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Red Hat Society Day – April 25, 2023

Celebrated on April 25, Red Hat Society Day is a celebration of women and the lifelong friendships formed. The Red Hat Society is one of the world’s most prestigious worldwide women’s social organizations. Starting with a single red hat given as a birthday gift, it has evolved into a universal emblem for women turning 50 and entering the next stage in life. It has evolved from a club or organization to a women’s society with members emphasizing the positive sides of life, including camaraderie, sisterhood, entertainment, and a desire to discover the good in everything. Members promote mutual respect, goodwill, and good humor. Let us wear our Red Hats on this journey of camaraderie.

History of Red Hat Society Day

On April 25, 1998, The Red Hat Society held its first meeting. Women above the age of 50 were encouraged to join this group. It was Sue Ellen Cooper, a California resident and the organization’s initial founder, who conceived the idea for this project.

It started when, for her friend’s birthday in 1997, she gifted her a red bowler hat with a bow. Her companion also received a copy of Jenny Joseph’s poem along with the red bowler. ‘Warning’ began with the lines, “When I become an old woman, I will wear purple. It doesn’t look good on me in a red hat.” As more of her friends learned about the poem, they began asking for red hats for their birthdays, and later, purple clothing, to go with the theme. They had a tea party on April 25, 1998, which was the last time they saw each other. As the organization’s inaugural gathering, this is regarded as a historic moment.

Today’s society emphasizes the importance of female friendships. Women of all ages can now join the group, which was previously only limited to women over the age of 50. If you are under 50, you have to wear pink hats with lavender clothing; if you are over the age of 50 you are allowed to wear red hats as well as purple clothing. Members of the Red Hat Society are very social and participate in a variety of events, including soirées, games, and social engagements.

Red Hat Society Day timeline

1997
The Hat That Set Things Rolling

Founder, Sue Ellen Cooper, from Fullerton, California purchases a red hat on her trip to Tucson, Arizona.

1998
The Inaugural Meeting

The club has its first meeting which is held as a tea party in April.

1999
The Society Numbers Increase

The Red Hat Society grows from just one chapter to two.

2000
The Younger Women Join

The Red Hat Society introduced the Pink Hatters for women under the age of 50 that were allowed to join the group and enjoy the benefits.

Red Hat Society Day FAQs

What is the meaning of Hatquarters?

Hatquarters is the Red Hat Society’s physical headquarters in Fullerton, California.

What is the objective of the Red Hat Society?

It links women both online and offline and gives them the resources, opportunities, and incentives they need to discover new and interesting ways to socialize and meet new people.

Is the Red Hat Society still active?

Yes, the Red Hat Society is still active and accepting members.

Red Hat Society Day Activities

  1. Join a Red Hat Society

    You can be sure to enjoy benefits such as mentoring and friendships with women of all ages. If you are not a member, you can meet up with one to learn more about it.

  2. Celebrate your friendships

    The Red Hat Society is intentional about female friendships. Take the day to celebrate with your friends, it could be as simple as hanging out with them or giving gifts to show your appreciation.

  3. Wear a red hat

    Bring out your favorite red hat and rock it in celebration. You can also rock red hats with your friends. It is never a bad thing to have a red hat or to celebrate your relationships.

5 Facts About The Red Hat Society (RHS)

  1. There’s a book about the Society

    'Fun and Friendship After Fifty' was the first RHS book to be published, and it quickly rose to Number one on the New York Times bestseller list.

  2. Featured in The Simpsons

    In 2005, the cartoon television series, “The Simpsons,” aired an episode in which Marge Simpson decided to join a local Red Hat Society branch.

  3. There’s a musical in its honor

    The musical “HATS” was first produced in 2006, and it is still being performed today.

  4. It’s had an exhibition

    The Smithsonian Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., hosted the first Red Hat and Purple Boa exhibit in 2011.

  5. It’s a poem that started it all

    The name of the poem that inspired the founder was called ‘Warning’ by British author Jenny Joseph.

Why We Love Red Hat Society Day

  1. It’s about forming deep connections

    Friendship is at the core of the Red Hat Society. They encourage their members to connect through online and offline events.

  2. It celebrates aging joyful

    It celebrates the joys of aging and that turning 50 is a milestone. This is why their members wear red and purple when they do so.

  3. t fosters group participation

    Choosing what to do as a group is up to the members of the chapter. The most key point to remember while selecting events is that each member should contribute to the group's enjoyment and socialization.

Red Hat Society Day dates

YearDateDay
2023April 25Tuesday
2024April 25Thursday
2025April 25Friday
2026April 25Saturday
2027April 25Sunday

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