- Categories:
- Cultural
- Tags:
- Cultural HolidaysFriendshipWomen
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every April 25
- Holiday emoji:
- 👒
Red Hat Society Day unites women every April 25 to celebrate lifelong friendships and the joy of embracing life’s next chapter. This global movement fosters camaraderie, mutual respect, and good humor among its members. Don your brightest red hat, gather your chapter, and share the spirit of sisterhood with the world.
Want to sponsor Red Hat Society Day? Learn how
Expected Red Hat Society Day Deals
Red Hat Society Day is a time for recognition and appreciation, rather than widespread commercial deals. However, many local boutiques, restaurants, and event venues may offer special discounts or themed gatherings for members of the Red Hat Society and other women’s social groups. Look for promotions at local tea rooms, craft stores, and travel agencies catering to group excursions. Retailers specializing in women’s fashion and accessories, particularly hats and purple attire, might feature special offers. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as April 25 approaches.
Platform Guide for Red Hat Society Day
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #RedHatSocietyDay. Share photos of your chapter’s celebrations and highlight the joy of friendship.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #RedHatSocietyDay. Post vibrant photos of red hats, purple outfits, and joyful gatherings with your fellow Red Hatters.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #RedHatSocietyDay. Share inspiring quotes about friendship and the importance of women’s social connections.
Red Hat Society Day Hero
Sue Ellen Cooper
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
Founder, Sue Ellen Cooper, from Fullerton, California purchases a red hat on her trip to Tucson, Arizona.
The club has its first meeting which is held as a tea party in April.
The Red Hat Society grows from just one chapter to two.
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.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Red Hat Society Day
Local businesses can honor Red Hat Society Day by hosting special events or offering exclusive promotions for women’s social groups. Tea rooms and restaurants could feature themed menus or ‘Red Hatter’ specials for groups wearing their signature attire. Boutiques specializing in hats, accessories, or purple clothing might offer discounts, encouraging festive shopping. Event venues could partner with local chapters to host gatherings, providing a vibrant space for camaraderie and celebration.
Red Hat Society Day FAQs
When is Red Hat Society Day?
In 2027, Red Hat Society Day will be observed on Sunday, April 25. This Sunday placement allows for relaxed, extended celebrations and social events.
How many members does the Red Hat Society have?
With its peak membership reaching over one million women globally, the Red Hat Society continues to inspire women to embrace fun and friendship. While exact current numbers fluctuate, its impact remains significant.
What is the mission of the Red Hat Society?
At its core, the Red Hat Society aims to provide a social environment for women to connect, support each other, and enjoy life’s adventures. Members emphasize mutual respect, goodwill, and good humor in all their activities.
What is the significance of the red hat and purple attire?
For women under 50 who join, the colors are reversed: a pink hat with lavender attire, symbolizing their anticipation of becoming a ‘Red Hatter.’ This color scheme represents a vibrant celebration of life at every stage.
Red Hat Society Day Activities
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
There’s a musical in its honor
The musical “HATS” was first produced in 2006, and it is still being performed today.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Social Media Tips for Red Hat Society Day
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