Christians of Various Traditions & Head Covering

Hot topic in the Catholic Forums:

"Attn. Christians of Various Traditions: Women & Head Covering ? - Catholic Answers Forums"

The question presented was: "What Christian Tradition do you belong to & at what time in it's history did it No longer be expected for Christian women of your Tradition to cover their heads full-time & when it's history did it no longer be expected for women at Church & during prayer And further, what reason was given for it to be acceptable for a Christian woman of your Tradition to be uncovered."

As always, there is some discussion of the first several centuries of Christian writings, also called the Church Fathers, and the phrase from the Apostle Paul: "... because of the angels."

No one can pinpoint for sure why the tradition of head covering in the churches faded away, but as the questioner proposes, it does seem to point to the era around the last century and the "women's lib movement". Others seem to not care when it did pass away, but are content that it did. Some interesting thoughts in places, if you care to peruse the pages of forum postings.

Headcovering Should Be a Choice

I've been reorganizing the blog and checking on links, while keeping up with the news about headcoverings and headscarves (see the links to news in the right column). I came across this explanation and summary of headcovering in The Catholic Knight. This is what I think:

photo from Catholic Knight

The authentic Catholic reason for wearing the chapel veil is the Biblical reason. It's just something that all Christian women (regardless of denomination) are supposed to do, not because they have to, but because they're supposed to want to. The Catholic Church has decided to no longer enforce this Biblical custom through Canon Law, and in doing so, the Church is saying it does not want to be our nanny. The chapel veil is a custom for women to do voluntarily, because they want to, not because they are being forced to. The idea is that women are to read what the Scriptures have to say, and be convicted according to what is contained therein. In order for a chapel veil to be an authentic sign of humility and holiness, it must be voluntary. Indeed, Christian women are supposed to wear one, but it is never to be forced.

What do you think? Does this reasoning apply to all women who wish to cover, regardless of denomination or religion?

Keeping Silence, Headcovering, and Catholic Tradition

Should Women Keep Silence in Church?

by Jimmy Akin in the National Catholic Register

This article is an attempt to answer the questions raised about the differences of men and women in the service of the assembly of the church, according to scripture.

"In 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, St. Paul seems to suggest that women should be totally silent in church.

Is this true?

If so, how do we square it with the practice of the Church today?"

As the writer admits, the passage is a "difficulty", especially in the culture and society in which most of the English speaking world lives today. And so he examines the scriptural context, other texts within the same letter of the Apostle Paul which address these issues (that is, our head covering scripture in 1 Corinthians 11), as well as other scriptural texts concerning the spiritual equality of women. He reviews the current traditions and scholarly teaching, acknowledging again, that although women do speak and prophesy in assembly, there is one matter where women and most men are to remain silent - in teaching the Word of God publicly.

Although the passage commanding women to be silent in the church seems to be contradictory to the teaching in other places that women and men are equal in spirit, upon further study, there is no contradiction.

The head covering passage is a core idea here: if women were to remain silent ALWAYS, then why did Paul only a few paragraphs earlier instruct them to wear a head covering while they were praying or prophesying? Truly, a woman may pray alone at home, but prophesying is not something done in privacy, but to the benefit of hearers. The command for silence of the women is not a contradiction then, but rather a clarification of who is to be watching over the teaching of the Law of Christ, and who is to be quiet so that everyone in the assembly can hear and understand from the appointed teacher.

Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/blog/jimmy-akin/should-women-keep-silence-in-church#ixzz266eXlymB

What have you studied about this? Do you know of another study on this passage that you would like to link here? Please comment, and let us all keep pressing on.

Liturgical Time Veil Shop Offers a Treat and More

"Liturgical Time Veil Shop: Headcovering Ladies, We Have a Treat for You"

Sweet and fun! Look at this "Christian Headcovering Mug," from the Veil Shop on Etsy:

Also, check through all the pages at Liturgical Time's Etsy shop and website, for lovely headcoverings.  From their page: "We provide handmade chapel veils, mantillas, and headcoverings for our patrons to wear in church, at prayer, or in everyday life. We are able to take special orders, and to provide some customization, so don't hesitate to make special requests. Special sales, promotions, and giveaways are posted on our blog: http://www.liturgicaltime.blogspot.com".  The author and creator, Michelle, writes about home keeping and traditional church topics in her home blog.


