Veil 68897 225166362 2008-07-12T06:36:03Z 75.26.191.226 /* Veils with religious significance */ {{this|the article of clothing, or a religious item}} A '''veil''' is an article of clothing, worn almost exclusively by women, that is intended to cover some part of the [[head (anatomy)|head]] or [[face]]. As a religious item, it is intended to show honor to an object or space.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} ==History== The first recorded instance of veiling for women is recorded in an [[Assyria]]n legal text from the 13th century BCE, which restricted its use to noble women and forbade prostitutes and common women from adopting it. Greek texts have also spoken of veiling and [[purdah|seclusion of women]] being practiced among the [[Persian Empire|Persian]] elite. Statues from [[Persepolis]] depict women both veiled and unveiled, and it seems to be regarded as an attribute of higher status. For many centuries, until around 1175, [[Anglo-Saxons|Anglo-Saxon]] and then [[Anglo-Norman]] women, with the exception of young unmarried girls, wore veils that entirely covered their hair, and often their necks up to their chins (see [[wimple]]). Only in the [[Tudor period]] (1485), when [[hood (headgear)|hood]]s became increasingly popular, did veils of this type become less common. For centuries, women have worn sheer veils, but only under certain circumstances. Sometimes a veil of this type was draped over and pinned to the [[bonnet (headgear)|bonnet]] or hat of a woman in [[mourning]], especially at the [[funeral]] and during the subsequent period of "high mourning". They would also have been used, as an alternative to a [[mask]], as a simple method of hiding the identity of a woman who was traveling to meet a lover, or doing anything she didn't want other people to find out about. More pragmatically, veils were also sometimes worn to protect the complexion from sun and wind damage (when un-tanned skin was fashionable), or to keep dust out of a woman's face, much as the [[keffiyeh]] is used today. == Veils with religious significance == In [[Judaism]], [[Christianity]] and [[Islam]] the concept of covering the head is or was associated with propriety. All traditional depictions of the [[Virgin Mary]], the mother of [[Christ]], show her veiled. Veiling was a common practice with church-going women until the 1960s, and a number of very traditional churches retain the custom. The wearing of various forms of the Muslim veil has provoked controversy in the West. === Biblical references=== [[Image:Tabernakel 536x282.jpg|thumb|300px|The Tabernacle (reconstruction) showing the veils which covered the sanctuary and the courtyard.]] * Hebrew ''mitpahath'' ([[Book of Ruth|Ruth]] 3:15; marg., "sheet" or "apron;" R.V., "mantle"). In [[Book of Isaiah|Isaiah]] 3:22 this word is plural, rendered "wimples;" R.V., "shawls" i.e. wraps. * ''Massekah'' (Isaiah 25:7; in Isa. 28:20 rendered "covering"). The word denotes something spread out and covering or concealing something else (comp. 2 Cor. 3:13-15). * ''Masveh'' ([[Exodus]] 34:33, 35), the veil on the face of [[Moses]]. This verse should be read, "And when Moses had done speaking with them, he put a veil on his face," as in the [[Revised Version]]. When Moses spoke to them he was without the veil; only when he ceased speaking he put on the veil (comp. 2 Cor. 3:13, etc.). * ''Paroheth'' (Ex. 26:31-35), the veil of the [[tabernacle (Judaism)|tabernacle]] and the [[temple]], which hung between the holy place and the most holy (2 Chr. 3:14). In the temple a partition wall separated these two places. In it were two folding doors, which are supposed to have been always open, the entrance being concealed by the veil which the [[Kohen Gadol|high priest]] lifted when he entered into the sanctuary on the [[day of Atonement]]. This veil was rent when [[crucifixion|Christ died on the cross]] (Matt. 27:51; [[Gospel of Mark]] 15:38; [[Gospel of Luke|Luke]] 23:45). * ''Tza'iph'' ([[Genesis]] 24:65). [[Rebekah]] "took a veil and covered herself." (See also 38:14, 19.) [[Hebrews|Hebrew]] women generally appeared in public without veils (12:14; 24:16; 29:10; 1 Sam. 1:12). * ''Radhidh'' ([[Song of Solomon|Cant.]] 5:7, R.V. "mantle;" Isaiah 3:23). The word probably denotes some kind of cloak or wrapper. * ''Masak'', the veil which hung before the entrance to the holy place (Ex. 26:36, 37). Note: {{bibleverse||Genesis|20:16}}, which the [[King James Version]] renders as: "And unto [[Sarah]] [[Abimelech|he]] said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a [[covering of the eyes]], unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved" has been interpreted in one source as implied advice to Sarah to conform to a supposed custom of married women, and wear a complete veil, covering the eyes as well as the rest of the face,<ref name="Eastons Covering">''[http://www.ccel.org/ccel/easton/ebd2.html?term=Covering%20of%20the%20eyes#c-p445 Covering of the eyes]'' in [[Easton's Bible Dictionary|The Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition]], by [[Matthew George Easton]] M.A., D.D, 1897</ref> but the phrase is generally taken to refer not to Sarah's eyes, but to the eyes of others, and to be merely a metaphorical expression concerning vindication of Sarah ([[NASB]], [[Russian Synodal Bible|RSV]]), silencing criticism ([[God's Word (bible translation)|GWT]]), allaying suspicions ([[NJB]]), righting a wrong ([[BBE]], [[New Living Translation|NLT]]), covering or recompensing the problem caused her ([[NIV]], {{dn|NLV}}, [[NIRV]], [[TNIV]], {{dn|JB}}), a sign of her innocence ([[English Standard Version|ESV]], [[Contemporary English Version|CEV]], [[HCSB]]). The final phrase in the verse, which KJV takes to mean "she was reproved", is taken by almost all other versions to mean instead "she was vindicated", and the word "הוא", which KJV interprets as "he" (Abraham), is interpreted as "it" (the money). Thus, the general view is that this passage has nothing to do with material veils. {{Eastons}}. === In Judaism === After the [[destruction of the Temple]] in [[Jerusalem]], the [[synagogue]]s that were established took the design of the [[Tabernacle]] as their plan. The [[Ark (synagogue)|Ark of the Law]], which contains the [[scroll]]s of the [[Torah]], is covered with an embroidered curtain or veil called a ''[[parokhet]]''. (See also [[Veil#Wedding veils|below]] regarding the veiling — and unveiling — of the bride.) === In Christianity === ====Liturgical veils====<!-- [[Chalice veil]] redirects here --> {{see also|Altar cloth}} Among [[Christian churches]] which have a [[liturgy|liturgical]] tradition, several different types of veils are used. These veils are often symbolically tied to the veils in the [[Tabernacle (Judaism)|Tabernacle]] in the wilderness and in the [[Temple of Solomon]]. The purpose of these veils was not so much to obscure as to shield the most sacred things from the eyes of sinful men. '''Tabernacle veil.''' Used to cover the [[church tabernacle]], particularly in the [[Roman Catholic]] tradition but in some others as well, when the [[Eucharist]] is actually stored in it. The veil, which is in part meant to remind worshippers that the (usually metal) tabernacle cabinet is meant to echo the tabernacle tent of the [[Hebrew Scriptures]], signals that the tabernacle is actually in use. It may be of any liturgical color, but is most often either white (always appropriate for the Eucharist), [[cloth of gold]] or [[cloth of silver]] (which may substitute for any liturgical color aside from violet), or of the liturgical color of the day (red, green or violet). It may be of simple, unadorned linen or silk, or it may be fringed or otherwise decorated. It is often designed to match the [[vestment]]s of the [[Priest|celebrant]]s. '''Ciborium veil.''' The [[ciborium]] is a goblet-like metal vessel with a cover, used in the Roman Catholic Church and some others to hold the consecrated [[Host (Holy Communion)|hosts]] of the Eucharist when, for instance, it is stored in the tabernacle or when [[Eucharist|communion]] is to be distributed. It may be veiled with a white cloth, usually of silk. This was formerly required but is now optional. In part, it signals that the ciborium actually contains the [[Consecration|consecrated]] Eucharist at the moment. [[Image:Aer on a Chalice and Discos.jpg|thumb|300px|right|[[Aër]] covering a [[Chalice (cup)|chalice]] and [[diskos]] on the [[Prothesis (altar)|prothesis]].]] [[Image:Autel.matutinal.abbaye.Saint.Denis.png|thumb|250px|Sanctuary in the [[Saint Denis Basilica|Abbey Saint Denis]] showing veiling to either side of the altar <ref>''Dictionary of French Architecture from 11th to 16th century'' [1856] by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc</ref>]] [[Image:StMartin43-53.JPG|thumb|An altar cross veiled during [[Holy Week]].]] '''Chalice Veil.''' During Eucharistic celebrations, a veil is often used to cover the [[Chalice (cup)|chalice]] and [[paten]] to prevent dust and flying insects from coming in contact with the bread and wine. Often made of rich material, the chalice veils have not only a practical purpose, but are also intended to show honor to vessels used for the [[sacrament]]. [[Image:Welon, bursa i stuła.