8 CHARACTERISTICS OF HIPPIES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The most relevant characteristic of the hippies is the rejection of the social, political and economic conventions that governed American life: materialism, capitalism, consumerism and social classes.

The hippie movement emerged in the universities of the United States between the 50s and 60s. From there it spread to other countries, such as Canada and the United Kingdom. At first, this movement was presented as an opposition to the intervention of the American government in the Vietnam War.

However, in the following years the hippies avoided getting involved in political affairs. This aspect distinguished them from members of other groups of the time, such as the Yippie political activists.

Hippies could be distinguished by their appearance: they favored long hair on both women and men, braiding and the use of headbands, casual dress (loose pants, long dresses and sandals) and the use of colorful psychedelic patterns.

Most important characteristics of hippies

1- Rejection of the conventions of society

The main characteristic of the hippies was the rejection of the conventions present in contemporary society. From this characteristic, other important aspects that defined this culture were derived.

For example, the concept of love that the hippies had was opposed to the monogamous and restricted idea that was had at that time.

In the same way, they rejected the idea of ​​a religious doctrine, since it bound the spirit and diminished creativity. Finally, they were opposed to the policies of the US government aimed at warlike practices.

2- Appearance

One of the ways that hippies rejected convention was through their appearance. Most of these had an unkempt appearance: long hair, beards, loose fitting clothing with handcrafted psychedelic prints, and sandals.

Although the members of this movement wore more or less the same clothes, they considered that the dress was not a definition of who one was.

Rather, it was attitudes that defined a person. Therefore, a person was not a hippie because of wearing colorful clothes and long hair, but because of his actions.

3- Free love

One of the slogans of the hippie movement was "if it feels good, do it!" This motto could be applied to any area of ​​life, but it mainly referred to love relationships.

By these words, they meant that people were free to love who they wanted, when they wanted, and how they wanted.

Love was not limited to just one person. Instead, it was something that could be shared with everyone, not just sexually but also with friends and family.

For the hippies there were no taboos regarding sexual practices. In fact, they promoted experimentation, so much so that open relationships and orgies became part of the lifestyle of movement members.

4- Symbols

Hippies distinguished themselves by the use of certain symbols. The most recognized is the symbol of peace and love (a circle crossed by three line segments).

5- Environmental protection

During the 1960s, American cities had land and water pollution problems, much more serious than they are today.

Many industries dumped toxic chemicals into the water or buried them, causing irreparable damage to the ecosystem. To this was added the air pollution generated by vehicle smoke (smog).

The hippies were one of the few groups that raised the problems of environmental pollution. They made movements and protests that revealed the seriousness of the matter.

Thanks to this group, the then president Nixon took measures in order to improve the conditions of the country's spaces. For example, organizations were created that regulated the disposal of toxic substances.

In the 1970s, the United States experienced population and industrial growth. Were it not for hippy awareness and government action, this growth would have created much more pressing problems.

6- Travel

Hippies were known for hitchhiking / hitchhiking to travel. They rarely planned a trip in advance, they didn't care about money or hotel reservations. This is because they knew they would be greeted by fellow hippies wherever they went.

Many of the members of this movement had a nomadic life. In order to sustain this way of life, some built mobile homes by modifying a bus, van, or truck.

It was common to see hundreds of these "houses" at festivals held in the United States (such as the Woodstock Festival).

7- Spiritualism and religions

In general, the hippie movement was against conventional religious organizations. Instead, they preferred personal spiritual experiences, such as those promoted by Hinduism and Buddhism.

These two religions were frowned upon, as their rules were less strict and their practice was more restricted in Western societies.

Thanks to Hinduism, the practice of yoga spread among hippies and the creation of neo-Hindu schools aimed at a Western audience.

Some hippies also belonged to neo-pagan sects like Wicca, while others preferred the occult.

The creation of spiritual groups, organized by a leader called "priest", is also notorious.

These priests instructed their followers in the teachings learned from Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism, as well as the teachings learned through experience. On many occasions, these lessons went hand in hand with drug use.

8- Drug use

Most hippies used cannabis (marijuana). They considered that the consumption of this drug was beneficial for the development of the human spirit.

Likewise, they thought that psychotropic substances constituted a psychotherapy that allowed them to explore the "I" and expand consciousness.

Marijuana was the most popular drug among hippies. However, they also included other hallucinogens like some mushrooms and LSD.

Stronger psychotropic substances such as cocaine, amphetamine, and heroin were not very popular with members of the movement, as they were known to be harmful and addictive.

References

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5. Hippies. Retrieved on September 20, 2017, from encyclopedia.com
6. Hippie Retrieved on September 20, 2017, from britannica.com
7. The age of hippies and the term "flower power". Retrieved on September 20, 2017, from daria.no