La F�te des Catherinettes
A celebration of the traditional French festival of hat-makers and their patron saint, Catherine of Alexandria is held on the 25th of November. It has been observed since the 14th century in France, as the day for celebration by single young women, under 25 years old. The day has been revived by Fashion Houses and Milliners around the world as a time of honoring the hat and the hatmaker. Yellow (faith) and green (wisdom) are the traditional colors for the Saint’s Day.
Also, I encourage you to simply Google “catherinettes” (or use whatever browser you prefer) to find sites with history of the festival, blogs about St Catherine and so on. While I was browsing the web I discovered a book released in September of this year entitled, “The Catherinettes Celebrate”, by Anne Monjaret. A number of milliner groups have begun celebrations during this month. Groups in New York and Chicago often celebrate St. Catherine’s Day.
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My mother’s birthday is November 25th, so for me, it is always easy for me to remember St. Catherine’s Day. Some of friends of mine are considering starting our own St. Catherine’s fete’. Why not start your own party? Either have some hat wearing friends over or meet for drinks somewhere.
By: Polly Singer
