15 Clear Signs You Were a True Hippie in the ’60s and ’70s

The 1960s and 1970s were decades of change, rebellion, and a deep yearning for peace, love, and freedom. During this time, the hippie movement emerged, embracing a lifestyle that was all about challenging the status quo, connecting with nature, and promoting love and unity. 

If you were around during these decades and embraced the hippie lifestyle, certain things you might have done set you apart as a true hippie. From the music you listened to and how you dressed, these 15 signs will take you on a nostalgic trip back to the flower power era and free spirits.

You Wore Tie-Dye Everything

Tie-dye was more than just a fashion statement; it was a symbol of individuality and freedom. If you were a true hippie, your wardrobe was likely filled with tie-dye shirts, skirts, and even headbands. The bright, swirling patterns represented the vibrant and carefree spirit of the time. 

Creating your own tie-dye clothes was a popular pastime. Each piece was unique, just like the person wearing it. Wearing tie-dye was a way to express your creativity and your love for peace and harmony.

You Attended Woodstock

Woodstock, the legendary music festival of 1969, was the ultimate gathering for hippies. If you were there, you were part of a historic moment that brought together hundreds of thousands of people to celebrate music, peace, and love. 

The festival featured performances by iconic artists like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Who. Despite the rain and mud, the sense of community and shared experience made Woodstock unforgettable. Attending Woodstock was a rite of passage for any true hippie, symbolizing a commitment to the values of the movement.

You Grew Your Hair Long

Long hair was a powerful symbol of the hippie movement, representing a rejection of conventional standards and a connection to nature. For both men and women, growing out your hair was a way to show your independence and nonconformity. Long, flowing locks were often accompanied by natural, unstyled looks, sometimes adorned with flowers or headbands. 

This hairstyle was more than just a fashion choice; it was a statement of freedom and a rejection of societal expectations. If you embraced your long hair in the ’60s and ’70s, you were definitely living the hippie lifestyle.

You Lived in a Communal House

Communal living was a cornerstone of the hippie lifestyle, reflecting the values of sharing, cooperation, and togetherness. Many hippies chose to live in communal houses or communes, where they shared resources and responsibilities and often lived off the land. 

These communities were places where people could live freely without the constraints of traditional societal norms. Living in a communal house allowed hippies to create a supportive environment that aligned with their beliefs in peace, love, and unity. If you shared your home with like-minded souls, you were embracing the true spirit of the era.

You Listened to Psychedelic Rock

The music of the ’60s and ’70s was the soundtrack to the hippie movement, and psychedelic rock was at the forefront. Bands like The Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, and Jefferson Airplane created music that explored new sounds and expanded consciousness. 

The lyrics often reflected the ideals of peace, love, and exploration of the mind. Listening to psychedelic rock was more than just enjoying music; it was a way to connect with the deeper meanings of life and the universe. If your record collection was filled with these trippy tunes, you were definitely a true hippie.

You Wore Bell-Bottoms

Bell-bottoms were the quintessential hippie pants. Flaring out dramatically at the bottom, they were often paired with sandals or bare feet. These pants were comfortable, stylish, and a little rebellious, breaking away from the straight-legged styles of previous decades. 

Bell bottoms were often made from denim or corduroy and were sometimes adorned with patches or embroidery. Wearing bell-bottoms was a way to express your laid-back, free-spirited attitude. If you rocked a pair of these wide-legged trousers, you were definitely part of the hippie fashion revolution.

You Practiced Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation became popular among hippies as a way to connect with their inner selves and promote peace and tranquility. These practices were seen as paths to enlightenment and self-discovery, aligning with the hippie values of harmony and mindfulness. 

Many hippies adopted Eastern philosophies and spiritual practices, seeking to expand their consciousness and find deeper meaning in life. If you meditated, practiced yoga, or explored spiritual teachings, you were tapping into the hippie quest for inner peace and higher awareness.

You Drove a Volkswagen Bus

The Volkswagen bus, often painted with colorful flowers and peace signs, became an iconic symbol of the hippie movement. This vehicle was more than just a mode of transportation; it was a mobile home, a gathering place, and a statement of freedom. 

Many hippies used their VW buses to travel to festivals, protests, or just explore the open road. The bus represented a rejection of materialism and a love for adventure. If you owned or traveled in a Volkswagen bus, you were living a true hippie’s nomadic, carefree life.

You Attended Anti-War Protests

The hippie movement was deeply intertwined with the anti-war movement, particularly in opposition to the Vietnam War. If you marched in protests, carried signs, or chanted for peace, you were actively participating in the fight for social justice and peace. 

These protests were about more than just ending a war; they were about challenging the government and standing up for the values of love, unity, and nonviolence. Being part of the anti-war movement was a defining aspect of being a true hippie, showing your commitment to creating a better world.

You Loved Nature

Hippies deeply loved and respected nature, often choosing to live close to the earth and embrace a natural lifestyle. Whether it was camping, gardening, or simply spending time outdoors, being in nature was essential to the hippie way of life. 

Many hippies also embraced environmental activism, fighting to protect the planet from pollution and destruction. If you felt a strong connection to the earth and believed in living in harmony with nature, you were living the true hippie philosophy.

You Used Incense and Candles

Incense and candles were common in hippie homes, creating a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. The soothing scents of sandalwood, patchouli, and other earthy fragrances filled the air, adding to the sense of calm and spirituality. 

These scents were often used during meditation, yoga, or simply to enhance the vibe of a room. Lighting incense and candles was a way to create a space that reflected the hippie values of peace, love, and tranquility. If your home was filled with these calming aromas, you were definitely in tune with the hippie lifestyle.

You Made Your Own Clothes

Self-expression was key to the hippie lifestyle, and making your own clothes was a way to stand out from the mainstream fashion trends. Many hippies embraced DIY fashion, creating their own garments from natural fabrics, adding patches, embroidery, or fringe. 

This allowed for creativity and aligned with the movement’s anti-consumerist values. Making your own clothes was about rejecting mass-produced fashion and embracing a more authentic, individual style. If you sewed your own skirts, shirts, or accessories, you were embodying the true spirit of the hippie movement.

You Believed in Free Love

The concept of “free love” was central to the hippie movement. It reflected a belief in love without boundaries or societal restrictions. This philosophy challenged traditional norms around relationships and marriage, promoting open and honest connections between people. 

Free love was about more than just romance; it was about loving others without judgment, embracing diversity, and building a community based on mutual respect and care. If you embraced the idea of free love, you were living the inclusive, nonjudgmental values of the hippie era.

You Used Psychedelic Art

Psychedelic art was a visual expression of the mind-expanding experiences that were central to the hippie movement. Bright, swirling colors, abstract patterns, and surreal imagery were all hallmarks of this style, often inspired by the effects of mind-altering substances like LSD. 

This art was not just about creating something beautiful; it was about exploring the depths of consciousness and breaking free from conventional ways of seeing the world. If your walls were adorned with posters or artwork featuring these vibrant, trippy designs, you were definitely in tune with the psychedelic spirit of the time.

You Believed in Peace and Love

At the heart of the hippie movement was a deep belief in peace, love, and understanding. Whether it was through anti-war activism, environmentalism, or simply how you treated others, these values guided every aspect of your life. 

Hippies believed in creating a world where everyone could live in harmony, free from violence and hatred. If you dedicated yourself to spreading peace and love in your community, you were embodying the true essence of being a hippie.

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