Thinking about veiling

[Silyosha]

Hello all. I’m 16 years old, and for a while now, I’ve been thinking about the way traditional women sometimes choose to wear a veil full-time (not too common now, at least in my area). I dress modestly but not really the way most people would think when they hear the term “modest religious dress”–I just keep necklines very reasonable, no shorts, nothing above the knee, etc. But headcovering is clearly quite another step altogether. It seems like something I’d really like to try out, as I feel a sort of compulsion lately to do so–almost like a calling–but it’s difficult to actually face the fears and go through with it. I haven’t made plans at all yet, I’ve just been considering. Any advice or personal anecdotes will be appreciated. Thanks, and God bless! +

 

[kamaan]

Hi there I am an 18 year old who recently started veiling. I would just like to say that if you are afraid of veiling, don’t be! I was petrified because I thought that people would think I was trying to somehow “show-off”. Once I started veiling, I actually received compliments I learned that you can’t worry about what other people might think… This is only between you and God!

Good luck

 

[Miserys_Fence]

I originally started covering for Lent several years ago. It felt “right” and after Lent was over, I would still cover occasionally. Over the years, “occasionally” became “usually” and eventually became “always.”

I’m afraid that in our culture, we are so concerned about “being stylish” and “what will people think?” and I imagine it’s especially tough for someone your age. You sound like an exceptional young woman to consider such a bold step!!

You might want to experiment at first with different types of covering–hats, snoods, bandannas, mantillas–and see what you’re most comfortable with. There are a number of Christian women on YouTube (myself included) who cover, and have made videos discussing head covering and even some tutorials about the different styles.

Miz

 

[Silyosha]

Thanks for your replies, both of you! Yes, I’d like to try out some different varieties of coverings first off…just to get the lay of the land, so to speak. I’m a little worried about how my parents would take it were I to start covering even only occasionally. I’m afraid they would think I was being too extreme or inviting too much criticism…but I guess I ought to ask them, hm?

 

[kamaan]

Thanks for your replies, both of you! Yes, I’d like to try out some different varieties of coverings first off…just to get the lay of the land, so to speak. I’m a little worried about how my parents would take it were I to start covering even only occasionally. I’m afraid they would think I was being too extreme or inviting too much criticism…but I guess I ought to ask them, hm?

Yes, it is better to ask them first. My parents have forbidden me from veiling when I am with them because I would be an “embarrassment” to the family Even though, like I said, I have received nothing but compliments… sigh

 

[bkayw]

Could you post a website to show the type of veils you’re referring too?

Are you talking:

shop.ebay.com/sis.html?_kw=hijab+christian+islam+jewish+head+covering

or these:

lffa-ollmpc.com/ihm/index.html

Personally, the hijabs remind me of the BVM.

 

[autdrew]

have you tried starting with Mass & then moving forward from there? Our church has some lovely young ladies who veil, 17 & 21. they get much positive feedback

 

[the_phoenix]

Middle-aged lady here. I wear a mantilla when I attend Latin Mass.

At the beginning I had a brief struggle with vanity different from most people it seems … I actually think I’m more attractive with the mantilla on! I’m mostly over the spiritual distraction of enjoying wearing the mantilla and feeling pretty, and now view a head covering at the Latin Mass more as simply part of the expected dress code.

Another trouble I had at the start was fiddling with bobby pins to keep the mantilla on my head without it sliding. It just wasn’t working out, so one day I prayed to Mary as my mother and asked her to keep the mantilla on my head. I haven’t used bobby pins since and the mantilla remains firmly in place all through the Mass.

I don’t wear head coverings to English-speaking Masses because I can be enough of an outspoken non-conformist already without drawing still more attention to myself!

 

[beckers]

Go for it!!! I wear a veil and love it. It helps me focus so much. I have never received a negative comment from anyone. I have gotten some strange looks but overall postive comments. Just remember that the veil is an outward sign of your inner faith growth. Focus on God and not others. But since you are underage sit down with your parents and explain it to them just so they will know. I bet they will support you. Good luck!

 

[RedSoxWife]

I’ve covered at Mass for a little more than a year.

I was really, really, really nervous when I started… and it turned out there was no reason to be. I’m usually the only one in our parish that does, but I really don’t even think about it any more.

I wear quite a few different coverings. Sometimes I wear various hats in summer (I keep my eyes open for those at Target and thrift shops). I also have a bunch of scarves that I’ve learned to tie that I wear sometimes and I wear the snoods from Garlands of Grace too. But my favorite headcovering at the moment is a pale golden mantilla from Veils by Lily (a brand new shop that I got to write a review for). I’d really struggled with keeping a chapel veil on my head with a toddler and an infant and had kind of given up on wearing one… but Lily sews combs in the veils and I’ve been wearing one for two weeks and it actually stays put while I try to keep my toddler still and quiet (it can be quite a job!).

