November 25th is the feast day of St. Catherine, but it is also the day of “Catherinettes.” Indeed, on this day, unmarried women who are 25 years old are honored. Customarily, they wore supposed to wear green and yellow hats; hence the expression “to wear St. Catherine's hat.” Where does this tradition come from and how can St. Catherine's day be celebrated today? Why celebrate young unmarried women on St. Catherine's day?
Saint Catherine of Alexandria, nicknamed “the wife of Christ,” was a martyr of the first centuries. Refusing to marry Emperor Maxentius, who had fallen for this young, beautiful, and bold Christian woman, she was torn apart and died on November 25th. This saint, poet, and philosopher is the patron saint of young women to be married.
In the Middle Ages, the tradition of the Catherinettes was born. The young unmarried women in the year of their 25th birthday wore a green hat and formed a procession to the statue of Saint Catherine that they decorated. The custom of the hat has survived the centuries—especially relayed by the fashion houses who helped bring it to life—and dictates that the hat be as original and extravagant as possible. In many cities, November 25 was the occasion for joyful processions and balls for the Catherinettes.
Today, being a Catherinette is no longer as stigmatizing as it used to be, and being single at 25 is quite accepted in our society. The feast of Saint Catherine can certainly always be an opportunity to joyfully celebrate these young women 25 years or older. However, depending on whether celibacy is chosen or not, this situation can be more or less fun. It is up to everyone to discern the right attention to pay to these young girls that day: a date with girlfriends, a little message, a bouquet of green and yellow flowers...
On November 25, we can also pray for all young singles—women or men! —for the dreams and desires that animate them and entrust their hopes to God, whether it is to find a soulmate or not.
By Hozana