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Western burse and chalice veil laid over the holy vessels.]] :In the West, a single chalice veil is normally used. The veil will usually be of the same material and color as the priest's vestments, though it may always be white. It covers the chalice and paten when not actually in use on the altar. :In the East, three veils are used: one for the chalice, one for the [[diskos]] (paten), and a third one (the [[Aër]]) is used to cover both. The veils for the chalice and diskos are usually square with four [[lappet]]s hanging down the sides, so that when the veil is laid out flat it will be shaped like a cross. The Aër is rectangular and usually larger than the chalice veil used in the West. The Aër also figures prominently in other liturgical respects. '''Humeral Veil.''' The [[Humeral Veil|humeral veil]] is used in the Roman Catholic Church during the liturgy of Exposition and [[Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament]], and on some other occasions when special respect is to be demonstrated to the Eucharist. From the [[Latin]] for "shoulders," it is an oblong piece of cloth worn as a short of [[shawl]], used to symbolize a more profound awareness of the respect due to the Eucharist by shielding the celebrant's hands from actually contacting the vessel holding the Eucharist, either a [[monstrance]] or [[ciborium]], or in some cases to shield the vessel itself from the eyes of participants. It is worn only by [[bishop]]s, [[priest]]s or [[deacon]]s. '''Vimpa'''. A [[vimpa]] is a veil or shawl worn over the shoulders of servers who carry the [[miter]] and [[crosier]] in Roman Catholic liturgical functions when they are not being used by the bishop. '''Chancel Veil.''' In the early liturgies, there was often a veil that separated the sanctuary from the rest of the church (again, based upon the biblical description of the Tabernacle). In the Byzantine liturgy this veil developed into the [[iconostasis]], but a veil or curtain is still used behind the [[Royal Doors]] (the main doors leading into the sanctuary), and is opened and closed at specific times during the liturgy. In the West, it developed into the Rood Veil, and later the [[Rood Screen]], and finally the [[chancel]] rail, the low sanctuary railing in those churches that still have this. In some of the [[Eastern Churches]] (for instance, the [[East Syrian Rite|Syrian liturgy]]) the use of a veil across the entire sanctuary has been retained. '''Lenten Veiling.''' Some churches veil their crosses during [[Lent]] and [[Holy Week]] with a fine semi-transparent mesh. The color of the veil may be black, red, purple, or white, depending upon the particular day and the liturgical practices of the church. In traditional churches, there will sometimes be curtains placed to either side of the altar. The '''[[Veil of our Lady]]''' is a liturgical feast celebrating the protection afforded by the [[intercession]]s of the Virgin Mary. ====As a secular headcovering==== {{main|Christian Headcovering}} Traditionally, in Christianity, women were enjoined to cover their heads in church, just as it was (and still is) customary for men to remove their hat as a sign of respect. This practice is based on {{bibleverse|1|Corinthians|11:4-16}}, where [[Paul of Tarsus|St. Paul]] writes: <blockquote>''Any man who prays or prophesies with his head covered brings shame upon his head. But any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled brings shame upon her head, for it is one and the same thing as if she had had her head shaved. For if a woman does not have her head veiled, she may as well have her hair cut off. But if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should wear a veil. A man, on the other hand, should not cover his head, because he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; nor was man created for woman, but woman for man; for this reason a woman should have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels. Woman is not independent of man or man of woman in the Lord. For just as woman came from man, so man is born of woman; but all things are from God. Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head unveiled? Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears his hair long it is a disgrace to him, whereas if a woman has long hair it is her glory, because long hair has been given (her) for a covering? But if anyone is inclined to be argumentative, we do not have such a custom, nor do the churches of God'' ([[New American Bible]] translation)</blockquote> In many traditional [[Eastern Orthodox Churches]], and in some very conservative [[Protestant]] churches as well, the custom continues of women covering their heads in church (or even when praying privately at home). In the [[Roman Catholic Church]], it was customary in most places before the 1960s for women to wear a headcovering in the form of a scarf, cap, veil or hat when entering a church. The practice now continues where it is seen as a matter of etiquette, courtesy, tradition or fashionable elegance rather than strictly of religion. [[Traditionalist Catholics]] also maintain the practice. The wearing of a headcovering was for the first time mandated as a universal rule for the [[Latin Rite]] by the [[Code of Canon Law of 1917]],<ref>[http://www.jgray.org/codes/cic17lat.html 1917 Codex Iuris Canonici], Canon 1262, Section 2.</ref> which has been declared abrogated by the present (1983) Code of Canon Law.<ref>[http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P2.HTM canon 6 §1 of the Code of Canon Law]. [http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P3.HTM Canon 20] also states: "A later law abrogates, or derogates from, an earlier law if it states so expressly, is directly contrary to it, or ''completely reorders the entire matter of the earlier law''."</ref> The photograph here of Mass in the [[Netherlands]] in about 1946, two decades before the changes that followed the [[Second Vatican Council]], shows that, even at that time, when a hat was still considered part of formal dress for both women and men, wearing a headcovering at Mass was not a universal practice for Catholic women. ====Western nuns==== [[Image:Sisters (Daughters of Mary) Roman Catholic Singing.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Nuns also use veil]] A veil forms part of the headdress of some [[religious order|orders]] of [[nun]]s or religious sisters ; this is why a woman who becomes a nun is said "to take the veil". In many orders, a white veil is used as the "veil of probation" during [[novitiate]], and a dark veil for the "veil of profession" once first vows are taken &mdash; the color scheme varies with the color scheme of the habit of the order. A veil of consecration, longer and fuller, is used by some orders for final profession of solemn [[perpetual vow]]s. Nuns are the female counterparts of [[monk]]s, and many [[monastic order]]s of women have retained the veil. Other orders, of religious sisters who are not [[cloister]]ed but who work as teachers, nurses or in other "active" apostolates outside of a nunnery or monastery, have abolished the use of the veil, or adopted a modified, short version &mdash; a few never had a veil to start with, but used a bonnet-style headdress even a century ago. The fullest versions of the nun's veil cover the top of the head and flow down around and over the shoulders. In Western Christianity, it does not wrap around the neck or face. In those orders that retain one, the starched white covering about the face neck and shoulders is known as a [[wimple]] and is a separate garment. The Catholic Church has revived the practice of allowing women to profess vows as [[consecrated virgin]]s &mdash; women who take the vows of religion without belonging to a particular order but who are under the direct care of the local bishop. These women may be given a veil as a sign of consecration. There has also been renewed interest in the last half century in the ancient practice of women and men dedicating themselves as [[anchorite]]s or [[hermit]]s, and there is a formal process whereby such persons can seek recognition of their vows by the local bishop &mdash; a veil for these women would also be traditional. Some [[Anglican]] women's religious orders also wear a veil, differing according to the traditions of each order. ====Eastern monasticism==== In [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodoxy]] and in the [[Eastern Christianity|Eastern Rites]] of the Catholic Church, a veil called an ''[[epanokamelavkion]]'' is used by both nuns and monks, in both cases covering completely the ''[[kamilavkion]]'', a cylindrical hat they both wear. In [[Church Slavonic language|Slavic]] practice, when the veil is worn over the hat, the entire [[headdress]] is referred to