We often say ‘Hat’s Off to You’ in appreciation or adulation for some good work done. It’s akin to congratulating another, and had originated from ancient times as hats have been in vogue since times immemorial. Taking the hat off was a mark of respect and acknowledging another. The ‘hat family’ history is long and quaint – head coverings throughout history and the world over carried religious or ceremonial significance.
Hats would convey hierarchy, social status or military rank. In the military, hats may denote the nationality, branch of service, rank or regiment and each service has their own colours & emblems. Police personnel typically wear distinctive ones, peaked caps, police hats or brimmed hats as worn by American cops. The greatest variety of head gear styled for famed, iconic stars, must come from glamour world of fashion and is closely followed by the sporting fraternity specially in cricket & tennis that’s played outdoors. Wily politicians ‘wear (not one but) many hats’ to identify with the ethos & the place !
Typically for us ‘hats’ have a colonial connotation in that the British would wear them as customary head-wear whilst with our colourful diversity and ethnic roots the same had many forms, often dictated by the weather conditions. The turban referred to as a pagri, is worn by men and is manually tied. The styles are specific to the wearer’s region or religion. For instance, the religious Sikh turban is called ‘Dastar’ but in Rajasthan, the Pagri is called ‘Safa’, and is traditionally an integral part of the state’s cultural identity.
The urban Indian women, educated & working millennial, has adopted modern attires and styles. Yet the head coverings are relatively common among those in the hinterland and traditionally, married ladies put on a ‘pallu’. It is estimated about half the women keep the practice of covering their heads outside of their homes. That said, fashionable scarves, hoods and head-wears also adorn trendy women’s affluent couture. Significant fact is that as per our old customs and beliefs, head should be covered while performing puja or any other auspicious work as it helps to maintain mental peace and attention.
The head covering plays a vital role when facing the scorching summer heat as it does in protecting one from the extreme winter chill. Apart from making a fashion statement, one chooses head wear appropriate to seasons. In winters Bongs go for ‘monkey caps’ covering the ears while people in ‘coldest’ North use fur caps, masks and ‘balaclavas’ !
Today the most essential life-saving head-gear, is the ‘helmet’ for the drivers of mo-bikes & two-wheelers on roads at great speeds. Most cities have made it mandatory even for pillion riders yet the most unfortunate accidents happen. For construction & on-site workers it is an absolute must ! In Cricket the batters (and close in fielders ) are advised to wear helmets to avoid serious head injuries as it for goal-keepers on a hockey field.
Not everyone looks great with a hat on, yet head wear have their style, utility and importance. As Christian Dior, the fashion great, said ‘Without hats, there is no civilization’. True !
Working on Living 