“In your Easter Bonnet, with all the frills upon it, you’ll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade.”
Do you have memories of wearing a bonnet on Easter Sunday? I do, and assumed it was, as my Catholic mother and grandmother suggested, because we were supposed to cover our heads in church on Easter morning. Therefore, I would begrudgingly wear one, preferring baseball hats to bonnets. It seems some things never change.
However, it was fun to admire the sea of hats scattered throughout rows of pews - everywhere an Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it, covered in flowers and ribbons and bows. Lovely toppers, many reminiscent of a garden, and who doesn’t love the colorful beauty of a spring garden? And, more often than not, the bonnets were accompanied by new dresses and pastel shoes
The history of the Easter bonnet goes back in time. And, for the Christian holiday, new life and rebirth was celebrated by donning pure and new clothing. The “Sunday of Joy,” marked the first Easter after the end of the civil war, and allowed mothers and daughters to come out of mourning. Finally, the women were able to wear pastel colors, often accessorized with spring flowers.
The 1870’s brought the Easter parade to New York and gave women a venue to show off their new frocks and elaborately decorated bonnets. Hence, the aforementioned song made famous by Bing Crosby, “ Easter Parade.” Whether handmade, store bought, old or new, many 
women today still celebrate the coming of a new season with a lovely Easter bonnet.
Ladies, be sure to adorn yourselves, and daughters, with your Easter bonnets and attend the Crown Park Egg hunt this Sunday, April 8th at 1:30. Immediately following the egg hunt, you can take part in the traditional Easter Bonnet and Contemporary Hat contest. In your Easter Bonnet, with all the frills upon it, you'll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade.
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