While some believe flower children vanished with the advent of the Internet, for many, the Age of Aquarius lives on. Commonly known as hippies, these patchouli-scented throwbacks spread the love wherever they roam. Creatures of the counterculture, they're most commonly discovered west of the Mississippi -- in the streets of Haight-Ashbury, the sands of Venice and the boardwalk of Santa Cruz. But occasionally, plastic peace signs and Grateful Dead tunes can yet be found in the swamps of South Florida.
So, Cultist took to the site of the Greynolds Park Love-In this weekend, determined to spot and classify these rare birds for our curious readers.
For this specimen, the Sixties persists. His appearance and behavior is consistent with the groovy days of yore. Unclear as to the year of his origin, he may believe that it is perpetually 1969. He likely subsists on brownies (some, perhaps, with mystery ingredients) and appears similar to his original ancestor -- Jerry Garcia. When you spot him, a high-five is a requisite greeting.
Longing for the free love antics of '69, this particular classification of hippie seeks to relive the days when inhibitions were lost and anything went. Garbed in daisy dukes, tube tops or the ever-popular birthday suit, she longs for the Summer of Love. Generally of the female sex, this free-wheeler is likely to be spotted at Woodstock-style music festivals or nude beaches.
Lost in the LSD-inspired colors and sounds of the '60s, this variety of hippie can be easily identified by his multicolored getup and wacky grin. Armed with a hula hoop, head scarf or an armful of flowers, this colorful character is harmless and happy.
While not your standard patchouli-scented variety of hippie, this specimen is no less a champion of the Sixties than his counterparts. Often topless, frequently tattooed and sporting long, lush locks, he and his cronies travel together atop hogs. They can easily be identified by the sounds of "Free Bird."
Often born to parents whose heyday was JFK's, these mini-bohemians are in training to carry the beatnik banner into the 2010s. Fashion-forward (or backward), these little cuties are recognizable by copious fringe, long locks and head scarves.
The hippie family is the rarest of sightings. Multiple generations of peace, love and understanding, head to toe in tie-dye. This uncommon variety begins with a dedicated den mother, imparting New Age principles to her wee ones. You can spot these mini-communes by their unisex dreads and home-sewn duds.
The '60s are long dead, but they live on in the scraggly beards, plastic peace signs and tie-dyed garb of these rare specimens. Look hard enough, and you'll spot them on the sands and streets of South Florida.
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