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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Aretha's Hat” is a common card of the Memes World series 74, number 22072 of the collection, and the 53rd best-known meme of its 300 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.
What does the “Aretha's Hat” meme mean?
This meme expresses the visual absurdity resulting from repurposing an iconic accessory. It plays on the disconnect between the seriousness of an official ceremony and the apparent ridiculousness of the hat applied arbitrarily. The main emotion is amusement at this unexpected juxtaposition, often used to subtly mock or simply entertain by making any face look more eccentric through this striking graphic addition.
Where does the “Aretha's Hat” meme come from?
The meme originates precisely from January 20, 2009, during the inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the United States. Singer Aretha Franklin performed *My Country ’Tis of Thee* in front of the U.S. Capitol. She wore a grey hat adorned with a huge bow and Swarovski crystals. Immediately after the broadcast, media outlets picked up the story. ABC News published a live blog post titled 'Aretha’s Hat' that same day, jokingly calling the headpiece a 'national treasure'. BuzzFeed later amplified the phenomenon by publishing a photo of Franklin, allowing users to create edits. The site quickly published an article titled 'Aretha’s Hat is Everywhere', illustrating the massive spread of the concept, including figures like Dick Cheney. The exact platform of the first edit remains unknown, but virality was driven by these major cultural news sites.
- January 20, 2009Aretha Franklin wears the hat during Barack Obama's inauguration in front of the Capitol.
How to use the “Aretha's Hat” meme
- Superimpose the grey hat over the official portrait of a controversial politician to highlight perceived absurdity.
- Add the accessory to a picture of a pet to create a comedic contrast between animal grace and excessive fashion.
- Place the hat on a group photo of friends to mock the serious or formal atmosphere of the gathering.
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The “Aretha's Hat” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 22072 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Common |
| Collection | Memes World series 74 |
| Fame | 64/100 · #53 of 300 |
| Recycle value | 5 MemeCoins (15 in Shiny) |
How to get the “Aretha's Hat” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Aretha's Hat comes out of the Memes World series 74 as a common card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.
Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 5 MemeCoins.
Open your free pack
5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.
Free · no account needed
Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art ≤ 0.1%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details
Memes like “Aretha's Hat”
More cards of the Memes World series 74
Frequently asked questions
What is aretha's hat meme?
It refers to a meme where the large grey bow-hat worn by Aretha Franklin at Barack Obama's 2009 inauguration is digitally added to other subjects for comedic effect.
Why is aretha's hat funny?
The humor comes from the absurd contrast between the flashy accessory and the subject it is placed on. It turns an official outfit into an instant visual joke.
Where does the aretha hat meme come from?
The meme stems directly from the presidential inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2009. Immediate media coverage, notably by ABC News and BuzzFeed, triggered the wave of edits.
How do I get the Aretha's Hat meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Aretha's Hat” is a common card of the Memes World series 74. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the Aretha's Hat card?
It is a Common card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: Aretha's Hat | Know Your Meme · Aretha Franklin's Hat Lives on for Inauguration 2013. Really. · Inside the Amazing, Private Life of Aretha Franklin · checked on October 16, 2026.
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