Easter bonnets have long been associated with Easter celebrations, particularly within Western cultures. The tradition dates back to medieval Europe, where donning new attire and hats for church services on Easter Sunday represented renewal and commemorated the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Easter bonnets gained popularity in both the United Kingdom and the United States, mainly among women and children. These bonnets were embellished with flowers, ribbons, and other decorative elements, offering individuals an opportunity to express personal creativity and craftsmanship.
The annual Easter Parade on New York’s Fifth Avenue originated in the 1870s, following the American Civil War (1861-1865), as a means of fostering community unity. From its inception, the parade was predominantly secular. The custom of wearing one’s “Sunday best” and participating in a leisurely promenade along Fifth Avenue and other prominent Manhattan locations was an established practice among New Yorkers of various faith backgrounds.
According to the City Museum of New York, the city’s inaugural Easter parade evolved from this weekly "fashion promenade," with the Easter bonnet serving as the centerpiece of every woman or girl’s ensemble. Bonnets adorned with silk flowers, ostrich feathers, and even taxidermy birds epitomized contemporary fashion trends.
While Easter parades are held in other American cities, New York's event remains the largest and most renowned. In 1947, attendance was estimated at one million participants; current festivities attract around 30,000 attendees.
Today, New York continues the tradition with the “Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival,” held annually on Easter Sunday. The procession advances northward on Fifth Avenue from 49th Street to 57th Street, and participation is open to all who wish to wear a festive hat.
HAT ETIQUETTE
LADIES: I most situations, it is acceptable to keep your fashionable hat on whether indoors or outdoors. Fashion hats for ladies are often considered an accessory and an essential part of their outfit and are comparable to a piece of jewelry.
Exclusions to this general rule are, of course, rain hats and thicker hats meant for warmth, in which case removal when indoors would be wise.
The guideline above does not apply to base-ball-style caps, however. As a proper sign of respect, remove uni-sex hats and caps whenever you enter someone's home, take
part in an indoor social gathering, at a religious service, or when the national anthem is played.
MEN: It is best to wear your hat when in public places and remove it once you enter the following establishments:
- Restaurants and cafes
- Private spaces such as someone’s office or home
- Theaters
- Places of worship (unless a head covering is part of your religious practice)
Hats should be taken off when seated at tables and booths. However, modern hat etiquette at the bar is more flexible; if you choose, you may keep it on.
As a sign of respect, all hats should be taken off and held in front of your body as the national anthem is sung, as the flag is passed in front of you in a parade, and when the flag is lowered or raised.
During a funeral procession, your hat should be held discreetly in your hands.