Editing Veil (section)

== Veiling and religion ==
===Biblical references===
Biblical references include:

* Hebrew: {{Script/Hebrew|מטפחת}} ''mitpachat'' (Ruth 3:15;<ref>{{bibleverse|Ruth|3:15|ASV}}, American Standard Version (1901)</ref> marg., "sheet" or "apron;" R.V., "mantle"). In Isaiah 3:22,<ref>{{bibleverse|Isaiah|3:22|ASV}}, American Standard Version (1901)</ref> this word is plural, rendered "wimples;" R.V., "shawls", i. e., wraps.
* ''Massekah'' (Isaiah 25:7;<ref>{{bibleverse|Isaiah|25:7|ASV}}, American Standard Version (1901)</ref> in Isaiah 28:20<ref>{{bibleverse|Isaiah|28:20|ASV}}, American Standard Version (1901)</ref> rendered "covering"). The word denotes something spread out and covering or concealing something else (compare with 2 Corinthians 3:13–15<ref name="American Standard Version 1901">{{bibleverse|2 Corinthians|3:13|ASV}}, American Standard Version (1901)</ref>).
* ''Masveh'' (Exodus 34:33, 35<ref>{{bibleverse|Exodus|34:33|ASV}}, American Standard Version (1901)</ref>), 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 (compare with 2 Corinthians 3:13<ref name="American Standard Version 1901"/>).
* ''Parochet'' (Exodus 26:31–35<ref>{{bibleverse|Exodus|26:31|ASV}}, American Standard Version (1901)</ref>), the veil of the [[tabernacle]] and the [[temple]], which hung between the holy place and the most holy (2 Chronicles 3:14<ref>{{bibleverse|2 Chronicles|3:14|ASV}}, American Standard Version (1901)</ref>). 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 [[Yom Kippur|Day of Atonement]]. This veil was rent when [[crucifixion|Christ died on the cross]] (Matthew 27:51;<ref>{{bibleverse|Matthew|27:51|ASV}}, American Standard Version (1901)</ref> Mark 15:38;<ref>{{bibleverse|Mark|15:38|ASV}}, American Standard Version (1901)</ref> Luke 23:45<ref>{{bibleverse|Luke|23:45|ASV}}, American Standard Version (1901)</ref>).
* ''Tza'iph'' (Genesis 24:65<ref>{{bibleverse|Genesis|24:65|ASV}}, American Standard Version (1901)</ref>). [[Rebecca]] "took a veil and covered herself". (See also Genesis 38:14,19<ref>{{bibleverse|Genesis|38:14|ASV}}, American Standard Version (1901)</ref>) [[Hebrews|Hebrew]] women generally appeared in public with the face visible (Genesis 12:14;<ref>{{bibleverse|Genesis|12:14|ASV}}, American Standard Version (1901)</ref> 24:16; 29:10; 1 Samuel 1:12<ref>{{bibleverse|1 Samuel|1:12|ASV}}, American Standard Version (1901)</ref>).
* ''Radhidh'' (Song of Solomon 5:7,<ref>{{bibleverse|Song of Solomon|5:7|ASV}}, American Standard Version (1901)</ref> R.V. "mantle;" Isaiah 3:23<ref>{{bibleverse|Isaiah|3:23|ASV}}, American Standard Version (1901)</ref>). The word probably denotes some kind of cloak or wrapper.
* ''Masak'', the veil which hung before the entrance to the holy place (Exodus 26:36–37<ref>{{bibleverse|Exodus|26:36|ASV}}, American Standard Version (1901)</ref>).
Note: {{bibleverse|Genesis|20:16|KJV}}, which the [[Authorized King James Version|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>{{Cite EBD|wstitle=Covering of the eyes}}</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 ([[New American Standard Bible|NASB]], [[Russian Synodal Bible|RSV]]), silencing criticism ([[God's Word (Bible translation)|GWT]]), allaying suspicions ([[New Jerusalem Bible|NJB]]), righting a wrong ([[Bible in Basic English|BBE]], [[New Living Translation|NLT]]), covering or recompensing the problem caused her ([[New International Version|NIV]], New Life Version, [[NIRV]], [[Today's New International Version|TNIV]], [[Jerusalem Bible|JB]]), a sign of her innocence ([[English Standard Version|ESV]], [[Contemporary English Version|CEV]], [[Holman Christian Standard Bible|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.

[[File:Women praying in the Western Wall tunnels by David Shankbone.jpg|thumb|250px|Praying Jewish woman wearing [[Tichel]]]]

===Judaism===

After the [[Siege of Jerusalem (70)|destruction of the Temple]] in [[Jerusalem]], the [[synagogue]]s that were established took the design of the [[Tabernacle]] as their plan.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web|url=http://www.catholic365.com/article/6163/the-theology-of-the-veil.html|title=The Theology of the Veil|last=Hempe|first=Forest|date=27 February 2017|website=Catholic365.com|access-date=19 January 2019}}</ref> 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 ''[[parochet|parokhet]]''. (See also [[Wedding veil|below]] regarding the traditional Jewish custom of veiling&nbsp;– and unveiling&nbsp;– the bride.)

