BAMBERG -- When the Apostle Paul wrote an open letter to the Corinthians (Corinthians 11:15) demanding that a woman cover her head when at a worship service to symbolize her obedience to God and the church hierarchy, he could not have imagined the excitement with which African-American women would comply, says Bridgett Kearse of Mt. Zion United Methodist Women in Bamberg.

The Mt. Zion UMC Women celebrated the history of women in hats on July 9 with a worship program titled "100 Women in Hats," focusing on the historical significance of hats.

"Paul said that every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head — it was as though her head was shaved, and during Paul's time, a woman's shaved head indicated that the woman had been publicly disgraced because of a shameful act or she was openly flaunting her independence and refusal to be in submission to her husband," she said.

Kearse said black women have interpreted Apostle Paul's proclamation with boundless passion and singular flair, wearing platter hats, lamp-shade hats, pillbox hats, etc.

"These captivating hats are not mere fashion accessories. Neither, despite their Biblical roots, are they solely religious headgear.  Church hats are a peculiar convergence of faith and fashion that keep the Sabbath both holy and glamorous," Kearse said.

"Hats are like people. Sometimes they reveal. Sometimes they conceal, and sometimes they simply astound you," she added.

It was noted that many black women "would almost rather attend church naked than hatless" and that there is "a little more strut in your carriage when you wear a nice hat."

Kearse cited the acclaimed book "Crowns" by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry, which takes a look at the deeply riveted faith and high-spirited style of African-American women, embodied in the fabulous hats they wear to church every Sunday. The book explores this tradition through interviews of 50 African American women ranging in ages from 22 to 78, she said.

Kearse jokingly warned everyone, "Ladies, never touch my hat. Admire it from a distance. Sometimes people touch it by accident, but that's no excuse. Like when I'm sitting in the church pews on Sunday and someone behind me starts clapping to a song and knocks my hat off. When I hear such movement as that; honey, I duck. Same thing with a hug. You church folks like to hug, but there's a certain way to hug a woman in a hat."

 As for hat etiquette, Kearse noted, "First, you can't get all up on ladies, grabbing them around the neck. Both persons have to tilt their heads far to the side, in opposite directions and leave a little space between you. This may sound funny but it is true."

 Eva Manigault, president of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Women, credited Rosa Manigo for the idea of having the "100 Women in Hats" program.

"Rosa thought it would be fun and interesting. She did all of the research and we just followed her lead," she said.

The organization assigned 10 captains to invite at least 10 women to the program.

"Our goal was to have at least 100 women in hats. We exceeded that goal," Manigault said.

Other officers in the Mt. Zion UMC Women include Murvell Rivers, vice president; Yvonne Murdock, secretary; Caroline Williams, treasurer; Pamela Toomer, assistant treasurer and Mary Rickenbacker, secretary program resources.

 

T&D Correspondent Lisa B. Stokes can be reached by e-mail at lisastokes@bellsouth.net or by phone at 803-245-5648. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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