Liturgical Time Veil shop has its own blog called "Liturgical Time Veil Shop", with articles and other information specifically written toward veiling and head covering. Find Michelle's own personal reasoning in this article: "Why I Wear Catholic Chapel Veil".

Many blessings to you, Michelle, as you and your family serve others and the LORD.

"Looser" Security Rules in Nashville, TN - Troubles Elsewhere

"Metro Departments Change Policy Toward Religious Head Coverings"
The above article link is from the Nashville Public Radio (WPLN) website, dated August 16, 2011. Apparently, the rules are changing in Tennessee: "Metro Nashville is loosening some of its security policies toward religious head coverings." Read this short article to find out what's changed and what's acceptable now in this area, and perhaps what things will look like in other areas in the USA.

meanwhile...

"Catholic schools in Kenya prohibit Muslim head covering",
in the Anglican Journal, reports that conflict arises in a Catholic school in Nairobi, Kenya, wishing to uphold its Catholic traditions and dress codes when Muslim students attend classes. How serious are the conflicts:

Muslim leaders have been urging the government to help end the Christian schools' ban. The leaders warn of serious repercussions if rights and freedoms are denied Muslim girls and women.

The Muslim leaders accuse the church schools of discriminating against their students on religious and cultural grounds, but church leaders say they have provided spaces and water for the students to practice Muslim worship rituals.

"Moodbidri: Student Denied Permission to Wear Headscarf, Approaches DC"
Daijiworld.com reported August 10, 2011, of a young woman in university who was told she could not attend class with a headscarf, or hijab, in Western India. Apparently, it's okay to wear burka even on campus, but no head coverings in class. At the time of the writing, the issue was not solved, but the student had not been able to attend class because she refused to go without her head covered.

Article Review: National Catholic Register on The Law

"Women's Head Coverings at Mass: Won't Say I Told You So, But ..."

-- blog article in: National Catholic Register (www.NCRegister.com)
-- author: Jimmy Akin
-- religious description: Roman Catholic
-- head covering belief: "I have no problem with women wearing head coverings. In fact, I’m rather partial to the practice, and I fully support any woman’s right to wear one.. . . But I’m not going to falsify what the law requires concerning them."

This is a pretty thorough and recent article, written in response to replies made regarding an earlier essay written by this author. The discussion is a common one in Roman Catholic forums on the subject: the old law that a woman partaking in mass has to wear a head covering was not included in the Second Vatican Council and was done away with by the 1983 Code of Canon Law, and therefore women do not have to wear a veil to mass according to law. But wearing a covering is still a good thing. Discussions of this sort do not have to do - usually - with Biblical scripture, but the various writings and interpretations of canon law. Several quotes of which are included in this article,especially that of Cardinal Burke, a head man in the church court. He concludes that a woman who does not cover her head at any form of mass is not in violation of law, nor should she be considered a sinner in the eyes of the Roman Catholic Church.

I appreciate his addendum here:

"Nevertheless, it is clear that those who participate in the extraordinary form of the Mass are intending to celebrate it as it was celebrated in 1962, to the extent provided by present law, and that included head coverings. Those regularly celebrating this form of the Roman Rite thus have an expectation that head coverings will be used. Failure to use them could be cause for puzzlement, even if it is not legally required. And the expectation (without legal requirement) may extend higher up the hierarchical chain, though Cardinal Burke does not make this clear."

Added interest and further study in this subject is included as you read past the author's signature in this blog, and arrive at the comments section. Comments sections must always be approached with a certain expectation of some good, some hostile, of course, and though I have not read through all of the seeming hundreds of comments, I did find this little tidbit, which I can also appreciate, from a writer called "Johnno":

"This is sort of in the same boat at kneeling for Holy Communion. I recognize that women do not need to wear a veil. But like not kneeling for Communion and receiving it on the tongue, a generation of women and men have lost a beautiful significance of such acts and the true reality and beauty that is before them."

