The history of Easter hats begins with the long-standing tradition of covering one’s head in a place of worship. This tradition developed in many religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. In Christianity, the practice emerged from the earliest days of the church and in the Middle Ages, became even more widespread, with both men and women adopting the style. Seen as a sign of respect and reverence for God, worshipers believed it helped to keep distractions at bay during services.
One example for women was the Mantilla, Spanish for veil or shawl. The use of mantillas began in the 16th century in Spain and was especially popular during the Baroque period. In the Catholic Church, simple mantillas are still worn by some women during Mass as a sign of respect and modesty.
During the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, churches started to abandon the practice of requiring women to cover their heads. A required covering morphed into stylish women’s hats, a tradition that continues today, especially in the African-American community with elaborate “Church Hats”
Easter Sunday signaled a time of renewal and new beginnings, a perfect opportunity for people to wear new clothes to services. An old English superstition suggested that wearing new clothes at Easter would bring good luck for the rest of the year. This belief added an extra layer of excitement to the holiday, as people eagerly anticipated showcasing their new outfits and, of course, their stylish bonnets.
Wearing a hat or bonnet became an essential part of a woman’s Easter Sunday outfit in the United States during the late 19th and through the mid-20th century. No self-respecting woman would venture out of the house on this holiday without a new hat.
At the same time, Easter parades and fashion shows were popular with women’s hats often the centerpiece of these events. Often handmade, with participants creating their own, spending weeks or even months on the project. The hats themselves became a symbol of status and fashion. The New York City Easter Bonnet Parade still draws crowds.
The tradition of Easter parades, particularly the one along New York City’s Fifth Avenue, became a stage for friendly fashion rivalries. Women would don increasingly elaborate bonnets, each trying to outshine the other with more extravagant designs. This playful one-upmanship turned the parade into a vibrant spectacle of creativity and style.
The prominence of Easter bonnets in culture is reflected in literature as well. For instance, in “Romeo and Juliet,” Mercutio teases Benvolio about quarreling with a tailor for wearing his new doublet before Easter, highlighting the significance of new attire during the season.
“Did’st thou not fall out with a tailor for wearing his new doublet before Easter? with another, for tying his new shoes with old ribbon?”
This is Mercutio poking fun at Benvolio, teasing that he’s so hot-tempered he once picked a fight over Easter fashion crimes—wearing a new jacket too early and lacing new shoes with old ribbon. It’s basically 16th-century shade.
Hollywood, always on the lookout for popular trends, cashed in with movies like 1942’s Holiday Inn with Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, and Marjorie Reynolds. This film not only introduced the iconic song “White Christmas but” it also featured “Easter Parade,” both songs by Irving Berlin. Originally written in 1933 for the Broadway show “As Thousands Cheer,” the song immortalized the Easter bonnet in popular culture with the famous line: “In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it, you’ll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade.”
Not letting a good tune go to waste, MGM repurposed the song Easter Parade in the 1948 movie with Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Peter Lawford, and Ann Miller.
“Easter Parade” from Holiday Inn
featuring Bing Crosby and Marjorie Reynolds
“Easter Parade” featuring Judy Garland and Fred Astaire
In some cultures, such as in parts of Africa and the Caribbean, the wearing of elaborate and colorful Easter hats is still popular. These hats often incorporate traditional fabrics and patterns and are seen as a way to celebrate both the religious and cultural significance of the holiday.
In the United States, the tradition of wearing hats on Easter Sunday also continues, although not as widespread as it once was. Some churches still encourage their members to dress up for Easter Sunday services, and many women parishioners choose to wear a hat as an important part of their Easter outfits.
Here at Madge, we believe a beautiful spring hat continues to symbolize renewal, celebration, and creativity. Whether it’s feathers, flowers, or full-on flair, an Easter hat isn’t just an accessory—it’s a heady celebration!
Photos copyright © 2024 Madge’s Hatbox Vintage. We are a proud member of Got Vintage. Check out their website.
1 Comment
I always enjoy your posts, but this one is especially grand. Thank you