Concept in Definition ABC

The English word hippie or hippy has become part of the cultural heritage of humanity. Its etymology is uncertain, but it is very likely that it is related to the word hipster. Both terms come from hip, which in English means fashionable or popular. Historically, it was first used in 1965 in a Newspaper of San Francisco to refer to the young bohemians, since in the previous decade the bohemians and transgressors were the beat.

A historical brushstroke

In the 1960s in the United States, a sector of the youth opposed the prevailing social conventions and, in a very special way, the Vietnam War

At that time, new ideas were spread in favor of the civil rights of blacks and against the capitalist model that promoted the consumption of masses. In this weather social arose the movement hippie as a new way of understanding life and as a response to an alienated society.

Philosophy and values ​​of the movement

Beyond the casual clothing, the long hair, the consumption of soft drugs and the rock concerts to the

air free, hippies had a way of understanding life. They defended free love and decriminalization moral of sex, life in communes, pacifism and anti-consumerism. All this without impositions or hierarchies and in a climate of freedom and tolerance.

His lifestyle was based on simplicity and many of them survived humbly selling crafts in the markets and almost always outside the conventional work model.

The spirit of this movement spread to other western countries and trips to India and the island of Ibiza became fashionable. In hippism other trends of alternative court were incorporated, such as naturism, environmentalism, shamanism or orientalism.

What remains of this phenomenon today?

This countercultural trend began to weaken in the 1970s. Despite being part of the past, it is possible to talk about his legacy. Today's society has assimilated some tendencies of the hippies of the 60s. Thus, we are more tolerant in relation to the sexual inclinations of others and have become closer to the spirituality of the East.

It should not be forgotten, on the other hand, that the current ecovillages are a inheritance of hippie culture. In the sphere of fashion and aesthetics, the adlib style and flower power parties stand out.

Finally, hippism has left us a simple slogan that should be kept alive: peace and love.

Fotolia photos: eliza.osmo / fafarumba

Hippie themes