Origin of Lifting the Hat

The custom of lifting the hat had its origin during the age of chivalry, when it was customary for knights never to appear in public except in full armor.

It became a custom, however, for a knight, upon entering an assembly of friends, to remove his helmet, signifying, "I am safe in the presence of friends."

The age of chivalry passed away with the fifteenth century; but among the many acts of courtesy which can be traced back to its influence, none is more direct in its origin than that of lifting the hat to acknowledge the presence of a friend.