10 Bizarre Traditions From the ’60s
Some cultural practices and trends from the 1960s now seem strange or unusual.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 3 min read
The 1960s were a time of rapid social change and experimentation. Many traditions reflected the era’s unique attitudes toward fashion, health, and lifestyle. Looking back, some of these practices appear bizarre or unsafe by modern standards.
1. Drinking Tomato Juice on Airplanes
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Passengers often drank tomato juice on flights to settle their stomachs. It was believed to improve digestion and prevent airsickness. Today, this is unusual, and many people prefer water or soft drinks. Modern airlines rarely promote tomato juice as a beverage.
2. Using Radium for Health
James St. John on Wikimedia Commons
Radium-infused products, like water and cosmetics, were marketed for health benefits. People believed it boosted energy and vitality. Today, radium is known to be radioactive and dangerous. Safe supplements and treatments have replaced these products.
3. Wearing Bubble Helmets
Steve Jurvetson on Wikimedia Commons
Some fashion trends included clear, plastic bubble helmets for style or protection. They were intended to be futuristic and fun. Today, such helmets are seen as impractical and strange. Modern protective gear focuses on safety, not style.
4. Eating TV Dinners with Aluminum Trays
Sir Beluga on Wikimedia Commons
Frozen meals were served in aluminum trays, often eaten straight from the container. They symbolized convenience and modern living. Today, microwave-safe containers are standard. Aluminum trays are rarely used at home.
5. Smoking in Restaurants and Schools
René Burri on Wikimedia Commons
Smoking indoors, even around children, was widely accepted. It was considered normal in public spaces. Today, smoking bans protect health and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke. Public attitudes toward smoking have changed dramatically.
6. Participating in “Mood Rings” Trends
Moodman001 on Wikimedia Commons
People wore mood rings that supposedly changed color based on emotions. They were popular as novelty items. Today, mood rings are seen as kitschy collectibles rather than reliable indicators. Modern psychology relies on evidence-based methods to understand emotions.
7. Drinking Alcohol in Social Gatherings for Teens
Habib M’henni on Wikimedia Commons
Some communities allowed or overlooked underage drinking at parties. It was considered a rite of passage or social norm. Today, legal age restrictions and awareness campaigns prevent teen alcohol use. Attitudes toward underage drinking are stricter.
8. Using Hair Nets Regularly
Howard R. Hollem on Wikimedia Commons
Women frequently wore hair nets to protect their hairstyles in public or at work. They were part of everyday grooming and fashion. Today, hair nets are mostly limited to food service or industrial jobs. Modern hair care allows more flexibility and style freedom.
9. Taking Cold Showers for Health
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Cold showers were promoted as a way to improve circulation and boost immunity. It was a common health recommendation. Today, cold showers are optional and mainly considered a personal preference. Evidence-based health practices focus on safer methods for wellness.
10. Wearing Go-Go Boots
ArtistsCry13 on Wikimedia Commons
Go-go boots were a fashion staple, often worn with miniskirts. They symbolized the modern, youthful style of the era. Today, they are considered retro or costume-like. Fashion has evolved, but the boots remain an iconic ’60s symbol.