===Christianity===
==== Veiling of women ====
[[File:Hutterer-Crystal Schule1.jpg|thumb|200px|A Hutterite Anabaptist Christian teacher wearing an [[hanging veil|opaque hanging veil]], which is worn throughout the day]]
{{Main|Christian headcovering}}
{{Further|Hanging veil}}
[[File:Kerkdienst hhk doornspijk.jpg|thumb|200px|Headcovering in the [[Restored Reformed Church]] of [[Doornspijk]]]]
[[File:Te_Deum_Elizarovo_Guslitsa_8484.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Women of the [[Russian Orthodox Old-Rite Church]] wearing Christian headcoverings]]
Traditionally, in Christianity, women were enjoined to cover their heads, and men were instructed to remove their hat when praying or prophesying.<ref name="Hunt2014"/><ref name="OCIC"/><ref name="Schaff1889"/> Wearing a veil (also known as a headcovering) is seen as a sign of humility before God, as well as a reminder of the bridal relationship between Christ and the church.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=eph5 /><ref name=":13">{{Cite web|url=https://www.veilsbylily.com/the-theological-significance-of-the-veil/|title=The Theological Significance of the Veil|date=7 April 2014|website=Veils by Lily|access-date=19 January 2019}}</ref> This practice is based on {{Bibleverse|1 Corinthians|11:4–15|KJV}} in the [[Christian Bible]], where [[Paul the Apostle|St. Paul]] writes:<ref name="Osburn2007">{{cite book|last=Osburn|first=Carroll D.|title=Essays on Women in Earliest Christianity, Volume 1|date=1 July 2007|publisher=Wipf and Stock Publishers|language=en|isbn=9781556355400|page=208}}</ref>
{{blockquote|text={{sup|2}}I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I have delivered them to you. {{sup|3}}But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a woman is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. {{sup|4}}Any man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, {{sup|5}}but any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled dishonors her head—it is the same as if her head were shaven. {{sup|6}}For if a woman will not veil herself, then she should cut off her hair; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her wear a veil. {{sup|7}}For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. {{sup|8}}(For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. {{sup|9}}Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.) {{sup|10}}That is why a woman ought to have a veil on her head, because of the angels. {{sup|11}}(Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; {{sup|12}}for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God.) {{sup|13}}Judge for yourselves; is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? {{sup|14}}Does not nature itself teach you that for a man to wear long hair is degrading to him, {{sup|15}}but if a woman has long hair, it is her pride? For her hair is given to her for a covering. {{sup|16}}If any one is disposed to be contentious, we recognize no other practice, nor do the churches of God.|source=1 Corinthians 11:2-16, Revised Standard Version}}
The [[early Church Fathers]], including [[Tertullian of Carthage]], [[Clement of Alexandria]], [[Hippolytus of Rome]], [[John Chrysostom]] and [[Augustine of Hippo]] attested in their writings that men should pray uncovered, and that women should wear a [[Christian headcovering|headcovering]].<ref name="OCIC"/><ref name="SJEOC2019">{{cite web |title=The Ultimate Guide to Christian Headcoverings |url=https://www.saintjohnchurch.org/head-coverings-ultimate-guide/ |publisher=Saint John the Evangelist Orthodox Church |access-date=19 August 2021 |language=English |date=17 May 2019}}</ref> [[John Chrysostom]] ({{circa|347}}{{snd}}407) delineated Saint Paul's teaching on the wearing of headcoverings by Christian women, continually:<ref name="OCIC">{{cite web |title=On Account of the Angels: Why I Cover My Head |url=http://orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/headcoverings.aspx |publisher=Orthodox Christian Information Center |access-date=8 April 2022 |quote=St. John Chrysostom thought that Paul, in admonishing women to wear a covering "because of the angels," meant it "not at the time of prayer only, but also continually, she ought to be covered." Fr. Rhodes agrees: "The veil can be the constant symbol of the true woman of God … a way of life … a testimony of faith and of the salvation of God, not only before men, but angels as well."}}</ref><ref name="Schaff1889"/> 
{{blockquote|Well then: the man he compelleth not to be always uncovered, but only when he prays. "For every man," saith he, "praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head." But the woman he commands to be at all times covered. Wherefore also having said, "Every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head unveiled, dishonoureth her head," he stayed not at this point only, but also proceeded to say, "for it is one and the same thing as if she were shaven." But if to be shaven is always dishonourable, it is plain too that being uncovered is always a reproach. And not even with this only was he content, but he added again, saying, "The woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels." He signifies that not at the time of prayer only but also continually, she ought to be covered. But with regard to the man, it is no longer about covering but about wearing long hair, that he so forms his discourse. To be covered he then only forbids, when a man is praying; but the wearing of long hair he discourages at all times.<ref name="Schaff1889">{{cite book |last1=Schaff |first1=Philip |title=A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church: St. Chrysostom: Homilies on the Epistles of Paul to the Corinthians |date=1889 |publisher=The Christian Literature Company |page=152 |language=English}}</ref><ref name="OCIC"/>}}
{{blockquote|For he said not merely covered, but ''covered over'', meaning that she be with all care sheltered from view on every side. And by reducing it to an absurdity, he appeals to their shame, saying by way of severe reprimand, ''but if she be not covered, let her also be shorn.'' As if he had said, "If thou cast away the covering appointed by the law of God, cast away likewise that appointed by nature."<ref name="Pusey1842">{{cite book |last1=Pusey |first1=Edward Bouverie |title=A Library of Fathers of the Holy Catholic Church, Anterior to the Division of the East and West |date=1842 |publisher=J.H. Parker |pages=349, 357|language=English}}</ref>}}
Additionally, the Church Fathers taught that because the hair of a woman has sexual potency, it should only be for her husband to see and covered the rest of the time.<ref name="Milliken2020">{{cite book |last1=Milliken |first1=Roberta |title=A Cultural History of Hair in the Middle Ages |date=10 December 2020 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=978-1-350-10303-0 |page=54 |language=English}}</ref> 
In [[Western Europe]] and [[North America]], from the arrival of Christianity to those lands to the mid-20th century, women in most mainstream [[Christian denominations]] wore head coverings (often in the form of a scarf, cap, veil or hat).<ref name="Kraybill2010">{{cite book|last=Kraybill|first=Donald B.|title=Concise Encyclopedia of Amish, Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-fYQjwmOafoC&pg=PA103|access-date=13 November 2012|date=5 October 2010|publisher=JHU Press|isbn=9780801896576|page=103|quote=During the 20th century, the wearing of head coverings declined in more assimilated groups, which gradually interpreted the Pauline teaching as referring to cultural practice in the early church without relevance for women in the modern world. Some churches in the mid-20th century had long and contentious discussions about wearing head coverings because proponents saw its decline as a serious erosion of obedience to scriptural teaching.}}</ref><ref name="Anderson2019">{{cite book |last1=Anderson |first1=Cory|last2=Anderson |first2=Jennifer|title=Fitted to Holiness: How Modesty is Achieved and Compromised among the Plain People |date=2019 |publisher=Acorn Publishing |location=[[Millersburg, Ohio|Millersburg]]|page=129|quote=Throughout the nineteenth century, hats were a cultural necessity; women were never seen in public without one. Up until World War I, a woman slipped on a white cap immediately upon arising, unless she was in mourning, and some type of hat or bonnet was worn every time she left the house.}}</ref><ref name="Gordon2015" /> These included many [[Anglican]],<ref name="Muir2005">{{cite book|last=Muir|first=Edward|title=Ritual in Early Modern Europe|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zlULqJ70bDUC&pg=PA31|access-date=13 November 2012|date=18 August 2005|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=9780521841535|page=31|quote=In England radical Protestants, known in the seventeenth century as Puritans, we especially ardent in resisting the churching of women and the requirement that women wear a head covering or veil during the ceremony. The Book of Common Prayer, which became the ritual handbook of the Anglican Church, retained the ceremony in a modified form, but as one Puritan tract put it, the "churching of women after childbirth smelleth of Jewish purification."}}</ref> [[Baptist]],<ref name="USA2012">{{cite book|title=Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches 2012|url=https://archive.org/details/yearbookofameric0000unse_l2p3|url-access=registration|access-date=13 November 2012|date=1 April 2012|publisher=Abingdon Press|isbn=9781426746666|page=[https://archive.org/details/yearbookofameric0000unse_l2p3/page/131 131]|quote=The holy kiss is practiced and women wear head coverings during prayer and worship.}}</ref> [[Catholic]],<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|url=https://www.catholic.com/qa/how-women-came-to-be-bare-headed-in-church|title=How Women Came to Be Bare-Headed in Church|last=Nash|first=Tom|date=24 April 2017|website=Catholic Answers|access-date=19 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="Henold2008">{{cite book|last=Henold|first=Mary J.|title=Catholic and Feminist: The Surprising History of the American Catholic Feminist Movement|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NhbOYP24qCYC&pg=PT126|access-date=13 November 2012|year=2008|publisher=UNC Press Books|isbn=9780807859476|page=126|quote=At that time, official practice still dictated that Catholic women cover their heads in church.}}</ref> [[Lutheran]],<ref name="SC">{{cite book |title=The Lutheran Liturgy: Authorized by the Synods Constituting The Evangelical Lutheran Synodical Conference of North America |publisher=Concordia Publishing House |location=St. Louis |page=427 |language=en |year=1941}}</ref> [[Methodist]],<ref name="Morgan2010">{{cite book|last=Morgan|first=Sue|title=Women, Gender and Religious Cultures in Britain, 1800–1940|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JybdfeRKuFcC&pg=PA102|access-date=13 November 2012|date=23 June 2010|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=9780415231152|page=102|quote=Several ardent Methodist women wrote to him, asking for his permission to speak. Mar Bosanquet (1739–1815) suggested that if Paul had instructed women to cover their heads when they spoke (1. Cor. 11:5) then he was surely giving direction on how women should conduct themselves when they preached.}}</ref> [[Moravian Church|Moravian]],<ref name="Levering1903">{{cite book |last1=Levering |first1=Joseph Mortimer |title=A History of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 1741-1892 |date=1903 |publisher=Times Publishing Company |page=617 |language=English}}</ref> and [[Calvinism|Reformed]] (including [[Continental Reformed]], [[Congregationalist]] and [[Presbyterian]] traditions) Churches.<ref name="Barth2019">{{cite web |last1=Barth |first1=Paul J. |title=Head Coverings in Worship? |url=https://purelypresbyterian.com/2019/07/15/head-coverings-in-worship/ |publisher=Purely Presbyterian |access-date=10 April 2022 |language=English |date=15 July 2019 |quote=[[R.C. Sproul]] writes, “The wearing of fabric head coverings in worship was universally the practice of Christian women until the twentieth century.” Incidentally, I remember talking with my mother some years back, and she told me that when she went to church as a little girl, she and her sister wore hats to church. And she was not Presbyterian – that was the case across all American Christianity. “What happened?” Sproul asks, “Did we suddenly find some biblical truth to which the saints for thousands of years were blind? Or were our biblical views of women gradually eroded by the modern feminist movement that has infiltrated the Church of Jesus Christ which is ‘the pillar and ground of the truth' (1 Tim. 3:15)?”}}</ref> In these denominations, the practice now continues in certain congregations and by individuals who have sought to follow the precedent set in Scripture and church history.<ref name="Tomlinson2014">{{cite web |last1=Tomlinson |first1=Heather |title=My Headcovering Experiment |url=https://www.premierchristianradio.com/Topics2/Life/Lifestyle/My-Headcovering-Experiment |publisher=[[Premier Christian Radio]] |access-date=10 April 2022 |language=English |date=7 October 2014 |quote=Recently, there has been a head covering revival in certain wings of the US Church: especially the ultra-reformed and those calling themselves ‘Torah-observant'. Lobbying in favour of the practice is The Head Covering Movement, set up last year by a man called Jeremy Gardiner, who cites the theologically conservative Gospel Coalition in his profession of faith. The movement's website features personal stories of women who are usually the only head coverers in their churches, as well as arguments from scripture to support the practice. It cites Martin Luther, William Tyndale and Thomas Aquinas, among others.}}</ref>