I personally believe that covering for the explanations found in scripture are enough for me, but I also understand the additional ceremony and tradition of the Catholic church as it encourages seriousness, contemplation and humbleness when coming together to worship at a mass. Many folks do seem to think that modern philosophy, human perception (even when faulty) and fashion should alter tradition and even law. I suppose some folks would merely dismiss me as "conservative" or even closed minded, but I believe that there are some things that do not change. And an outward respect for GOD and the church of the believers (not to mention all others) is one thing that should not change.

Please read the article (and the links there, even), and let me know what you think.

LisaM

Religious Headcoverings in Photos

I have linked to Dieter's site before, but just received this note recently telling me of an English language blog that he has started up. The photo collection of the various head coverings and information is almost overwhelming. For those interested in all things head covering, you may want to take a look.


Note:::::::::::::::::::::::::

Dear Lisa,

only let you know, that since 10 days I started a small blog in English:
http://philippi-collection.blogspot.com/

All my best wishes,
Dieter

From the website blog:

Dieter Philippi is an inter-nationally recognized and renowned expert on religious, clerical and ecclesiastical headgear.

Looking for Headcoverings?

These two blogs just in:

A Godly Homemaker: Headcoverings By Tami "do you wear a headcovering? what style do you like best? when do you wear one?" -- includes links to videos on how to wear a couple of styles. A Godly Homemaker - http://agodlyhomemaker.blogspot.com/

nun101: Great Sites for Headcoverings! By the roman catholic "Great Sites for Headcoverings! I sometimes like to wear a Jewish tichel even though I am Catholic, but I love wear my mantillas during Mass. Hear are some amazing links." nun101 - http://catholicnun101.blogspot.com/

Catholic Women and the Veil

I was sent a link by the author to this concise explanation of why Catholic women will and should wear a veil. Please read:

"Wearing a Veil For Our Eucharistic Lord" - by PhatCatholic at Blogspot

Thank you for the notice. :)

Writing about those Head Coverings

The purpose of my blog in its beginning was to share the myriad writings online about head coverings of all sorts. And there are myriad writings online. When one reads an article from a un- or ill-informed source, the underlying theme seems to be: "What's the big deal? Why do women and men choose to wear this thing on their head? Why the controversy? It's such a little thing!" Yes, it's little, but it's also a big thing. Every modern and historical culture, every religion, every fashion outlet and every health service is directly or indirectly affected by "those head coverings". How can I say that?

I have Google searching for me daily and mailing me updates of articles, blogs and other sites where the words "headcovering" or "head coverings" are used. Once a week, I get a list which has searched out the terms "veil", "veiling", and "head scarf" as well. There is always email for me, even when I don't take the time to post here. From small articles in nature walks or about dressing well in the changing season (which usually recommend head coverings strongly or even require them) to forum chats in one of any kind of setting, not necessarily religiously based, discussing the why, when, how and where to buy of head coverings. Several outlets are available for head covers focused specifically toward those who have lost their hair and have this innate desire to cover their head, whether for propriety, comfort or to ward off the weather. More and more over the past couple of years since I've started this blog, I am finding other bloggers writing about their own experience in "taking the veil" - whether as a convert in some way, or just coming to a new understanding.

With all of the information that I've seen "out there", I am still amazed at the numerous articles written that still ask, "what's the big deal?" Which is why it is important to be informed ourselves, and to be ready to give an answer to all who might ask us to explain the reason for these headcoverings. The reasons may be myriad, for sure, but we each need to understand this "little thing" that is a "big thing" after all.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sampling of Links for the Week:

Head Covering of the Week.. A New Favorite Blog... And A Moving Update!

from "A Woman's Place" blog: with a lovely lace veil photo, and a link to an article on headcovering and dress in worship

Headcovering of the week...

from "Life of a Catholic Librarian" blog: with a sweet Garlands of Grace headcovering photo, and links to more

Where's the Hair?

from "Just call me Chaviva" blog: a newly married Orthodox Jewish lady writes about taking on hair covering and reactions to it, with a cute personal picture, in hat

Staff, students show support for principal diagnosed with cancer

article in Gainsville.com (Florida, USA): Teachers and staff show solidarity with their beloved principle who has lost her hair to cancer and now wears a headcovering, by wearing scarves and coverings themselves. One wonders if this kind of support would be shown if all headcoverings were suspect and banned in public places. I love this story.