as a ''[[klobuk]]''. Nuns wear an additional veil under the ''klobuk'', called an ''[[apostolnik]]'', which is drawn together to cover the neck and shoulders as well as their heads, leaving the face itself open. ====In Mormonism==== Mormon Temple Veil is a cloth structure suspended from the ceiling. This veil separates the temple congregation from the [[Celestial Room]] (most holy room of the temple). Sewn into the veil are markings and openings in the shape of a square (L shape) and a compass (V shape). Each member of the congregation uses these markings and slotted openings in the veil as part of an elaborate series of rituals symbolizing communication with God through Christ (symbolized by the veil itself) and a return to his presence. <ref>[http://www.mormoncurtain.com/topic_templeceremonies.html#pub_-2074117403]</ref> At the conclusion of these rituals the worshipper then passes through the veil curtain into the Celestial Room. The markings and openings are covered by an outer blue satin covering drape which is raised immediately prior to worshippers passing through the actual veil. [[Mormonism|Mormon]] women also wear a veil as part of ritual [[Temple robes|temple clothing]]. This veil, along with the entire temple [[ritual clothing]], is worn only inside the temple. Normally, the veil is worn off the face; it is lowered to cover the face of the wearer during prayer, as part of the temple ritual. Mormons who have undertaken the temple ritual will typically be buried in this clothing. During the viewing of the body, the face remains unveiled. Immediately prior to the closing and sealing of the casket, the veil is lowered over the face of the deceased. === In Islam === {{main|Islam and clothing|Hijab}} A variety of headdresses worn by [[Women and Islam|Muslim women]] in accordance with ''[[hijab]]'' (the principle of dressing modestly) are sometimes referred to as veils. Many of these garments cover the hair, ears and throat, but do not cover the face. The ''[[khimar]]'' is a type of [[headscarf]]. The ''[[niqab]]'' and ''[[burqa]]'' are two kinds of veils that cover most of the face except for a slit or hole for the eyes. The [[Afghanistan|Afghan]] burqa covers the entire body, obscuring the face completely, except for a grille or netting over the eyes to allow the wearer to see. The ''[[boushiya]]'' is a veil that may be worn over a headscarf; it covers the entire face and is made of a sheer fabric so the wearer is able to see through it. It has been suggested that [[Byzantine dress|the practice of wearing a veil]] - uncommon among the [[Arab]] tribes prior to the rise of [[Islam]] - originated in the [[Byzantine Empire]], and then spread. The wearing of head and especially face coverings by Muslim women has raised political issues in the West; see for example [[Hijab controversy in Quebec]], [[Islamic dress controversy in Europe]], [[Islamic veil controversy in France]], and [[United Kingdom debate over veils]]. == Other veils == [[Image:Image FrancesPerkinsAfterRooseveltsDeath.jpg|thumb|left|[[Frances Perkins]] wearing a veil after the death of President Roosevelt]] ===Veils with hats=== Veils pinned to hats have survived the changing fashions of the centuries and are still common today on formal occasions that require women to wear a hat. However, these veils are generally made of netting or another material not actually designed to hide the face from view, even if the veil can be pulled down. ===Wedding veils===<!-- This section is linked from [[Bride]] --> <!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:Bride-veil.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A bride in a typical western white wedding veil.]] -->An occasion on which a Western woman is likely to wear a veil is on her [[wedding]] day, if she follows the traditions of a [[white wedding]]. [[Bride]]s used to wear their hair flowing down their back at their wedding to symbolise their virginity, now the white diaphanous veil is often said to represent this. It is not altogether clear that the wedding veil is a non-religious use of this item, since weddings have almost always had religious underpinnings, especially in the West: in the Christian tradition this is expressed in the Gospel passage, "What therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder" (Mt. 19:6). Veils, however, had been used in the West for weddings long before this. Roman brides, for instance, wore an intensely flame-colored and fulsome veil, called the ''flammeum'', apparently intended to protect