Christian veiling throughout the day is still practiced by those who wear [[plain dress]], such as traditional [[Anabaptists]] including [[Mennonites]] ([[Old Order Mennonites]] and [[Conservative Mennonites]]), [[Hutterites]],<ref>{{cite book|last = Hostetler| first = John| title = Hutterite Society| publisher = The Johns Hopkins University Press| year = 1997| isbn =978-0-8018-5639-6| page =105}}</ref> [[Schwarzenau Brethren]] ([[Old Order Brethren|Old Order Schwarzenau Brethren]] and [[Dunkard Brethren Church]]),<ref>{{cite book|last = Thompson| first = Charles | title = The Old German Baptist Brethren: Faith, Farming, and Change in the Virginia Blue Ridge | publisher = University of Illinois Press| year = 2006| isbn =978-0-252-07343-4 |page = 33}}</ref> [[River Brethren]] ([[Old Order River Brethren]] and [[Calvary Holiness Church (Philadelphia)|Calvary Holiness Church]]), [[Apostolic Christian Church|Apostolic Christians]], [[Amish]] (Old Order Amish, [[New Order Amish]], [[Para-Amish]] and [[Beachy Amish]]),<ref name="Schrock2022">{{cite web |last1=Schrock |first1=Anna |title=Why Do Amish Women Wear Head Coverings? |url=https://amish-heritage.org/why-do-amish-women-wear-head-coverings/ |publisher=Amish Heritage |access-date=10 May 2022 |language=English |date=19 February 2022}}</ref> and [[Charity Ministries|Charity Christians]], as well as [[Conservative Friends|Conservative Quakers]].<ref name="OYM2022">{{cite web |title=Q: So what about the funny clothes? Do you dress like the Amish? |url=https://www.conservativefriend.org/faq.htm |publisher=Stillwater Monthly Meeting of Ohio Yearly Meeting of Friends |access-date=10 April 2022 |language=English |quote=Women usually wear long-sleeved, long dresses, and a head-covering such as a scarf, bonnet, or cap.}}</ref>

