The phrase “Hats off” can mean many different things in various circles. Originally, the phrase was meant to convey congratulations. For instance, “Hats off to you for your achievements!” At graduation ceremonies, students throw off their caps hats to celebrate their accomplishments. Over the years, people have borrowed this phrase for museum displays, films, societies and organizations.

There is a “Hats Off: Salute to African Headwear” exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art in Washington DC. Adorning the body with creative crafts has been a longstanding tradition in African culture that expresses pride, individualism and cultural ideals. Some hats are meant to represent certain skills, as farmers and blacksmiths will wear different mens hats, for example. Different hats also indicate different status, as chiefs and royalty have their own special head-dresses. Materials used in hat-making are from the local landscape and additions like teeth, claws or hide are believed to give the wearer special powers. Imported shells, glass beads and buttons indicate wealth. At the exhibit, people can see Kongo hats dating back to the 15th century, 19th century Zulu tribe hats and a number of other special artifacts.

“Hats Off” has also been the title of several films. In the 1920s, one of the earliest Laurel and Hardy films was dubbed this. The title should be taken literally because it features an explosive argument where the two men continuously knock off each other’s signature derby hats. Soon others get involved in the melee in a hilarious slapstick showcase of events. In 2008, another “Hats Off” film came out — this time as an inspiring documentary of a 93-year-old actress who began her career path at age 65. The movie title is not only meant to be a complimentary “hats off to Mimi Weddell” for her achievements, but it’s also interesting because Mimi is rarely seen without some sort of top hat, black hat, floppy hat or vintage hat.

Furthermore, Hats Off is the name of a nonprofit children’s performing arts theatre in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Here kids aged 4 to 16 can participate in fun classes and camps that involve storytelling, screenplay writing, acting, improvisation comedy, puppetry and pantomime. Children may come to the theatre after school or during the summer for their 45-minute educational workshops. They also travel to various schools to spread their passion for drama. According to their Hats Off mission statement they are “devoted to building community through theatre and aspire for our students to understand drama and its significant role in society.” They want to share their belief that the arts are for everyone, whether they’re performing, working behind the scenes or seated in the audience. More information on this camp can be found at www.hatsofftheatre.com.

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