 

[Silyosha]

In response to bkayw, I meant something more day-to-day, like the link to the pictures of the hijabs you posted. I like mantillas well enough, but in general I’d rather wear a regular headcovering. I guess what I’m thinking of is the sort of thing you’ll sometimes see Orthodox women wear (Melkite Catholics? Not sure) on a daily basis. Does anyone have any pictures of those, or links to websites about them?

 

[georgewithfaith]

I am encouraged that the OP at such a young age is considering veiling at Mass. This is a great turn of events and good for our Church that young people see value in our Traditions.

 

[airforcemom]

You can also try headcoveringsbydevorah - I wear one of her fancy beaded kipoh’s (?sp?) to Mass every Sunday - do what you feel is best. This has worked for me since Katrina when I lost an old lace mantilla purchased in Mexico in the early 60s and I can’t find one like it so I’ve gotten use to wearing something different.

 

[Silyosha]

I actually love the look of the hijab. I think they are beautiful and definately do the job of covering the head. Like another poster said, they remind me of the BVM. She probably would have worn something very similar when she was on earth.

 

[savienu]

I’ve been veiling at Mass for about 2 years now. I was nervous like you, at first, that I would stand out. Now I would feel naked without my veil.

 

[kozlosap]

I actually love the look of the hijab. I think they are beautiful and definately do the job of covering the head. Like another poster said, they remind me of the BVM. She probably would have worn something very similar when she was on earth.

I certainly understand wanting to veil at mass:thumbsup:, but I’m a little confused about veiling outside of mass. Since veiling in public is not a requirement or even suggested in the Western Catholic Church (Roman), why do you feel the need to do so? Most likely people that don’t know you will assume that you are Muslim and I think that is a valid assumption that comes from personal experience with women who veil in public. My daughter was attending a Catholic university at your age and I can assure you that the only young women veiling in public were Muslims. Every person certainly has the freedom to dress as they please, but maybe sometimes we become too prideful and need to remember that we are a “part” of the Body of Christ. As a high school teacher for many years, I have observed thousands of young women and wearing a veil in public (as opposed to during mass) is somewhat like piercing your nose or having a huge tattoo that shows - it is indicative of young people wanting to stand apart from the crowd. I’m interested in the psychological implications of a person veiling in public when it isn’t a part of their cultural/religious heritage - please let us know what your decision is and the impetus for it. God Bless You

 

[Robert_Burns]

Hello all. I’m 16 years old, and for a while now, I’ve been thinking about the way traditional women sometimes choose to wear a veil full-time (not too common now, at least in my area). I dress modestly but not really the way most people would think when they hear the term “modest religious dress”–I just keep necklines very reasonable, no shorts, nothing above the knee, etc. But headcovering is clearly quite another step altogether. It seems like something I’d really like to try out, as I feel a sort of compulsion lately to do so–almost like a calling–but it’s difficult to actually face the fears and go through with it. I haven’t made plans at all yet, I’ve just been considering. Any advice or personal anecdotes will be appreciated. Thanks, and God bless! +

Read 1 Corinthians Chapter 11

Women Veiling has to do with respect for the Angels who are present at Holy Mass and the Blessed Sacrament. Therefore , dont worry about what people think. If anything - you will be a great example to them.

For your age you display great insight.

Good post.

pax

 

[kozlosap]

Read 1 Corinthians Chapter 11

Women Veiling has to do with respect for the Angels who are present at Holy Mass and the Blessed Sacrament. Therefore , dont worry about what people think. If anything - you will be a great example to them.

For your age you display great insight.

Good post.

pax

I don’t think she is asking about veiling at mass Robert, she is talking about veiling in public all of the time…

 

[savienu]

I don’t think she is asking about veiling at mass Robert, she is talking about veiling in public all of the time…

Veiling in public can be a pious practice as well- it shows a woman’s place in the heart of the home, and her respect for Christ. Mary veiled in public. It’s not just a Muslim thing, to wear a headcovering. Certainly she doesn’t have to, but it’s a sweet idea, IMO.

 

[kozlosap]

Veiling in public can be a pious practice as well- it shows a woman’s place in the heart of the home, and her respect for Christ. Mary veiled in public. It’s not just a Muslim thing, to wear a headcovering. Certainly she doesn’t have to, but it’s a sweet idea, IMO.

I think the problem I have is that we are talking about a 16 year old making this decision and not an adult.