Many [[Conservative holiness movement|Holiness Christians]] who practice the doctrine of [[outward holiness]], also practice headcovering (such as the [[Calvary Holiness Church (Philadelphia)|Calvary Holiness Church]]).<ref name="DeMello2012">{{cite book|last=DeMello|first=Margo|title=Faces around the World|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=39B8fpdg_NwC&pg=PA303|access-date=13 November 2012|date=14 February 2012|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=9781598846188|page=303}}</ref> The [[Plymouth Brethren]] and conservative [[Continental Reformed|Reformed]] and [[Presbyterian]] churches, along with [[Traditionalist Catholic]]s, practice headcovering when praying at home and while attending public liturgies.<ref name="Mooney2020">{{cite web |last1=Mooney |first1=Myron |url=http://fpcurrent.com/head-covering |title=Book Review – Head Covering: A Forgotten Christian Practice for Modern Times|work=Current|publisher=Free Presbyterian Church of North America |language=English |date=18 May 2020}}</ref><ref name="Murray1992"/><ref name="PBCC2022">{{cite web |title=Why do Brethren ladies wear head scarves? |url=https://www.plymouthbrethrenchristianchurch.org/who-we-are/faqs/#why-do-brethren-ladies-wear-head-scarves? |publisher=[[Plymouth Brethren Christian Church]] |access-date=9 April 2022 |language=English |quote=Scripture enjoins that every woman praying with uncovered head causes herself shame and for this reason Brethren women wear head scarves whilst attending church services. It is common for Brethren ladies to wear a ribbon or headband when out amongst the general public.}}</ref><ref name="Fisher2019">{{cite web |last1=Fisher |first1=Simcha |title=The types of women who veil at Mass |url=https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2019/12/03/types-women-who-veil-mass |publisher=[[America Magazine]] |access-date=15 November 2020 |language=en |date=3 December 2019}}</ref><ref name="Sciba2018">{{cite web |last1=Sciba |first1=Katie |title=Beneath the Veil: How Unusual Practice Becomes Beloved Prayer |url=https://blessedisshe.net/blog/beneath-veil/ |publisher=Blessed Is She |access-date=18 April 2021 |language=English |date=14 May 2018}}</ref> In many [[Oriental Orthodox Church]]es and certain [[Eastern Orthodox]] congregations, the custom of women's covering their heads continues in church (and when praying privately at home).<ref name="Babudro1997">{{cite web |last1=Babudro |first1=Angelo |title=On Account of the Angels: Why I Cover My Head |url=http://orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/headcoverings.aspx |publisher=Orthodox Christian Information Center |access-date=9 May 2021 |language=English |date=1997}}</ref>

