Easter Sunday is Coming, Break Out the Church Hats: Viewfinder

This Sunday, Christians will celebrate Easter, and along with new outfits and shoes,
women will top off their church suits with hats.

The "church hats" worn today are a way some African-American women symbolize their belief. It began in scripture, where Paul who is quoted in First Corinthians 11:5 "And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head- it is just as though her head were shaved (The New International Version Study Bible by Zondervan).

A popular book showing the culture of African-American women showing their best
coverings was done by author Craig Marberry. The book, called Crowns, features interviews with 53 women, who described how they wear hats to honor tradition and God. Breathtaking portraits in the book, are done by photographer Michael
Cunningham.

From the book flap it reads, "Countless black women would rather attend church naked than hat-less. A church hat, flamboyant as it may be is no mere fashion accessory. It is a cherished African American custom, one observed with boundless passion by black women of various religious denominations. A woman’s hat speaks long before its wearer utters a word. It’s what Deirdre Guion calls “hattitude." there’s a little more strut in your carriage when you wear a nice hat. There’s something special about you.”

A hat says a lot about a person. It says even more about the customs that person has grown up with, the symbols she prizes and the fashions she fancies.

The hats shown in this week's Viewfinder came from Margaret’s Boutique in Chicago Heights.

Margaret, who is married to the Rev. James C. Boyd, Pastor of First Unity Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, will be wearing a black hat for Easter. Margaret said most of the women in the congregation will be wearing hats, creating a sea of colors throughout the church.

Check out Viewfinder every Thursday at 1 p.m. on Chicago Heights Patch.