. Six years later, the song was also performed by Judy Garland and Fred Astaire in the musical Easter Parade. These songs helped popularize Easter bonnets and showcased the grandeur and pride associated with wearing one.
The lyrics read:
In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it,
You’ll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade.
I’ll be all in clover and when they look you over,
I’ll be the proudest feller in the easter parade.
On the avenue, Fifth Avenue, the photographers will snap us,
And you’ll find that you’re in the rotogravure.
I could write a sonnet about your Easter bonnet,
And of the girl I’m taking to the Easter parade.
The Great Depression
Despite their popularity, fancy hats were not always accessible to the masses. During the Great Depression, the severe economic crisis that lasted in United States from 1929 to 1939 and spread globally, not everyone could afford “frilly” or expensive hats. Due to widespread unemployment and poverty, fancy and decorative hats ultimately became synonymous with affluence. However, hats largely remained in style due to the movie industry.
Effects of the movie industry on hats
Per History.com “The Great Depression was a largely successful decade for Hollywood. Tickets on average cost under a quarter for the whole of the 1930s…” Stars like Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow, and Katherine Hepburn helped to dictate fashion during this difficult time for the nation and the world. Fashion experts point out that some women who lacked funds for entire new wardrobes might opt for a new accessory instead to keep up with their favorite stars of the day. Ultimately, the influence of Hollywood glamour outlasted this tumultuous period.
“Homemade” hats?
During the 1930s, women used their talents to make clothing or accessories. Resourceful women made homemade “madcaps,” best described as knit hats that could be shaped and stretched. When resources were scarce, they used what they had to create fashionable hats, such as small, veiled ones using repurposed material and ribbons. The intent was to create cheerful hats that were stylish and quirky – yet feminine. Women wore hats to complete their wardrobe.