==== Veiling of nuns and consecrated virgins ====
A veil forms part of the headdress of some [[religious order|order]]s of [[nun]]s or [[religious sister]]s in Catholicism, Lutheranism and Anglicanism; this is why a woman who becomes a nun is said "to take the veil". In medieval times married women normally covered their hair outside the house, and a nun's veil is based on secular medieval styles, often reflecting the fashion of widows in their attire.  {{anchor|Probation}}<!--[[veil of probation]] redirects here-->{{anchor|Profession}}<!--[[veil of profession]] redirects here-->{{anchor|Consecration}}<!--[[veil of consecration]] redirects here-->In many institutes, a white veil is used as the "veil of probation" during [[novitiate]].

A black veil is the traditional sign of a professed nun. Some monasteries or communities bestow the black veil at the first profession of vows, but usually it is bestowed with the profession of [[solemn vow]]s.<ref>Marcelle Bernstein, ''The nuns'', Collins, London, 1976, p. 94</ref>  When the vows have been professed the white veil of a novice will be swapped for the black veil of the professed, and she is usually crowned with a wreath of flowers.

A veil of consecration, longer and fuller, is used by some orders whose nuns receive the [[consecration of virgins]] who are already in [[solemn vow]]s or who are being consecrated as a virgin in the same ceremony. References to "consecrated nuns" in medieval literature refers to solemnly professed nuns who received the consecration of virgins from their bishops, usually some years after their final profession of vows. The reintroduced rite of the consecration of virgins for women living in the world  provides, as the [[Roman Ritual]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15321c.htm | title=Religious Veil | website=www.newadvent.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccscrlife/documents/rc_con_ccscrlife_doc_20180608_istruzione-ecclesiaesponsaeimago_en.html | title=Instruction Ecclesiae Sponsae Imago on the "Ordo virginum" (8 June 2018) }}</ref>

Since the reintroduction of the rite of consecration of virgins for women living in the world in 1970, the newly consecrated virgin receives a veil as a sign of her consecration, as in ancient times.
The nuptial symbolism of the rite was displayed particularly in the bestowal of the veil on the virgin by the bishop, as can be found in the writings of [[Ambrose of Milan]] and in the oldest liturgical sources.<ref>''Instruction Ecclesiae Sponsae Imago on the Ordo virginum'', 2018</ref>

After the promulgation of Pope Paul VI's decree ''[[Perfectae caritatis]]'' on the adaption and renewal of religious life<ref>No. 17, "The religious habit, an outward mark of consecration to God, should be simple and modest, poor and at the same becoming. In addition it must meet the requirements of health and be suited to the circumstances of time and place and to the needs of the ministry involved. The habits of both men and women religious which do not conform to these norms must be changed."</ref> most [[monasticism|monastic orders]] for [[nun]]s retained the veil. Regarding other institutes of [[religious sister]]s who work as teachers, nurses or in other active apostolates, some wear the veil, while some others have abolished the use of the veil.

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 ancient practice of women to be consecrated by their bishop as a [[consecrated virgin]] living in the world. These virgins are set aside as sacred persons who belong only to Christ and the service of the church. The veil is a bridal one, because the ''velatio virginum'' primarily signified the newly consecrated virgin as the [[Bride of Christ]]. In ancient times his veil was called the ''flammeum'' because it was supposed to remind the virgin of the indissoluble nuptial bond she was contracting with Christ. The wearing of the ''flammeum'' for the sacred virgin Bride of Christ arose from the bridal attire of the strictest pagan marriage which did not permit of divorce at the time. The flammeum was a visible reminder that divorce was not possible with Christ, their Divine spouse. 

