Church event celebrates all things hats

Jean Carthan can't imagine going to church without a hat.

Her mother wore one, her grandmother wore one. And on Sunday -- at a Christian Love Baptist Church program titled "Crowns on Display" -- she wore one.

"Back in the time, this is what we did," said Carthan of Manteca, who sported a brown, silk bucket hat with rhinestones. "We dressed on Sunday and wore our hats."

Carthan was one of about 70 people on hand for Sunday's event, dedicated to all things hats. The reason?

"Hats are very, very important to the African- American culture," said the Rev. James Anderson, the Modesto church's pastor. "The African-American woman displays her history, culture and roots when she places a hat on her head."

Anderson explained that the hat tradition began with the writings of the Apostle Paul, who said women must cover their heads when they come to worship.

Then, during slavery, black women dressed simply, sprucing up their worn hats for Sunday service.

"She became creative in creating her own hat," Anderson said, "and that became her crown."

Anderson and his congregation got the idea for the event when older women remarked that the younger generation doesn't wear hats to church much anymore.

"The tradition of wearing hats is dying out somewhat," said Georgette Williams, an 11-year member of the congregation who borrowed a hat from her mother for the occasion. "So we said, 'Let's do this so our younger women can present their crowns.' "

The church's sanctuary was dotted with hats in every color imaginable, from red to gold to lavender to leopard print. They were bedecked in feathers, ribbons, netting and more.

For many, wearing a hat to church symbolizes a connection with struggles of the past.

"They represent my sisters who have come before me," said Sannette Rhone Symon, who says she has at least 40 hats.

Back in the day, one hat sufficed.

"The church hat was special," said Anderson, the pastor. "She only wore it to church in the presence of the Lord. ... She may be a field hand all week long, but she becomes the queen of her domain Sunday morning when she adorns herself with her colorful attire and her crown."

Bee staff writer Kerry McCray can be reached at kmccray@modbee.com or 578-2358.