I’M JUST CURIOUS: Pom-pom history

by Debbie Walker

Did you realize the Pom-poms on our winter hats have a long history? I didn’t either until I read about it in my Farmer’s Almanac newsletter today. I really enjoyed the history. There have been several purposes besides a fashion statement.

There are, of course, theories about the pom-pom history. First let me tell you the name pom-pom comes from a French word, ponpon. That translates to “bobble” which means “a small ball of fabric”. It is believed they were on hats as far back as 790 AD to the Viking Era.

A small statue of a mythological Norse God was found on a small farm in 1904. It suggests a religious or cultural connection.

The pom-pom has historical origins:

• Napoleon’s infantry’s bobbles told which regiment they belonged to.
• Hungarian Calvary regiments and Scottish Highland regiments to help distinguish rank.

By the 18th Century the floppy beret with pom-poms was really an essential Scottish piece of clothing.

In Rome, Roman Catholic clergy have worn pom-pom hats for ages, varying in colors to show their rank and job.

In South America traditional garments of men and women. Different colors signals meant marital statis.

French sailors added them to their head gear to keep from hitting their heads on the low ceilings of the ship when waters were rough.

During The Depression the pom-pom became a popular accessory. It was an inexpensive way to embellish clothing.

In the 1960s favorite band, the Monkee’s was Michael Nesmith who helped make the pom-pom famous with his hat.

Now they rarely signify anything more than a sense of fashion.

Did you have any idea those little pom-poms would have such a history?

This column may be a little short. I have an excuse. I was in a car accident two days ago. A young man has since learned that if you can’t see because the sun is in your eyes you should slow down at least if not possible to stop. However, that night he chose to make a left turn at a speed higher than he should have been going anyway and the result was him hitting my car, the front left panel, wheel and destroyed it. Knocked the front bumper and other necessary stuff off.

Oh yeah, and he also gave me my experience of my first ambulance ride. I did not like the trip. At the hospital they x-rayed and CT’ed me and sent my aching body home. Oh, and instructions to see my doctor immediately. I spent the weekend pretty much in bed. My first accident appears to be another educational experience. I wish that young man had at least said he was sorry.

I am just curious if maybe we couldn’t all be sure to be a little more careful. Any questions or comments send to DebbieWalker@townline.org . Thanks for reading and have a great week.