Lyon County Museum
The tradition of getting a new outfit and hat for Easter originated in Europe. People would purchase new clothing and hats to celebrate the coming of spring and the meaning of Easter. After the American Civil War, the tradition of purchasing a new outfit, including an Easter bonnet caught on in the United States.
The Easter bonnet was made even more popular after the release of Irving Berlin’s song, Easter Parade in 1933. The song is about citizens in New York City who attended Easter services at churches on Fifth Avenue and then strolled down the block showing of their new spring outfits. The popularity of the Easter bonnet hit its peak in 1948 after Berlin’s film, Easter Parade, starring Judy Garland and Fred Astaire was released.