Pom-poms history

Origin

The pom-pom hat’s origins can be traced back to Scandinavia from the age of the Vikings (800- 1066). The Viking god Freyr, is depicted wearing a hat or helmet with a pom-pom on it in a statuette that was discovered in 1904 on the farm Rällinge in Södermanland, Sweden.

Pom-poms in army

The word “pom-pom” is said to have originated from the French word “pompon” during the 18th century. At this time, the imposing Hungarian cavalry known as the Hussars wore what was called a shako, or a tall structured cap, as part of their uniforms.

Different regiments put their own trademark twist on it some ornamented the caps with metal plating, others topped them with feathered plumage or a pom-pom.

The colour and shape of the4 and was a source of pride for a soldier.This impressive (but admittedly heavy) headgear caught the eye of regiments across Europe, including the soldiers of Napoleon’s army.

Other areas

Meanwhile, off the battlefield, the pom-pom held great significance as well. In South America, traditional garments of both men and women were being decorated with differently coloured pom-poms as a signal of their marital status.

In Rome, clergymen wore square-peaked caps called birettas. The colour of the pom-pom that crowned each biretta signified the wearer’s order.

Scotland

While pom-poms have always been part of traditional dress in Scotland — men wore a floppy beret called a Balmoral bonnet. It was topped with a bright red pom-pom iconically known as a toorie — they enjoyed their biggest rise in popularity during the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Tommy

Compared with tassels and jeweled trinkets, the pom-pom was an economically sound embellishment — it could be scrapped together with leftover yarn.

At the same time, tissue pom-poms were popping up at high school dances as easy DIY decorations and in cheerleaders’ hands as fun, festive substitutes for batons. People everywhere fell in love with the flare and playfulness of the pom-pom.

Sailors

There is a story about sailors start to use pom-poms because they very often beat their head on parts of the ship. Pom-pom protects head from the hits and warns about closely spaced surfaces.

Cheerleader pom-poms

Cheerleaders use pom poms as a prop to improve showmanship. Pom poms tend to be shiny or glittery to get the attention of the crowd. They are used to emphasize movement and sometimes to spell out words or letters like “Colts” or “Go!”. In partnership with the spirited chants of a cheer team, pom poms can’t be ignored!