The ’60s and ’70s were a wild time full of change, music, and unique lifestyles. If you lived through those decades, you might remember the hippie movement that left a big mark on culture and society. Hippies were known for their free-spirited ways, love of peace, and rejection of mainstream norms. From wearing tie-dye shirts to attending music festivals, there were certain things that just screamed “hippie.”
If you did at least 7 out of these ten things back then, chances are you were part of that colorful, revolutionary crowd. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and see what made someone a true hippie in those groovy years.
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Wearing Tie-Dye Clothing
Hippies loved tie-dye clothes. These colorful patterns showed off their creativity and individuality. They were easy to make at home, and each piece was unique. Tie-dye included shirts, dresses, and accessories like bandanas. These bright clothes symbolized the diverse and accepting nature of the hippie community.
Living in Communes
Hippies often lived in communes, sharing resources and growing food together. This lifestyle was about escaping consumer society and living in harmony with nature. In these communes, everyone helped with daily chores and decisions. This shared living was a stand against isolation and greed.
Embracing Free Love
“Free love” was a big belief among hippies. They rejected traditional ideas about relationships and marriage, aiming to love freely without societal rules. This extended beyond romance to a broader sense of compassion and human connection. Free love was tied to their anti-establishment views.
Practicing Meditation and Yoga
Meditation and yoga were popular among hippies seeking inner peace and spiritual growth. These practices, from Eastern philosophies, helped enhance self-awareness and consciousness. They fit well with the hippie rejection of Western materialism.
Opposing the Vietnam War
Many hippies opposed the Vietnam War, participating in anti-war protests to show their commitment to peace and non-violence. The slogan “Make Love, Not War” captured their stance. They organized or joined large rallies, marches, and sit-ins.
Using Psychedelics
Hippies commonly experimented with psychedelic drugs, seeing them as tools for expanding the mind. These substances were believed to offer deep insights, foster creativity, and break down barriers between people. Festivals and gatherings often included communal drug use for collective euphoria and unity.
Listening to Psychedelic Rock
Hippies loved psychedelic rock music. Bands like The Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, and The Doors provided the era’s soundtrack with themes of peace, love, and personal exploration. Listening to these artists was a form of expression and a shared cultural experience.
Driving a Volkswagen Bus
The Volkswagen Bus became an iconic vehicle for hippies, known for its practicality and distinctive look. Its spacious interior was perfect for road trips and group travel. Many painted their buses with colorful designs and peace symbols, turning them into moving art pieces. The VW Bus represented the freedom and nomadic spirit of the era.
Adopting Vegan or Vegetarian Diets
Many hippies followed vegan or vegetarian diets, rejecting industrialized and processed foods. They believed in living harmoniously with the environment, and a plant-based diet was part of that philosophy. Natural food was a statement against consumer culture and animal cruelty.
Wearing Natural and Bohemian Clothing
Hippie fashion was memorable for its natural and bohemian elements. They preferred clothes made from natural fibers like cotton and hemp. Headbands, fringed vests, and bell-bottom jeans were common. This style reflected a rejection of mass-produced fashion.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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