Bucket hats in the US & Israel culture
The bucket hat was first worn by Irish fishermen in the early 20th century to protect them from the wind and rain when working. In the 1980s, hip hop singer LL Cool J wore a bucket hat in an album promotional photo. Later, under the blessing of various stars, the bucket hat became one of the symbolic items in the hiphop music industry.
in American culture
In American popular culture, the most famous person who wore a bucket hat in the early days was Gary Gan. He is a well-known character in the American 1960s TV comedy Gilligan’s_Island. He appears in the camera wearing a fisherman hat all year round. The well-known American comedian Rodney Dangerfield also often laughs. In his later years, as long as he wore a bucket hat, he usually got a free bowl of soup. Because the hat is shaped like a bowl. In 1998, the bucket hat of Grey Alexander, frontman of the American band The Radical Boys. It has almost become one of his personal symbols.
in Israeli culture
In Israel, the bucket hat is often referred to as the fool’s hat. During the early days of Israel’s independence, many Israeli fighters found themselves in need of hats that shielded them from the sun and heat. At first they adopted the Arabian hijab. But then they hoped to be distinguished from the Arab fighters. Therefore, the kosher hat was enlarged and turned into a fisherman’s hat. It is called kova tembel in Israeli language. This hat is still used by Israeli troops today. Israeli soldiers wear fisherman hats, mostly grass green. And most Israelis see it as an important symbol of freedom and independence.
