Many years ago I officiated a large western (old west) wedding in our main sanctuary. The gals were all dressed in gingham and the guys had western style tuxedos including cowboy hates. Unfortunately, the groom didn’t understand the etiquette of wearing a cowboy hate. He wanted to keep the hat on all through the service. After myself, all his groomsmen, and the bride tried to convince him to take the hat of when he entered the sanctuary I had to finally tell him, “insist on wearing the hate and there will be no wedding here.” Reluctantly, he agreed.
Next day, as he entered the sanctuary he grudgingly removed his hat, handed to the best man to hold and got through the whole service without incident. It wasn’t until the processional and he passed out of the sanctuary he replaced the hat on his head with such force that in came down over his ears. The place erupted with laughter.
That brings me to my point. A cowboy hat is more than just one of the most beloved items of western wear. Here in Texas is a rite of passage for every who aspires to be a cowboy. This would be at events such as the Houston Rodeo and all rodeos in the state and any other western themed event. However, for all you occasional “cowboys” types and those who aspire to be a true Texan, garb and all there are actually some well established rule for wearing your cowboy hat.
As illustrated by the little story above the number one rule is knowing when to remove your hat. This rule applies not only to when to remove your “cowboy” hat but to any hat a man might be wearing. The except is people in uniform. Military, police and others whose hat (Cover) is part of their uniform. But then they when in uniform wouldn’t be wearing a cowboy hat or any other hat for that matter. For the rest, you should remove your hat on the following occasions:
1. During the National Anthem and hold it over your heart.
2. Pledge of Allegiance and hold it over your heart,
3. The passing of the flag,
4. In church . . . . . there is an exception as it relates to a new phenomenon called “Cowboy Church.” In this fast growing church, cowboys are allowed to wear their hats at an indoor service, but they must take it off for prayer or the Lord’s Prayer.
5. During a prayer,
6. During a funeral procession.
7. When introduced to a woman. You can hold the hat in one hand while you shake her hand in greeting with the other. If you are just passing a lady on a walkway just a “tip of the hat is needed.
8. When entering a building or private home,
9. When you begin a new conversation,
10. When dining in a restaurant or sitting down for a meal. . . . . You should remove your hat while eating for a couple of reasons: First, it shows respect to the people that prepared the meal and second, it shows that you plan on staying a while and enjoying the conversation. My exception is, if there isn't any were to put the hat. Keep it on. No hooks or shelf, I refuse to put in on the floor or in another chair. Back in the day many of the old chairs had a hat shelf. It was the crossbars that stabilized the chair with another one or two joining it in the middle. This was invented so hats could go under the seat but not on the floor. Alas they are no more.
11. When speaking with anyone who is considered your superior.
12. When at “Mommas” house. There is little more disrespectful thing you can do than wearing your cowboy hat inside your mama’s house. This includes your friend’s mama’s house, as well. Moms are sacred and every cowboy knows it. Don’t do it.
The second rule has to do with what kind of cowboy hat you wear and for what occasions. As a
Rule number three has to do with how to hold your western (cowboy) hat when it is not on your head. Don’t be seen doing it wrong because it will let everyone know you’re just a cowboy want-to-be dude (newbie). When carrying your hat in your hand always hold it by the crown so that the opening from the head is turned toward your body. The idea is to keep the hat lining concealed.
When not wearing your cowboy hat or holding it in your hand it should be properly stored in a travel hat box that will protect it from being crushed. If setting the hat down on a flat surface it should be placed so as to rest on its crown.
Lastly and maybe most importantly NEVER mess with another cowboy's hat. Not only is it considered bad luck, but this is an extremely personal item that is often expensive. Let’s get this one right . . . . . . a cowboy hat is not a toy. It is not okay to touch another cowboy’s hat, or put on a another cowboy’s hat that is lying around the house. It is not okay to grab it off a cowboy’s head, and it is absolutely forbidden to say, as you reach out, “Gee, what’s that made of?”
There are two exceptions to this rule . . . . . The first is a cowboy’s fiancé may touch a cowboy’s hat once and that is on the honeymoon. The second is that a grandchild may do whatever they want to a cowboy hat, short of sleeping in it. It is, after all, just a hat. I know that doesn’t seem fair, but that’s just the deal.
So now you know . . . . wear those "Cowboy" hats (Western) correctly and don't let those who now the rules sinker behind your back. Go get'em cowboy! Oh yea . . . don't put your hat an the bed as it will bring bad luck and don't put it on its brim as that will empty out you good luck.
What's the rule for women and their cowboy hats . . . well, there ain't no rule. Most of the rules listed here just DO NOT apply to the ladies.
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