The phrase “Hats off” can mean many different things in various circles. Originally, the phrase was meant to convey congratulations. For instance, “Hats off to you for your achievements!” At graduation ceremonies, students throw off their caps hats to celebrate their accomplishments. Over the years, people have borrowed this phrase for museum displays, films, societies and organizations.

There is a “Hats Off: Salute to African Headwear” exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art in Washington DC. Adorning the body with creative crafts has been a longstanding tradition in African culture that expresses pride, individualism and cultural ideals. Some hats are meant to represent certain skills, as farmers and blacksmiths will wear different mens hats, for example. Different hats also indicate different status, as chiefs and royalty have their own special head-dresses. Materials used in hat-making are from the local landscape and additions like teeth, claws or hide are believed to give the wearer special powers. Imported shells, glass beads and buttons indicate wealth. At the exhibit, people can see Kongo hats dating back to the 15th century, 19th century Zulu tribe hats and a number of other special artifacts.

“Hats Off” has also been the title of several films. In the 1920s, one of the earliest Laurel and Hardy films was dubbed this. The title should be taken literally because it features an explosive argument where the two men continuously knock off each other’s signature derby hats. Soon others get involved in the melee in a hilarious slapstick showcase of events. In 2008, another “Hats Off” film came out — this time as an inspiring documentary of a 93-year-old actress who began her career path at age 65. The movie title is not only meant to be a complimentary “hats off to Mimi Weddell” for her achievements, but it’s also interesting because Mimi is rarely seen without some sort of top hat, black hat, floppy hat or vintage hat.

Lastly, Hats Off For Cancer is an organization that collects and donates hats to children who have lost their hair due to cancer chemotherapy. The organization was started in 1996 by Tara Lawrence, who lost her grandfather to cancer and volunteered with the American Cancer Society. After talking to many children with cancer, she found that they were all concerned about the same thing; losing their hair. So she decided to begin this organization to put smiles back on their faces. Over the years, more than 690,000 winter hats, straw hats, fashion designer hats, baseball hats and others have been donated to hospitals, societies, camps and individuals in need. Barbara Walters, Britney Spears, Kathie Lee Gifford, Katie Couric, Michael Jordan, Montel Williams, Rosie O’Donnell, Sarah Jessica Parker and others have all joined this wonderful cause.

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