Why do people wear hats when they meet someone, especially in the US and Israel?

 In the United States, wearing a hat as a sign of respect and manners when meeting someone is a tradition that has its roots in the past. In the late 19th and early 20th century, it was considered good manners for men to remove their hats as a sign of respect and deference when meeting someone or entering a building. This tradition was so ingrained in society that it became a social norm and was passed down from one generation to the next.

In Israel, wearing a kippah or yarmulke (skullcap) is a traditional head covering worn by Jewish men as a sign of respect and humility before God. It is also worn as a symbol of one's Jewish identity and adherence to Jewish customs and traditions. It is customary for Jewish men to wear a kippah at all times, and it is considered disrespectful to enter a synagogue or other sacred space without a kippah on one's head.

In both cases, it is considered a sign of respect, humility, and manners to remove or wear a hat, head covering, or headwear when meeting someone or entering a building.

Another reason why people wear hats when meeting someone in the US is that it has been a fashion statement for centuries, hats were an essential part of fashion for both men and women. Men traditionally wore hats as a sign of their social status and profession, while women's hats were often decorated with feathers, ribbons, and other embellishments to complement their outfits. Hats were also worn for practical reasons such as to keep the sun or rain off the face, to protect the hair, or to keep the head warm.

In addition, in many cultures, hats or head coverings have a symbolic meaning, they can signify religious beliefs, cultural traditions, or social status. In some cultures, it is considered disrespectful to not wear a head covering, while in others, it is considered disrespectful to wear one.

In conclusion, the reason why people wear hats when they meet someone is a combination of tradition, manners, culture, fashion, and practicality. The tradition of wearing hats as a sign of respect and manners has its roots in the past and has been passed down from one generation to the next, and for some, it is also a fashion statement, cultural tradition or religious belief.