Red Hat Society Day is today!
Red Hat Society Day is a festive occasion where women don their favorite red hats and enjoy a day of fun and celebration. One of the women who helped start this popular event is Sue Ellen Cooper, who bought a red hat as a birthday present for a friend and was inspired to create a group based on the joy and confidence that the hat brought to her friend’s life.
Since then, the Red Hat Society has grown to include thousands of women across the world who come together to laugh, make new friends, and honor the delightful quirkiness that comes with being a mature woman. Whether you’re a long-time member or a newcomer to the Red Hat Society, Red Hat Day is a perfect opportunity to embrace your inner goddess and revel in the company of like-minded women.
HISTORY OF RED HAT SOCIETY DAY
Red Hat Society Day is a celebration that has a rich history dating back to 1998. It all began when a woman named Sue Ellen Cooper gave a friend a red hat as a birthday gift, accompanied by a copy of the poem “Warning” by Jenny Joseph.
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people’s gardens
And learn to spit.
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practise a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
Jenny Joseph
The poem describes a woman who, upon reaching old age, wears purple clothing and a red hat as an act of rebellion against societal norms. Cooper and her friend began wearing red hats and purple outfits to social events, which eventually led to the creation of the Red Hat Society. Red Hat Society Day became an official holiday in 2002 and is celebrated on April 25th each year. It is a day for women to embrace their love for fashion, humor, and friendship. So, gather your best gal pals, don your favorite red hat, and seize the day!
20 Ways to Celebrate Red Hat Society Day
- Wear Your Red Hat Proudly: Embrace the spirit of the Red Hat Society by donning your signature red hat and purple attire.
- Host a Tea Party: Gather fellow Red Hatters for a delightful tea party, complete with elegant tea sets, delicious treats, and lively conversation.
- Red Hat Crafts: Get creative with DIY crafts, such as decorating red hats, making red-themed accessories, or crafting personalized keepsakes.
- Attend a Red Hat Society Event: Check for local or virtual Red Hat Society events and join in the festivities to connect with like-minded individuals.
- Host a Virtual Gathering: Bring Red Hatters together through a virtual meetup or online celebration, sharing laughter and camaraderie.
- Explore Hat Shops: Spend the day exploring hat shops, discovering unique and whimsical hats to add to your collection.
- Red Hat Society Parade: Organize a small parade or walk with fellow Red Hatters, showcasing your vibrant red hats and spreading joy to onlookers.
- Dine Out in Style: Arrange a lunch or dinner outing at a favorite restaurant, ensuring everyone wears their red hats for a stylish and memorable experience.
- Red Hat-themed Games: Plan fun games with a red hat twist, such as “Guess the Red Hat” or a hat-themed scavenger hunt.
- Storytelling Session: Share personal stories and memories with fellow Red Hatters, celebrating the unique journeys that brought each member to the Red Hat Society.
- Red Hat Society Merchandise Exchange: Organize a swap or exchange of Red Hat Society merchandise, allowing members to trade items and enhance their collections.
- Red Hat Society Photo Shoot: Capture the moment with a themed photo shoot, showcasing the beauty and individuality of each Red Hatter.
- Charitable Acts: Give back to the community by organizing a charitable activity or volunteering together, aligning with the Red Hat Society’s commitment to friendship and community service.
- Red Hat Society Book Club: Explore literature together by starting a Red Hat Society book club, discussing books that celebrate friendship, empowerment, and women’s stories.
- Red Hat-themed Movie Night: Enjoy a movie night featuring films that celebrate friendship, laughter, and the strength of women.
- Attend a Cultural Event: Explore cultural events, performances, or exhibits with fellow Red Hatters, adding a touch of sophistication to the celebration.
- Red Hat Society Awards: Create fun and lighthearted awards to celebrate the unique qualities of each member, fostering a sense of appreciation and camaraderie.
- Red Hat Society Memory Lane: Reflect on the history of the Red Hat Society and its impact on members’ lives, sharing fond memories and experiences.
- Social Media Celebration: Share your Red Hat Society Day celebrations on social media, connecting with Red Hatters worldwide and spreading the joy of the occasion.
- Red Hat Society Sing-along: Organize a sing-along session featuring favorite songs that embody the spirit of friendship, fun, and empowerment.
HOW TO CELEBRATE RED HAT DAY
- Learn about and join a Red Hat Society.
- Get yourself a red hat!
- Get the Red Hat Society Cookbook. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.04/27/2024 09:37 am GMT
- Host a red hat party.
- If you love the article image, purchase it on these fun products on Zazzle!
- Download the 38 Hertz Celebration Book for 365 days of celebrations!
Note: If the above links do not direct you to the appropriate referral on the first try, return to the article and try again.
Do you have any ideas about how to celebrate Red Hat Society Day? Please share them!
