13 Things You Did in the ’60s and ’70s That Screamed Hippie

Let’s step back in time to the 1960s and ’70s—an era of peace, love, and rebellion! Being a hippie wasn’t just about the way you dressed; it was a full-blown counterculture movement that shaped music, fashion, and social activism. From rocking tie-dye to meditating in nature, these were hallmarks of the free-spirited lifestyle.

If you did these 13 things, you were undoubtedly part of the hippie wave, embracing a world of freedom, creativity, and groovy vibes.

1. Tie-Dye Everything

Nothing screamed hippie spirit quite like a swirling rainbow of tie-dye. From t-shirts and dresses to bandanas and bedsheets, the vibrant, DIY aesthetic was a symbol of peace, love, and self-expression.

Making your own tie-dye creation was a rite of passage. Whether at a festival or a backyard gathering, dipping fabric into bright-colored dyes felt like a ritual of rebellion and joy. Each unique pattern was a reflection of individuality and artistic freedom.

2. Flower Power Protests

Hippies weren’t just about looking groovy—they were fighting for peace. Protesting the Vietnam War and promoting love over violence became a defining cause of the movement.

At rallies, people carried flowers as a peaceful symbol, wore peace signs, and chanted messages of love, unity, and anti-war activism. Whether marching through the streets or placing flowers in soldiers’ gun barrels, hippies made a powerful impact on history.

3. Living in Communes

If you really embraced the hippie lifestyle, you probably ditched mainstream society in favor of a communal living experience. Communes were a place where like-minded people shared food, resources, and ideals, creating an alternative to capitalist and materialistic culture.

With no strict rules, free love, artistic expression, and nature-based living flourished. These tight-knit communities were self-sufficient and idealistic, built on values of peace, sustainability, and collective responsibility.

4. Listening to Psychedelic Rock

The soundtrack of the hippie movement was filled with mind-expanding, experimental sounds. If you had a vinyl collection featuring The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, or The Doors, you were definitely vibing with the times.

Concerts weren’t just about music—they were spiritual experiences. Whether you were swaying under the stars at Woodstock or lying on your floor with headphones on, psychedelic rock was more than entertainment—it was a way of life.

5. Practicing Yoga and Meditation

Hippies weren’t just about outer rebellion—they also turned inward. Many sought spiritual enlightenment through yoga, meditation, and Eastern philosophy.

The Beatles famously traveled to India to study Transcendental Meditation, inspiring thousands to seek inner peace. Whether chanting “Om”, doing sun salutations in the park, or attending a group meditation circle, embracing mindfulness and connection to the universe was a true hippie hallmark.

6. Vegan and Vegetarian Diets

“Eat food, not friends!” Hippies were among the first to popularize vegetarianism and veganism in America, often motivated by compassion for animals and environmental concerns.

Meat-free diets were linked to spiritual purity and non-violence. Many hippies grew their own food, shopped at co-ops, or dined on whole grains, tofu, and fresh produce before it was trendy.

If you were blending up homemade granola or sipping on herbal tea in the ‘60s and ‘70s, you were way ahead of the wellness trend!

7. Attending Music Festivals

Festivals were more than just concerts—they were gatherings of love, freedom, and counterculture unity.

If you were lucky enough to have experienced Woodstock (1969), Monterey Pop Festival (1967), or Isle of Wight Festival (1970), you were at the heart of the movement.

The energy was electric—dancing barefoot in the mud, sharing food, and letting the music take you on a journey. Even if you weren’t there in person, every hippie dreamed of being part of the magic.

8. Wearing Bell-Bottoms

Fashion was an act of rebellion, and hippies fully embraced flowy, unrestrictive styles. Bell-bottom jeans, fringed vests, embroidered tunics, and headbands were staple pieces in every hippie’s wardrobe.

More than just a look, these styles reflected a rejection of corporate fashion and a return to natural, handmade, and artistic expression. If you had beads around your neck and flowers in your hair, you were 100% hippie-approved.

9. Creating DIY Crafts

Mass-produced accessories? No thanks! Hippies crafted their own necklaces, bracelets, and macramé wall hangings using natural materials like wood, hemp, and beads.

Friendship bracelets, peace sign pendants, and beaded headbands were symbols of unity and self-expression. Creating something with your own hands was a deeply spiritual and meaningful act.

10. Adopting Eco-Friendly Practices

Hippies were among the first modern environmentalists, pushing for sustainable living, conservation, and eco-friendly practices long before they became mainstream.

From Earth Day (first celebrated in 1970) to protests against pollution and deforestation, the hippie movement emphasized respecting Mother Earth.

If you were recycling before it was trendy, using homemade soaps, or living off the land, you were definitely a green pioneer.

11. Decorating with Psychedelic Art

Step into a hippie’s home or vehicle, and you’d be greeted with trippy artwork, blacklight posters, and lava lamps casting hypnotic patterns.

The decor reflected the free-spirited, mind-expanding vibes of the era. Rooms were filled with dreamcatchers, beaded curtains, incense burners, and colorful textiles that created a groovy, laid-back atmosphere.

If your walls looked like a psychedelic dreamscape, you were fully embracing the hippie aesthetic.

12. Participating in Anti-War Movements

Being a hippie often meant being politically active. The Vietnam War protests became a defining part of the counterculture movement.

Sit-ins, peace marches, and anti-draft demonstrations challenged the establishment and helped shape modern activism. Hippies weren’t just about love and music—they fought for a better world.

13. Enjoying Nature and the Great Outdoors

Whether it was hiking, camping, or just laying in the grass staring at the sky, hippies felt deeply connected to nature.

Many believed that escaping urban life and embracing the great outdoors was essential for happiness and spiritual well-being. Whether it was a road trip in a Volkswagen bus or a gathering in the woods, being outside was a sacred experience.