We are a play group for women. We encourage our members to take a little time out for themselves occasionally, to play with their friends and participate in activities they find enjoyable. In other words, we offer women one thing: RECESS!! Recess from the normal day routine.

IT ALL STARTED WITH A POEM...

The Red Hat Society resulted from the giving of one birthday gift. In November 1997, Sue Ellen Cooper of Fullerton, CA presented her dear friend, Linda Murphy, with a red hat that she had found at a thrift store and a copy of the poem "Warning" by Jenny Joseph. (Which you can find at the link below) The original intent was that Linda hang the hat next to the framed poem, as a reminder to loosen up as she got older. Friends of Sue Ellen's expressed an interest in receiving the same gift as they reached their 50th birthdays. On April 25, 1998, Sue Ellen and four of her friends dressed in their purple outfits and red hats and went out for tea. They had so much fun that they dubbed themselves the "Red Hat Society" that very day. Linda told a friend of hers in Florida about the group and she started a similar one in her small town. It was fun being "sister chapters," but there were no plans to spread the word or promote expansion until the summer of 2000, when both chapters were featured in a nation home decor magazine. A few months later, a story in a local paper was picked up by a wire service and word spread like red and purple wildfire. Since then, the Red Hat Society has grown by leaps and bounds.

Traditions

Red Hat Society Day

The Red Hat Society celebrates it's birthday on April 25, the anniversary of the very first Red Hat Society gathering. It is up to each chapter to decide how they want to observe our official holiday. Some of my group has joined in with many other ladies in the area to celebrate. The first year there were 625 ladies and last year 750. What a site to see. A sea of Red and Purple. And what fun we have.

ReduationsWhen a Pink Hatter reaches the magic birthday of 50, her chapter may choose to put on a "reduation," a ceremony of whatever kind the members come up with. During the ceremony she will finally attain her first red hat, an event much to be anticipated. Until a member is old enough, she will continue to be "reducated" by her chapter on the types of behavior that will be expected of her when she achieves full Red Hat status. Until that point a Pink Hatter wears lavendar clothing and a Pink Hat. After age 50 you wear purple clothing and a Red Hat. And as many accessories and BLING as you want. We love feathers and things that sparkle!

Titles

In the spirit of play, every Red Hatter is encouraged to dream up a title for herself. Royal titles are particularly encouraged. In our chapter I told the ladies to try and put a Jewels name in their titles since we are the Jewels of DeLite. I think they did well.

Official Instrument

The Kazoo. Why? Anyone can hum and play one. It's very portable and very affordable.

Official Red Hat Society Flower

Isn't it PRETTY? A new hybrid Poppy "Drama Queen" is named the Red Hat Society's official flower. What better choice than this gorgeous furled and frilly red and purple tulip - even the perfect RH name! From the April 8, 2005 Friday Broadcast