The word "Hippie" is a bit difficult to explain briefly. Behind this term lies a deep and broad set of concepts, philosophies, and lifestyles. Therefore, this article will explore what exactly a "Hippie" is, the philosophies and beliefs they hold, and the history behind the movement.

The History of Hippies

The Hippie movement didn't just appear yesterday. It is a movement that began in the United States over 60 years ago, during the 1960s. The word "Hippie" evolved from "Hipster," a term used in the 1940s and 50s to describe fans of contemporary Jazz music. While it started as a youth-led movement, it quickly spread worldwide, becoming a symbol of peace, love, and the rejection of status and materialism.

The first movements began in American cities like San Francisco and New York. The core reasons and ideologies behind their movement included a drive to be closer to nature and a search for peace. As this era coincided with the Vietnam War, the movement also became a significant push for anti-war activism. Festivals like the 1967 "Summer of Love" and the 1969 "Woodstock" marked the peak of the Hippie movement, transforming it into a distinct lifestyle and culture.

Pic: Changed America

What Does "Hippie" Refer To?

Over time, the word "Hippie" came to represent both the lifestyle and culture itself, as well as the individuals who adopt and practice it. So, if you ask what a Hippie is, it can be defined as a lifestyle, a movement, or the people who live according to those specific values.

Core Beliefs and Lifestyle of Hippies

The social structures, classes, and conventional beliefs that humans have built over centuries are often the complete opposite of what Hippies stand for. This is because the Hippie lifestyle is a shift toward nature and a return to original existence. In contrast, modern society tends to focus on a lifestyle that constantly seeks progress beyond our natural origins. Hippies generally do not focus on "advancing" or "changing" life; instead, they live freely and naturally. For some people, this perspective can be quite difficult to accept.

Regarding their lifestyle, Hippies do not follow ever-changing fashion trends; they often wear simple clothes and keep their hair long and natural. Practices created by humans rather than nature, such as using manufactured soaps or cosmetics, are often seen as unnecessary. Hippies believe that if humans hadn't pursued "progress," we would have remained in our natural state, and that social classes and status are merely artificial constructs. If a person in modern society were to call this lifestyle "dirty," a Hippie might respond that humans are naturally "dirty" in their original state. Therefore, they abandon these artificial standards to freely seek peace.

In summary, I hope this gives you a general understanding of Hippies. People hold different beliefs, and "Hippie" is simply one of those, a belief and a lifestyle centered around nature and peace.