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It is imperative for many African-American women to look their grandest when going before God. Today, it is most often the older women who dress elaborately on Sunday mornings.
For many of these women and their ancestors, dressing up for church was one of the few opportunities they had to remove domestic aprons and house dresses. These drab garments were replaced by bright colors, fancy shoes and elaborate hats that would stand out in a crowd. Style and sophistication would rule the day.
From Slavery to the 21st Century
The hat tradition began with the writings of the Apostle Paul, who said women must cover their heads when they come to worship (1 Corinthians, chapter 11). During the time of slavery, black women dressed for church rather simply, sprucing up their worn hats for Sunday service.
Now that African-American women have come so far through years of struggles, pain and suffering, part of the hat tradition celebrates their confidence and independence. As black women began earning good livings, they treated themselves to new hats, gloves and purses to match. The hat became a status symbol, showing triumph over the hardships.
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Not Just Any Hat
Hat shopping is serious business. Just any old hat won't do. Women will scour boutiques for one that's special and unique. It will be big, elaborate, chic and a bit on the flashy side.
The church ladies strive for a stunning appearance, with colors and fabric that match from top to bottom, including accessories. The hat will tie the entire outfit together and give it the "wow" factor their looking for. Regardless of how they appear during the weekdays, on Sundays African-American women want to look like a queen.
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Hats and the Elder Women
With today's hairstyles such as braids, twists and dreads, the big elaborate hats are taking a back seat -- especially with the younger generations of black women. The new hairstyles are too big and bulky to accommodate the hat. The culture and tradition remains, however, for elder black females. Many of them wouldn't be caught at any special occasion without their fabulous hat. Going without would be like walking around naked, and that would be just unacceptable.
Skip the store bought straighteners that damage hair.
Naturally curly hair is a blessing and a curse, depending upon who you ask. For many, their naturally curly hair is a constant challenge involving chemical straighteners, trips to the salon and money needlessly spent on treatments that damage the hair and scalp. The use of baking soda is a more natural, safe way to loosen curls for women with any hair texture or length. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
Mild shampoo
1/4 cup baking soda
Conditioner
2 tbsp. honey
2 tbsp. avocado oil
Plastic cling wrap
Instructions
1
Wash your hair with mild shampoo only. Do not use conditioner. Rinse the shampoo away and allow your hair to dry, until it is slightly damp, not soaking wet.
2
Prepare a mixture of 1/4 cup baking soda, 1 cup conditioner and 2 tbsp. honey.
3
Prepare a mixture of 1 cup normal conditioner and 2 tbsp. avocado oil. Set this mixture in a small bowl next to your bathtub or bathroom sink.
4
Work the baking soda and conditioner mixture through your hair, beginning at the scalp and moving down the shafts of the hair until you reach the ends.
5
Cover your hair with a layer of plastic cling wrap and allow the baking soda mixture to remain for five to six hours.
6
Rinse the baking soda mixture from your hair. Do not attempt to detangle or brush out your hair.
7
Cover your hair with a healthy dose of the conditioner and avocado oil mixture.
8
Allow the mixture to remain for 15 minutes before rinsing it out. The mixture will help renew some of the moisture that was lost during the baking soda treatment.
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