Our Story
It started with one woman, one gifted hat, and a wild idea about friendship. Today, it’s a global Sisterhood that continues to grow.
This Society has always belonged to its members, to the women who gather, celebrate, and lift one another up. Ruby represents every woman who has ever put on a red hat and said, ‘I’m ready for fun.’ She’ll carry this legacy forward, but the heart of the Red Hat Society will always remain the same: Fun, Friendship, Freedom, Fitness, and the Fulfillment of lifelong dreams.
Carrying the Spirit Forward
Sue Ellen’s vision was simple yet revolutionary: to celebrate women exactly as they are, right where they are in life. She reminded us that growing older is not about fading into the background. It is about stepping boldly into joy, confidence and Sisterhood.
What began with the gift of one red hat grew into a worldwide movement built on friendship, laughter and connection. As the Red Hat Society flourished, Sue Ellen knew its future would be shaped by the women who embraced it and carried its spirit forward.
When the time came to pass the scepter, Ruby became the symbol of that shared spirit. She represents every member, past, present and future, and the joy, courage and friendship at the heart of the Sisterhood.
That single red hat became a crown, and what began with one woman became a Sisterhood of thousands. Today, Sue Ellen’s vision lives on every time a Hatter makes a new friend, shares a laugh, welcomes another woman to the table or simply chooses to make more room in her life for fun.
Our Traditions
Birthday suits
(No, not that kind!)
Wear the RHS colors in reverse for your entire birthday month (purple hats with red clothing or lavender hats with pink clothing). This will ensure that you get the extra special attention you deserve. It’s all about you! You can also don the birthday colors during the RHS birthday month of April! If your birthday is in April, you can celebrate your half-birthday month in October with your purple hat.
Brim-brushing
Hatters enjoy gestures of affection when bidding each other hello or goodbye, but hugs tend to knock hats to the ground. Therefore, when in our regalia, we are comfortable with mutual shoulder touching and gentle brushing of hat brims.
Calling cards
No, not business cards! It’s more fun to exchange calling cards to keep in touch. Find sources for ordering cards under SHOP on the RHS website.
Chapterettes
A special name for ladies within a chapter.
Coronation
The formal ceremony held for Queens of the Society. The official “crowning” ceremony can be simple, elaborate, crazy, silly or all of the above, as long as it’s fun! Typically, a royal coronation ceremony is included on the agenda at each International Convention. All Queens have the right to be coronated, both red and pink Queens.
Dessert first
Who wants to sit around waiting for the good stuff? Not us! We like the “dessert first” approach to life!
Meetings
Hatters don’t have them (a bit too boring for our tastes)! We prefer gatherings, hoots, outings, get-togethers, affairs, and galas. Anything but “meetings”!
No boys allowed
Don’t get us wrong, we love our men! But RHS events are for ladies only. We’ve found that our men enjoy seeing us happy together and gladly find other activities to occupy their time while we “hat.” While men may not be members, rare exceptions may be made for chapters to invite significant others to certain events. Of course, our favorite guys are always welcome to drive parade floats or lend a hand when help is needed!
Official greeting
Touch your brim 3 times and then touch your heart! A subtle message to say “hello” to other Hatters.
Official instrument
The Kazoo. Why? Anyone can play one (just hum into it!), they’re portable, and group concerts are easily arranged: hum away!
Official sport
What could possibly be a more appropriate “sport” for Hatters than shopping? Whether we’re scouring thrift stores, browsing the online Official RHS Store for bling, keeping up on offers from licensed vendors, or trooping through the mall in full regalia, we are constantly working on our “game.” Our sporting equipment? Our credit cards! This is the sport we were born to play!
Pink Hatters
Pink Hatters, sometimes known as “Ladies in Waiting,” are a wonderful and essential part of the Red Hat Society. Not yet 50, Pink Hatters deck themselves in lavender and pink until their “magic birthday!” Some chapters are made up of entirely Pink Hatters! Pink Hatters also reign as Queens, but they continue to wear lavender and pink until they REDuate. Pink Hatters are a huge part of the RHS global Sisterhood. Ladies of all ages find sisterhood in the RHS!
Purple Alert!
A Purple Alert is called when a member is down in the dumps and needs a little cheering up. Hatters announce the 911; grab a tub of ice cream each to share and head over to her home to provide some laughter, sweet treats, and good spirits! Works every time. Sometimes a Purple Alert is called through social media where members can provide words of encouragement and blessings on behalf of the member in need.
Red Hat Society Day, April 25th
The Official RHS birthday! This is a fun-filled holiday celebrating the anniversary of the very first Red Hat Society gathering which took place on April 25, 1998. Queens and members come up with their own unique way to celebrate. Many of us choose to celebrate all month long.
REDuation
A Pink Hatter’s rite of passage may include a creative ceremony or just a simple swapping of a pink hat for a red one. We encourage elaborate ceremonies whenever possible, especially when you celebrate the big 5‑0! Esteemed Vice Mother Linda Murphy wrote a REDuation poem that is often used in such ceremonies!
Ruby RedHat, our mascot
Ruby is the spirit of the little girl who lives inside all Red and Pink Hatters. This vivacious character is the official Mascot of the RHS. Her best friends include Pearl and Jade. Ruby is always looking for new friends to add to her friendship circle!
Other customs and traditions
There are a great many highly creative Red Hatters and many of them contribute ideas to HATquarters. The Red Hat Society is constantly evolving. You can be sure that we will let you know about new customs and traditions as they are adopted, and we are always open to suggestions for new ones! HATquarters loves to share ideas that members share with us! Send yours to stories@redhatsociety.com.