#BerniesMittens
The #BerniesMittens hashtag captured the internet’s collective heart on January 20, 2021 when Senator Bernie Sanders attended Joe Biden’s inauguration wearing a Burton jacket and handmade wool mittens, sitting cross-armed with a manila folder in a pose that became 2021’s most wholesome meme.
The Photo
Photographer Brendan Smialowski captured Sanders:
- Sitting alone in socially-distanced seating
- Cross-armed with hands tucked into recycled wool mittens
- Burton winter jacket over his suit
- Mask on, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else
- Manila folder adding to the “waiting for the bus” energy
Why It Went Viral
#BerniesMittens resonated because:
- Relatable grumpiness in formal setting
- Practical Vermont energy at fancy DC event
- Universal mood of being done with everything
- Perfect template for Photoshop placement anywhere
- Wholesome contrast to inauguration’s serious tone
The Mittens’ Origin
The mittens were made by:
- Jen Ellis, Vermont elementary school teacher
- Recycled wool sweaters and fleece lining
- Gift to Bernie after he lost 2016 primary
- Sanders wore them constantly on campaign trail
- Ellis’s small Etsy business overwhelmed with demand
Meme Explosion
The internet placed Bernie everywhere:
- On the Iron Throne in Game of Thrones
- At the Friends coffee shop couch
- On the moon with astronauts
- In famous Renaissance paintings
- At every major cultural moment
- With dinosaurs, in space, at your wedding
Wholesome Internet Moment
#BerniesMittens became:
- Rare bipartisan moment everyone could enjoy
- No controversy - just mittens and grumpiness
- Celebration of handmade gifts and Vermont practicality
- Recognition of Jen Ellis and small business makers
- Permission to be yourself at fancy events
Merchandising and Charity
Bernie capitalized for good:
- Official sweatshirts with the image
- All proceeds to Meals on Wheels Vermont
- $1.8 million raised for charity
- Jen Ellis couldn’t sell mittens (finger injury) but got business
- Became symbol of using viral fame responsibly
Cultural Significance
The meme represented:
- Covid-era social distancing forever captured
- Bernie’s authenticity - he was exactly himself
- Northeast winter practicality at stuffy political event
- Pandemic fatigue - we were all just done
- Need for lightness after tumultuous 2020
Legacy
#BerniesMittens will be remembered as:
- The inauguration’s lasting image
- 2021’s first wholesome viral moment
- Example of perfect meme template
- Celebration of regional character and handmade goods
- Proof that sometimes the internet just needs something nice
The mittens now reside in the Smithsonian, ensuring Bernie’s grumpy practical energy is preserved for future generations.