Our Traditions

St Catherine’s Day

In England Saint Catherine was traditionally known as the patron saint of lace-makers. In Medieval times November 25th was known as Catterntide and was marked by the baking of Cattern cakes. These are small biscuit-like cakes with the key ingredients of flour, eggs, sugar, lard or butter and caraway seeds. Why should that be of interest to milliners? Well carry on reading and you will be surprised.

In many Catholic countries this saint was considered as a protector of young women. In France on Saint Catherine’s day young single women used to pray to Saint Catherine for a husband.

“Donnez-moi, Seigneur, un mari de bon lieu! Qu’il soit doux, opulent, liberal et agréable!” (“Lord, give me a well situated husband. Let him be gentle, rich, generous and pleasant!”)

Catherinettes

They would parade to the Statue of Catherine (there are 2 in Paris) where a hat would be placed on the statue and the Catherinettes would be crowned and then wear their hats made of yellow and green for the duration of the celebrations. The day would continue with fancy dress parties and a ball in Saint Catherine’s honour.

Since those days social attitudes have changed and most people would look upon women praying for a husband as outdated. Since the 1970s this tradition is no longer celebrated on such a large scale, but it still continues in many Paris fashion houses.

These festivities on Saint Catherine’s day have been adopted in several countries around the world with hat makers and milliners putting on a parade, partying and while the event can be used as an opportunity to show off their skills, it is mainly treated now as a time for some fun away from work and not to find a husband.

This account is a short resume of information collected from various online sources.

Dillon Wallwork