National Straw Hat Day

Today is National Straw Hat Day. If today were a sunny day, it would be a perfect way to celebrate this day! Straw hats make excellent summer hats!

A straw hat is a “brimmed hat that is woven out of straw or reeds.” The purpose of this style of hat is to prevent excess exposure to the sun, which could lead to a burn or heatstroke. This is exactly what makes straw hats a fab choice for a summer accessory! The origin of the hats is in parts of Europe and Asia, and date back to the Medieval period.

There are 3 main designs of straw hat:

            1.    Boater hat — a formal straw hat with a flat top and brim.

(Image found at: http://www.fantasycostume.net/images/hats/hatskimmer49212.jpg)

            2.   Conical hat — the distinctive hat worn primarily by farmers in Southeast Asia.

(Image found at: http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTx-uRBC9edaj3btyaKAXh_18Vjc-1zkP7MtYaH9_0Pq9ibdULI)

            3.   Panama hat — a fine and expensive hat made in Ecuador.

(Image found at: http://perceptivetravel.com/issues/0706/photos/panama.JPG)

Still looking to fill the “straw hat void” in your life? Why not fill out today’s poll?! Click here to do so!