What Kind of Hat Does Hermes Wear?

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and athletes is one of the most popular deities in Greek mythology. He is known for his speed, agility, and cunningness.

As a god of commerce and travelers, Hermes is often depicted wearing a hat that symbolizes his role as a messenger. But what kind of hat does Hermes wear? Let’s take a closer look.

The Petasos Hat

The traditional hat worn by Hermes is called the Petasos hat. It was originally worn by Greek travelers to protect them from the sun and rain during their journeys.

The hat has a wide brim that provides shade and protection from the elements. It is made of wool or felt and has long earflaps that can be tied under the chin.

Symbolism

The Petasos hat plays an important role in Greek mythology as it represents Hermes’ role as a messenger. The wings on the side of the hat symbolize his speed and agility while delivering messages between gods and mortals. In some depictions, the hat also has a small bag attached to it which represents Hermes’ role as a god of commerce.

Variations

While the Petasos hat is traditionally associated with Hermes, there are many different variations of it in Greek mythology. For example, in some depictions, the hat has two small horns on top which represent Hermes’ connection to Pan – another Greek god associated with nature and shepherding.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hermes wears a traditional Greek traveler’s hat called the Petasos. This wide-brimmed felt or woolen hat with long earflaps represents his role as a messenger between gods and mortals.

The wings on either side of the hat signify his speed while delivering messages while also paying homage to his role as a god of athletes and sports. The Petasos hat is a significant symbol in Greek mythology that is closely associated with the god Hermes.