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 ''[[kamilavka|kamilavkion]]'', a cylindrical hat they both wear. In [[Church Slavonic language|Slavic]] practice, when the veil is worn over the hat, the entire [[headgear|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 the head, leaving the face itself open.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://catalog.obitel-minsk.com/blog/2018/02/a-look-at-monastic-ranks-in-orthodox|title=A Look at Monastic Ranks in the Orthodox Church &#124; Church Blog|date=14 February 2018 }}</ref>

Some female members of [[Lutheran]] and [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] religious communities also wear a veil, differing according to the traditions of each community.

==== Veiling of objects ====
<!-- [[Chalice veil]] redirects here -->
{{See also|Altar cloth}}
[[File:Aer on a Chalice and Discos.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Aër]] covering a [[Chalice (cup)|chalice]] and [[Paten|diskos]] on the [[Prothesis (altar)|prothesis]]]]
[[File:Autel.matutinal.abbaye.Saint.Denis.png|thumb|200px|Sanctuary in the [[Basilique 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>]]
[[File:StMartin43-53.JPG|thumb|200px|An altar cross veiled during [[Holy Week]]]]
[[File:Welon, bursa i stuła.jpg|thumb|200px|Western burse and chalice veil laid over the holy vessels. There is also a [[Maniple (vestment)|maniple]] sitting to the right of the chalice.]]

Among [[Christian Church|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]] in the wilderness and in [[Solomon's Temple]]. The purpose of these veils was not so much to obscure as to shield the most sacred things from the eyes of sinful men. In [[Solomon's Temple]] the veil was placed between the "Inner Sanctuary" and the "[[Holy of Holies]]". According to the New Testament, this veil was torn when [[Jesus Christ]] died on the cross.

; Tabernacle veil
: Used to cover the [[church tabernacle]], particularly in the [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] tradition but in some others as well, when the [[Eucharist]] is actually stored in it.<ref name=":14" /> The veil is used to remind worshipers that the (usually metal) tabernacle cabinet echoes the tabernacle tent of the [[Hebrew Bible|Hebrew Scriptures]], and it signals that the tabernacle is actually in use.<ref name=":14" /> It may be of any liturgical color, but is most often white (always appropriate for the Eucharist), [[cloth of gold]] or silver (which may substitute for any liturgical color aside from violet), or the liturgical color of the day (red, green or violet). It may be 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 (container)|ciborium]] is a goblet-like metal vessel with a cover, used in the Roman Catholic Church and some others to hold the consecrated [[Sacramental bread|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 silk. This veiling was formerly required but is now optional. In part, it signals that the ciborium actually contains the [[Consecration|consecrated]] Eucharist at the moment.
; Chalice veil
: During Eucharistic celebrations, a veil is often used to cover the [[Chalice (cup)|chalice]] and [[paten]] to keep dust and flying insects away from 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]].
: In the West, a single chalice veil is normally used. The veil will usually be the same material and color as the priest's vestments, though it may also 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 [[Paten|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]] is used in both Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches during the liturgy of Exposition and [[Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament]], and on some other occasions when special respect is shown to the Eucharist. From the [[Latin]] for "shoulders," it is an oblong piece of cloth worn as a sort 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 (container)|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 [[mitre|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|Rood Screen]], and finally the [[chancel]] rail, the low sanctuary railing in those churches that still have this. In some of the [[Eastern Christianity|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 [[Passiontide]] with a fine semi-transparent mesh. The color of the veil may be black, red, purple, or white, depending upon the liturgical day and practice of the church. In traditional churches, there will sometimes be curtains placed to either side of the altar.

The '''[[The Protection of the Mother of God|Veil of Our Lady]]''' is a liturgical feast celebrating the protection afforded by the [[intercession]]s of the Virgin Mary.

===Islam===
{{Main|Hijab}}
[[File:N°3 HAÏK alt version.jpg|thumbnail|Women in the predominantly Islamic country of Algeria wearing a [[haïk]], a type of veil.]]A variety of headdresses worn by [[Women in Islam|Muslim women]] and girls in accordance with ''[[hijab]]'' (the principle of dressing modestly) are sometimes referred to as veils. The principal aim of the Muslim veil is to cover the [[Intimate parts in Islam|''Awrah'']] (parts of the body that are considered private). Many of these garments cover the hair, ears, and throat, but do not cover the face.

Depending on geography and culture, the veil is referenced and worn in different ways. The ''[[Hijab|khimar]]'' is a type of [[headscarf]]. The ''[[niqāb]]'' and ''[[burqa]]'' are two kinds of veils that cover most of the face except for a slit or hole for the eyes. In [[Algeria]], a larger veil called the ''[[haïk]]'' includes a triangular panel to cover the lower part of the face.<ref>Kellou, Dorothée Myriam. [http://observers.france24.com/en/20150316-algeria-women-haik-veil-march Algerian women take to streets to bring back traditional veil]. ''The Observers''. 16 March 2015. Accessed on 5 March 2016.</ref> In the Arabian Peninsula and parts of North Africa (specifically Saudi Arabia), the abaya is worn constructed like a loose robe covering everything but the face itself. In another location, such as Iran, the chador is worn as the semicircles of fabric are draped over the head like a shawl and held in place under the neck by hand. The two terms for veiling that are directly mentioned in the Quran is the jilbab and the khimar. In these references, the veiling is meant to promote modesty by covering the genitals and breasts of women.

