Head coverings among the Hebrews.

To determine precisely what form of head covering the Hebrews had is very difficult, for on the one hand the writers of the sacred books do not describe these coverings in detail, and on the other hand Josephus and others, in their descriptions, give the head coverings of the Hebrews various forms. It is certain that the custom of keeping the head covered existed among the Hebrews from the deepest antiquity, the basis for which, of course, could have been climatic conditions, namely the harmful effect of the vertical rays of the sun upon the head, which could result, not infrequently in hot countries, in the dangerous condition of sunstroke.

The uncovering of the head during the trial by water of jealousy (Num. 5:18) and in the case of affliction by leprosy (Lev. 13:45) indicates that in the time of Moses the custom of covering the head was, it appears, a general custom, not only among women but also among men. Later, head coverings (wrappings), used out of necessity, began to serve as adornment for the heads of persons of means, as we see from the book of Job (29:14). The same was done by kings (Isa. 62:3) and noble women (Ps. 45 [44]:13 [as given]).

Part of festive attire was the crown, worn for adornment (Isa. 61:3), also at the marriage ceremony (Isa. 61:10). The high priests generally wore on the head a tiara, or miter. Women wore veils, but these can hardly be counted as head coverings, though the head was sometimes covered by them. Depictions of the head coverings or veils of Assyrian and Egyptian women, with their ornaments, can still be seen to this day on ancient Assyrian monuments. At present the head covering of the Arabs is very simple; but among eastern women in general it is distinguished by particular elaborateness and costliness.

The head coverings of men of various classes in Egypt, Syria, Assyria, and Persia today are extremely diverse in form and appearance; they depend entirely upon the position, nationality, or religion of those who wear them. One modern writer, in explanation of the following words of St. Peter the Apostle — “whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel” (1 Pet. 3:3) — cites the still-existing custom among Levantine women of braiding their hair into plaits and interweaving them with cords strung with gold or silver coins.