the bride from [[evil spirit]]s on her wedding day. The lifting of the veil was often a part of ancient wedding ritual, symbolising the [[Participants in wedding ceremonies|groom]] taking possession of the wife, either as lover or as property, or the revelation of the bride by her parents to the groom for his approval. In ancient [[Judaism]] the lifting of the veil took place just prior to the consummation of the marriage in sexual union. The uncovering or unveiling that takes place in the [[marriage ceremony]] is a symbol of what will take place in the marriage bed. Just as the two become one through their words spoken in wedding vows, so these words are a sign of the physical oneness that they will consummate later on. The lifting of the veil is a symbol and an anticipation of this. In the story in the [[Book of Genesis]], a man named [[Laban (Bible)|Laban]] tricks [[Jacob]] into marrying the wrong woman. Because of the heavy veil that was not raised until after the union was complete, Jacob married the older and homelier of Laban's daughters, [[Leah]], instead of the young and beautiful [[Rachel]], whom he loved. The deceit resulted in Jacob eventually having [[polygyny|both as his wives]]. The story also resulted in the Jewish practice where a groom lowers the veil before the ceremony and lifts the veil before the kiss. This practice is known as ''[[badeken]]''. In the [[Western world]], [[St. Paul's]] words concerning how marriage symbolizes the union of Christ and His Church may underlie part of the tradition of veiling in the marriage ceremony <ref>(cf. ''Letter to the Ephesians'', chapter 5)</ref>. ===Courtesans=== Conversely, veils are often part of the stereotypical image of the [[courtesan]] and [[harem (household)|harem]] woman. Here, rather than the virginity of the bride's veil, modesty of the Muslim scarf or the piety of the nun's headdress, the mysterious veil hints at sensuality and the unknown. An example of the veil's erotic potential is the [[dance of the seven veils]]. In this context, the term may refer to a piece of sheer cloth approximately 3 x 1.5 metres, sometimes trimmed with sequins or coins, which is used in various styles of [[belly dancing]]. A large repertoire of ways to wear and hold the veil exists, many of which are intended to frame the body from the perspective of the audience. ===In West Africa=== Among the [[Tuareg]] of [[West Africa]], women do not traditionally wear the veil, while men do. The men's facial covering originates from the belief that such action wards off evil spirits, but most probably relates to protection against the harsh desert sands as well; in any event, it is a firmly established tradition. Men begin wearing a veil at age 25 which conceals their entire face excluding their eyes. This veil is never removed, even in front of family members.<ref>[http://wwwusers.imaginet.fr/~yusuf/introduction.htm], [http://www.uiowa.edu/~africart/toc/people/Tuareg.html]</ref> ==Etymology== "Veil" came from [[Latin]] ''vēlum'', which also means "[[sail]]". There are two theories about the origin of the word ''vēlum'':- * Via the "covering" meaning, from ([[List of Indo-European roots|Indo-European]] [[root (linguistics)|root]] *''wel''- = "to cover, to enclose". * Via the "sail" meaning, from Indo-European *''weghslom'', from root *''wegh-'' = "way" or "carry in a vehicle", because it makes the ship move. ==References== <references /> ==See also== *[[Curtain]] ==External links== * [http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=267679 Why Does a Bride Wear a Veil? - The Veil in Judaism] * [http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=936&letter=C Curtain] article from the ''[[Jewish Encyclopedia]]'' * [http://www.islamiclifestyles.com/Hijab.htm Hijab] - The Muslim Veil * [http://www.myfavoritehijabstore.com/Niqab_Menu.php Pictures of Muslim Face Coverings For Women] {{Clothing}} [[Category:Veils|*]] [[Category:Religious behaviour and experience]] [[Category:Ceremonial clothing]] [[Category:Christian liturgy, rites, and worship services]] [[Category:Eucharistic objects]] [[Category:Catholic religious life]] [[Category:Eastern Orthodoxy]] [[Category:Eastern Christian vestments]] [[Category:Islamic dress (female)]] [[Category:Latter Day Saint religious clothing]] [[ar:نقاب]] [[de:Schleier]] [[es:Velo]] [[eo:Vualo]] [[fa:نقاب]] [[fr:Voile (vêtement)]] [[ko:베일]] [[it:Velo]] [[he:רעלה]] [[nl:Sluier (kleding)]] [[ja:ベール (服飾)]] [[ru:Чадра]] [[fi:Huntu]] [[sv:Slöja]] [[ta:முக்காடு]] [[tr:Baş örtüsü]]