New section of Canary Creek trail to open

article in CapeGazette.com (Dealware, USA): trail worker volunteers are recruited. "Those planning to attend this event should wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts or jackets, head coverings and sturdy walking shoes." Type of headcovering not specified. I guess we are clever enough to figure out what it means.

Sometimes I get a little snippy.

"Mantilla with me"

Found: a website and blog called "Will you Mantilla with me?" to support the wearing of head coverings among Roman Catholic women. Included at the website are wonderful articles describing "Why", "How", "Where", reference in the Bible and in Canon Law, those wonderful LINKS, and the beginnings of a listing called the "Honor Roll" for groups and individuals who wear a veil. I know that many of my readers have ties to Roman Catholicism, and I hope that you will encourage and be encouraged through this website and blog (http://mantillawithme.blogspot.com/).

From the website's welcome page:

"For nearly 2000 years, Catholic women covered their heads in church as a sign of devotion and respect.

In the West, this practice was largely abandoned for the last 40 years. But it is making a come-back in the form of the mantilla.

Among whom? Young Catholic women! Young Catholic women who believe in the Real Presence. Young Catholic women who love Christ and His Church.

And so I ask you: Will you mantilla with me?"

Headcovering - for everyone

Catholic Forum "Headcovering Clubhouse"

On October 19, a new forum thread appeared in the Catholic Answers Forums, "Headcovering Women's Clubhouse", by CaterinaTherese, with this opening:

I have seen a number of threads with some very wonderful women who share a common call for covering their heads either in Mass or full time. This is a place for us to share covering methods, discuss our calls to this devotion, discuss modesty, pray for each other, etc. I'd like this to be a relaxed environment where we can be ourselves and enjoy a little fellowship with other women.

There are 3 pages of responses, sharing personal experiences, modest dress styles, and other things. For those who are interested, check it out.

Christian Women Head Covering

Some miscellaneous information and discussion for Christian women and head coverings from the previous week or so....

~ Re: Headcovering Outside Mass - a continuing discussion in the Catholic Answers Forum, so there are many personal thoughts and experiences shared.

~ Head Covering Issue - Someone has posted an essay file online at Scribd, which appears to be a study from the Authentic Ministry Opportunity, on understanding 1 Corinthians 11.

~ Head Covering Trials! - personal experience and trial in learning to wear a head covering on campus, even including a new style she's trying out.

~ Headcovering Store: Halo-Works - Catholic Hijabi has posted a link to an online store which provides women's headcoverings like lace mantillas, and her first commenter has posted a link to a how-to on making your own similar headcoverings.

~ It's On My To-Do List: You say, "Mantilla..." I say, "Mantilla..." - a good personal sharing and study

Book Announcement, Re "Men in Church Hats"

I have been contacted by the author whom I referenced in the article: "Men in Church Hats", from March 2009. His book is now available for sale. See "Kopfbedeckungen in Religion, Glaube und Spiritualität", his Deutch/German website. The photos alone are worth a look.

Following is the information that I was provided by email:

~~~~~~~~~~~

. . . "I have build up a contact to

Angelus Media Distribution Group
200 Broadway
Long Branch, NJ 07740
Phone: 888-222-AMDG (2634)
E-mail: info@angelusmedia.com
www.angelusmedia.com

"This company intends to order some books from the publisher so that Americans and Canadians can order it from Angelus Media Distribution Group. They will will have it in stock. I suppose that pre-orders are possible as well.

"The book is a real treasure-chest and rich source for all hat-aficionados, hat-lovers, modists and of course all people related to ecclesiastical and clerical outfits. A lot of diocese libraries are ordering the book as well."

Best wishes, Dieter!

Cultural Headcovering?

"Biblical Headcovering: Only Cultural?"
Written by "Simply Darelina" at wordpress, September 20, 2009

Concluding with this warning...

"Attempting to write off this passage of scripture as only cultural, only given to the Corinthian church is a dangerous practice to get into. If we are to dismiss this passage, then, what other scriptures can we begin to write off for this very same reason."

A short read, and thought provoking.

