Figure out the meaning of Luffy's Straw Hat

Surely, it's not a coincidence that our main character is nicknamed Luffy’s Straw Hat.' Let's explore the true significance behind this straw hat, which is considered the soul of One Piece!

What does Luffy's Straw Hat mean?

Let's recall the famous words of the former Pirate King, Gol D. Roger: 'Inherited will, the swelling of the changing times, and the dreams of people, these are things that cannot be stopped.' This seems to be the guiding principle throughout the story.

So, we can understand that the straw hat symbolizes the embodiment of people's dreams, like an invisible thread of time that carries the will of the characters.

Where does the origin of the straw hat come from?

The first owner of the straw hat was the Pirate King, Roger, who was the first and only one to discover the secret of the great treasure, One Piece, and conquered the Grand Line.

The second person is the Red-Haired Yonko, Shanks. Shanks received the straw hat from Roger at some point (as he was once a member of Gol D. Roger's pirate crew). There must have been a reason for Roger to pass the hat to Shanks, or perhaps he saw some potential in him.

Or the straw hat could be considered evidence of Roger's belief and encouragement to Shanks, helping him to stay determined and strive to realize his dream. Shanks' dream was to find his own pirate crew and sail around the world as a pirate.

The third person is our main character, Monkey D. Luffy . Shanks was the one who inspired Luffy's dream of becoming a pirate. Shanks accepted sacrificing his arm to save Luffy from a ferocious sea monster, which deeply touched Luffy. He then boldly declared that he would become a pirate, form a powerful crew to surpass Shanks, and find the world's greatest treasure to become the Pirate King, no matter what challenges he faced.

Luffy's declaration made Shanks very happy, and he returned the straw hat, making a promise that Luffy would give it back when he became a great pirate. So, we can understand that the straw hat serves as evidence of Luffy's promise to Shanks.

The straw hat seems to possess an invisible power as it has been in existence for a long time, even during Roger's time. Despite being damaged with three holes by Buggy, it was sewn back together by Nami and has been through countless battles with Luffy.

In conclusion, the straw hat One Piece is the 'soul' of One Piece. It represents the inheritance, preservation, and manifestation of people's dreams and will amidst the endless flow of time.