Some older women like my nan will wear a mantilla to Mass, not necessarily a hijab. She would not be caught dead without her hair covered at Mass and if her female relatives attend Mass with her, she insists we wear one as well. This is a very old tradition. Many of the older Italian, Polish and Spanish ladies at my church wear them.
Women also wear mantillas when meeting the Pope.
Mantillas, which comes from the word manta, meaning cape, are typically circular or triangular shaped pieces of black or white lace that are draped over a woman’s head when attending Mass, or in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Traditionally, the black veils were worn by married or widowed women, while the white veils were worn by young girls, or unmarried women.
Throughout the centuries, the use of the mantilla by women has had many purposes. The wearing of the Mantilla is an act of veiling a woman’s physical beauty, so that the beauty of God may be glorified instead. It is also a way of emulating, Mary, our mother, who is the archetype of purity and humility. Moreover, the mantilla, or chapel veil, signifies the role of women as a life-bearing vessel. The chalice holding the blood of Christ is veiled until the Preparation of the Gifts, and the tabernacle veiled between Masses. Both of these vessels hold the Eucharist – the very life of Christ. In a similar fashion, woman was endowed with the gift of bearing human life.
Before the Second Vatican Council, the wearing of chapel veils was required for a woman when attending Mass, as a symbol of her modesty and humility before God. Although this practice is no longer required, it is still very much supported and encouraged by the Church as a sign of reverence and piety while in the presence of God.
Check out the mantilla catalogue below. The Spanish women wear some really elaborate ones during Holy week.
rosamysticamantilla.com/the-antonietta-veil.php
User error, I’m sure.