Hakka hat with black cloth shade

The Hakka hat became a symbol of Hong Kong’s New Territories village life since the 1950s. It has a hole in the middle to fit the head, and black pleated cotton around the edge for shading from the sun. Hakka women are known for their diligence both at home and in the fields. The women used to weave a patterned ribbon to decorate their hat, and it also identifies the wearer. The patterns on the ribbons have auspicious meanings, and this one with the “seeds” pattern symbolises the wish for many sons to come.