CHINA Baby’s Tiger Hat

More than a century ago, child mortality was a problem in many countries due to infectious diseases, poor sanitation and limited access to medical care. In China, mothers made hats with animal faces whose fierce expressions and sharp teeth were intended to protect their children by frightening away evil spirits. Many of the decorations on the hats expressed the hope for good fortune and prosperity. The Chinese character on the front of this hat, wang 王, means “king.”