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 ''[[boshiya]]'' 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]]&nbsp;– uncommon among the [[Arab]] tribes prior to the rise of [[Islam]]&nbsp;– originated in the [[Byzantine Empire]], and then spread.<ref>{{cite book |url=http://medievalnews.blogspot.com/2007/09/review-of-byzantium-surprising-life-of.html |title=Review of Herrin book and Michael Angold |pages= 426–7|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |isbn= 978-0-521-26986-5 |date=21 September 2000 }} see also {{cite book |author=John Esposito |title=Islam: The Straight Path |pages=98|edition=3rd|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |year= 2005 |author-link=John Esposito }}</ref>

The [[Bedouin]] living in Southern Palestine and the Sinai peninsula also use face veils. The traditional veils in Palestine are short and decorated with coins. In northern Sinai, the veil sections are longer, and often contain embroidery, chains, pendants, beads, …<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://trc-leiden.nl/trc-digital-exhibition/index.php/from-kaftan-to-kippa/item/55-04-the-bedouin|title=4. The Bedouin|first=Willem|last=Vogelsang|website=trc-leiden.nl}}</ref> The Bedouin-style mask is known as al-maghrun, al-baghrah, or al-niqab.<ref name="The story behind the mask">{{Cite web|url=https://thezay.org/the-story-behind-the-mask/|title=The story behind the mask|date=1 August 2019|website=The Zay Initiative}}</ref>

In the UAE, Qatar and Oman, a face mask known as the burghu is used, and in Bahrain, Qatar and Oman, the batulah is used.<ref name="The story behind the mask"/>

In Central Asian sedentary Muslim areas (today Uzbekistan and Tajikistan) women wore veils which when worn the entire face was shrouded, called [[Paranja]]<ref name="DaniMasson2003">{{cite book|author1=Ahmad Hasan Dani|author2=Vadim Mikhaĭlovich Masson|author3=Unesco|title=History of Civilizations of Central Asia: Development in contrast : from the sixteenth to the mid-nineteenth century|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AzG5llo3YCMC&pg=PA357|date=1 January 2003|publisher=UNESCO|isbn=978-92-3-103876-1|pages=357–}}</ref> or faranji. The traditional veil in Central Asia worn before modern times was the faranji<ref name="AbdullaevAkbarzaheh2010">{{cite book|last=Abdullaev|first=Kamoludin|author2=Shahram Akbarzaheh|title=Historical Dictionary of Tajikistan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mC9RsIYy8m8C&pg=PA129|date=27 April 2010|publisher=Scarecrow Press|isbn=978-0-8108-6061-2|pages=129–}}</ref> but it was banned by the Soviet Communists.<ref name="AbdullaevAkbarzaheh2010 2">Abdullaev 2010, p. 381.</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Pannier  |first=Bruce |date=1 April 2015 |title= Central Asia's Controversial Fashion Statements  |url=http://www.rferl.org/content/central-asia-fashion-islamic-risque-western-national-mentality/26932437.html |newspaper=Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty }}</ref>

In Pakistan, upper and middle-class women in towns wear burqas over their normal clothes in public.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |last1=Latif |first1=Abdul |title=Population Census of Pakistan, 1972: Gujranwala |date=1977 |publisher=Manager of Publications |page=9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3HKaAAAAIAAJ&q=The+women+of+the+middle+and+upper+classes+while+going+out+wear+burqas+but+this+is+gradually+becoming+less+common+especially+among+the+educated+classes.}}</ref><ref name=":11">{{cite book |last1=Latif |first1=Abdul |title=Population Census of Pakistan, 1972: Lahore |date=1978 |publisher=Manager of Publications |page=9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qXOaAAAAIAAJ&q=While+purdah+is+not+generally+observed+by+village+women+except+in+the+upper+rural+society,+it+is+common+amongst+the+lower+middle+and+upper+middle+class+in+towns}}</ref> The burqa is the most visible dress in Pakistan. It is typically a tent-like garment worn over the ordinary clothes and is made of white cotton. Many upper-class women wear a two-piece burqa which is usually black in colour but sometimes navy blue or dark red. It consists of a long cloak and a separate headpiece with a drop-down face veil. Some educated urban women no longer wear the burqa. The burqa is also not worn by rural peasant women who work in the fields.<ref name="Area Handbook for Pakistan">{{cite book |last1=Nyrop |first1=Richard |title=Area Handbook for Pakistan |date=1975 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |page=109 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y5jTh7DA598C&dq=burqa+pakistan&pg=PA109}}</ref> In rural areas only elite women wear burqas.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":11" />

==== Restrictions ====
{{Main|Hijab by country}}

The wearing of head and especially face coverings by Muslim women has raised political issues in the West; including in [[Reasonable accommodation|Quebec]], and [[Islamic dress controversy in Europe|across Europe]]. Countries and territories that have banned or partially banned the veil include, among others:

