When we think of the ’70s, the first thing that comes to our minds is hippies. These free-spirited people marked the era of peace, love, and happiness.
If you lived throughout the ’70s, chances are, you were more of a hippie than you realize.
Here are some telltale signs you were a hippie back in the late ’60s and ’70s.
1. You Owned More Tie-Dye Than Regular Clothes
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Funky colors, tie-dyes, and big sunglasses – these weren’t just fashion statements, they were a way of life.
Tie dye was gaining in popularity, and you simply had to have it. Whether you made it yourself or bought it at a festival, your closet was surely a psychedelic rainbow.
If your shirt didn’t swirl, were you even cool? You would spend afternoons dying and drying your shirts for a unique look.
2. You Traveled in a Volkswagen Bus (or Dreamed of It)
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Nothing said “hippie freedom” like a VW van filled with your free-spirited flower child friends. It was probably covered in peace signs and bumper stickers and looked like a rainbow on wheels.
You might’ve hid in it, slept in it, lived in it, or just used it to get to the next protest (or concert). We will not mention gas and mileage, but you were having the time of your life – and you knew it!
Those vans probably saw some of the best-looking outfits, heard some of the best guitar solos, and felt some true love.
3. Your Hair Was Long, Natural, and Proudly Unbrushed
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Who wanted to look like they just came back from a military camp? You wore your hair as a badge of rebellion. The longer and freer, the better, and your parents probably did not approve of it.
You also didn’t use any product; it caused you no fuss, and it definitely had no barbers involved. Your mane was free just like your spirit – wild and unconstrained.
Mostly, you left it natural color too because you wanted to be one with nature, and that meant no products and no chemicals. The only addition would be an occasional flower or feather – all natural ornaments.
4. You Were at Woodstock – or Claimed You Were
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Woodstock was once in a lifetime experience, and you had to be there to know it.
Whether you actually made it to the muddy fields of ’69 or not, you probably told people you did. Even if you just watched the movie, you were influenced by it, because it was the ultimate hippie rite of passage.
The music, the outfits, and all those vibes made the whole generation want peace, love, and unity. And do not even mention having the real tickets – it meant you were the cool kid on the block.
5. You Believed in Peace, Love, and Protesting Everything
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From Vietnam to nuclear energy, you did not want to conform to any of that, and you happily protested everything (with a flower in your hair).
You weren’t afraid to speak your truth, loudly and with purpose, and whoever opposed you was boring and annoying.
For you, activism wasn’t a trend – it was a calling and a lifestyle. You believed in a better tomorrow, and you would never let anyone stand in your way.
6. You Burned Incense in Every Room of the House
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Patchouli, sandalwood, and nag champa were your natural air fresheners. The smell became your character trait, and you proudly cleansed all of your home from ‘bad spirits’.
These smells helped you connect to nature and bring you closer to the positive spirits. Even if someone sneezed from all of it, you would call it a ‘cleansing of the soul’.
It was your way to spread positivity – and keep your home protected and smelling nice.
7. You Made Your Own Clothes, or Bought Them From Someone Who Did
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Today, fast fashion is everywhere, and you can get a piece you want just a click away.
Back in the ’70s, crocheted tops, patchwork pants, and hand-sewn vests were a standard issue. You had to make your own clothes or at least personalize them because individuality was trendy.
You would add a peace sign to your trousers or dye your blouses different colors to stand out. Your wardrobe told the world: “I reject the mainstream and I do it with my flared jeans.”
8. You Read Books About Spirituality and Eastern Philosophy
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You probably borrowed or owned a copy of Be Here Now or The Teachings of Don Juan.
You wanted to learn more about philosophy, chakras, and spirituality. You did not care about the superficial things, and all you wanted to experience was enlightenment and to open your third eye.
Boring subjects such as the economy or taxes did not appeal to you, except if there was an ongoing protest that you had to attend.
9. You Went to Concerts That Lasted for Days
1970s music was simply on another level, and you felt it in your heart. Whether it was a popular band playing in your town or a local jam in a field, you never missed a chance to dance barefoot in the grass.
Music was more than sounds and entertainment; it was a feeling and a lifestyle. You felt lost in time and space, and you wanted to stay there forever.
Guitars were a must everywhere you went, and you always believed you would carry that tradition with you.
10. You Truly Believed You Could Change the World
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You were an optimistic soul who truly believed the world was done with wars and mistreatment. Young people were becoming freer and more in tune with themselves, which gave them hope for a better future.
You believed that all of your protests would result in a new government that would care about its people. Peace and love would be all around, and we would live happily with our hair wild and feet bare.
Even now, decades later, that spark never really left you.