~~~~~~~~~~

Also see:
"Basics… Modesty as Veiling"
fidesquarensintellectum, dated September 15th, 2009

With a blog titled "Modestus", she includes this definition for modesty and purity:

"Purity requires modesty, an integral part of temperance. Modesty protects the intimate center of the person. It means refusing to unveil what should remain hidden. It is ordered to chastity to whose sensitivity it bears witness. It guides how one looks at others and behaves towward them in conformity with the dignity of persons and their solidarity."

The stronger leaning of the Catholic tradition of headcovering to include the idea of "veiling what should remain hidden" carries a broader understanding of veiling than that which is often discussed (usually limited to the specific scripture of 1 Corinthians 11 and the specific church at Corinth). This also has a universal application, and not merely a cultural one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And once again has been posted the discussion of the contrast and comparison of reasons for headcovering between women in Islam and those in Judaism and Christianity. This work has been linked and quoted before, but is good to be mentioned and considered again when thinking on the cultural aspects of headcovering and veiling.

"Women in Islam Versus Women in the Judaeo-Christian Tradition: The Myth and The Reality", quoting from Sherif Abdel Azim, Ph.D., Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Head Covering Experiment

Please read "The Great Head-Covering Experiment"
Monday, September 14, 2009

"The_Anchoress" writes:

...

Covering my head subtly changed things for me. I was only aware of the scarf when I lowered my head to pray, or to read the missalette, but it was not a distracting awareness; instead, I simply felt like my vision and thus my attention was brought into more intense focus. More importantly, that sense of being nudged and nagged was silenced, replaced by something that was just very quiet and settled and peaceful. ...

I love it when we can openly share. Please be encouraged to keep an open heart and mind, to feel and understand along with others.

Recent Articles for Christian Headcovering

"Fisheaters and Headcoverings" discussion posted at "Theology 4 Amateurs"

"The Significance of the Christian Woman’s Veiling" by Merle Ruth, reposted at "Thoughts from the Heart"

"How Someone Ignorantly Asked Me If I Was an Arab" posted at "revelife"

"Women's Head Covering in Worship (again)" on the Puritan Board

Headcovering Tute (per request) by "Innisfree In Alaska"

"The Headcovering Re-Examined" at "The Chronicles of the Elect"

"Catholic Living 101: What should you wear to Mass?" at the Examiner.com

Biblical Role Of Godly Women by "test all things"

"Long Hair as a Woman's Glory" by "A Set Apart Life"

Blog of Note

Practical Headcovering

"Another Head Covering Question" at Catholic Answers Forums

Simple questions, plain answers, a couple of illustrative photos accompanying, and some discussion on reasoning too


Also, this sweet story in one of the posts:

I am not a 'headcoverer' but have a story I'd like to share:

My DD (6yrs old) was misbehaving in Mass one Sunday while my DH was lectoring. I asked her quietly to be quiet and sit still. She didn't listen. So I whispered to her and said, "why can't you be good like those girls in front of you?" There were some girls ahead of us who are very well behaved and wear the mantillas. SO she says to me, "That's because they are 'little Mary's' and I'm not a little Mary!" I said to her, "What's a 'little Mary?" She says, "that's what those girls are!" (in her snooty voice!) So after Mass, I asked her why they were considered 'little Mary's' and she was not. She said to me, "Because mom, they wear those things on their head and I don't have one." I said, "So if you wear one of those you will behave?" She says, "yes mom, I promise" So I bought her one and had it blessed. She wore it and I'm not kidding, she's been behaving very well ever since. A friend of mine said, "I think I'll go buy them for the whole family, even the boys!" LOL!! (she was kidding of course).