*[[Islamic scarf controversy in France|France]], where full-face veils (burqa and niqab) have been banned in public places since April 2011, with a 150-euro fine for breaching the ban. All religious veils have been [[Islamic scarf controversy in France|banned in public schools]].
*[[Islamic dress controversy in Europe#Belgium|Belgium]], also banned full face veils in public places, in July 2011.
*[[Islamic dress controversy in Europe#Spain|Spain]] has several towns and cities which have banned the full face veil, including [[Barcelona]].
*Russia's [[Stavropol Krai|Stavropol region]] has announced a ban on hijabs in government schools, which was challenged but upheld by the [[Russian Supreme Court]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Local Russian Hijab Ban Puts Muslims in a Squeeze|author=Ellen Barry|date=18 March 2013|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/19/world/europe/russian-regions-hijab-ban-puts-squeeze-on-muslims.html}}</ref><ref name="Islamic Veil in Europe BBC">{{cite news|title=Islamic Veil Across Europe|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13038095|access-date=1 July 2014|agency=BBC News}}</ref>

Places where headscarves continue to be a contentious political issue include:
*[[United Kingdom debate over veils|United Kingdom]], where the Home Office Minister [[Jeremy Browne]] called for a national debate about headscarves and their role in public environments in Britain.<ref name="Islamic Veil in Europe BBC"/>
*[[Reasonable accommodation#Islam|Quebec]], where there is much discussion as to whether the province should allow people wearing a veil over their face to vote without removing it. 
*[[Islamic dress controversy in Europe|Europe]], with a large Muslim population, the [[European Court of Human Rights]] has allowed countries to ban full-face veils, as it does not breach the [[European Convention on Human Rights]].<ref name="ECHR Press Release Burqa">{{cite web|title=French ban on the wearing in public of clothing designed to conceal one's face does not breach the Convention ECHR 191|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/01_07_14_grandchamber.pdf|website=BBC News/ECHR|publisher=ECHR|access-date=1 July 2014}}</ref>

=== Indian religions ===
[[File:Young Woman in Shalimar Bagh Garden - Srinagar - Jammu & Kashmir - India (26748809872).jpg|thumb|In the northern [[Indian subcontinent]] (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan), it is customary for women of many religions (Hindu, Jain, Sikh, Muslim and Christian) to enter houses of worship and to go out in public wearing a headcovering called a [[dupatta]].<ref name="Rader2018">{{cite book |last1=Rader |first1=Debra |title=Teaching and Learning for Intercultural Understanding: Engaging Young Hearts and Minds |date=19 April 2018 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-351-59523-0 |page=132 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Dupatta Types In Salwar Kameez |url=https://www.thefashionstation.in/dupatta-types-in-salwar-kameez/ |publisher=The Fashion Station |access-date=20 May 2022 |language=English |date=18 July 2019|quote=Dupatta is also used by some women when entering a mosque, dargah, church, gurdwara or mandir, it is the habit in the Indian subcontinent for women to cover their head with a dupatta.}}</ref>]] 
{{Further|Ghoonghat|Purdah}}
In [[Indian subcontinent]], from 1st century B.C. societies advocated the use of the veil for married [[Hindu]] women which came to be known as [[Ghoonghat]].<ref name=":7">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VYG4K0yYHQgC|title=The Position of Women in Hindu Civilization, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day|last=Sadashiv Altekar|first=Anant|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|year=1956|isbn=9788120803244|pages=171–175}}</ref> Buddhists attempted to counter this growing practice around 3rd century CE.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Gautama Buddha in Life and Legend|last=Kelen|first=Betty|publisher=Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Company|year=1967|pages=7–8}}</ref> Rational opposition against veiling and seclusion from spirited ladies resulted in system not becoming popular for several centuries.<ref name=":7" /> Under the Medieval [[Islamic]] [[Mughal Empire]], various aspects of veiling and seclusion of women was adopted, such as the concept of [[Purdah]] and [[Zenana]], partly as an additional protection for women.<ref name=":7" /> [[Purdah]] became common in the 15th and 16th century, as both ''Vidyāpati'' and ''Chaitanya'' mention it.<ref name=":7" />

Sikhism was highly critical of all forms of strict veiling, Guru Amar Das condemned it and rejected seclusion and veiling of women, which saw decline of veiling among some classes during late medieval period.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Position of Women in Hindu Civilization|last=Singh|first=Sardar Harjeet|year=2009|pages=259}}</ref> This was stressed by [[Bhagat Kabir]].<ref name=jagbir_jhutti>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=37i7uAYe6QEC&pg=PA35 | title=Sikhism Today | publisher=A&C Black | last=Jhutti-Johal | first=Jagbir | year=2011 | pages=35 | isbn=9781847062727}}</ref>

{{Blockquote|<poem>Stay, stay, O daughter-in-law - do not cover your face with a veil. In the end, this shall not bring you even half a shell. The one before you used to veil her face; do not follow in her footsteps. The only merit in veiling your face is that for a few days, people will say, "What a noble bride has come". Your veil shall be true only if you skip, dance and sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord. Says Kabeer, the soul-bride shall win, only if she passes her life singing the Lord's Praises.</poem>|Bhagat Kabir|Guru Granth Sahib 484 <ref name=jagbir_jhutti />}}