Posted by Esther Ramírez
Why should women wear the veil during the Holy Mass?
The use of the veil in Churches, even in everyday life, has been lost due to modernism and false beliefs. Nowadays people say that “grandmas” are the only ones who wear the veil, or that it is something “old”, “out of fashion”, even “prudish”. Have you ever wondered what the true essence of the veil is and what its color means?
Here I have the answer for you!
Biblical Origins
The veil has its foundation even in the Holy Scriptures! In the Old Testament, the use of the veil was closely linked to modesty, authority, marital status and respect for God in the Ark of the Covenant. In Genesis 24, 64-65, when Rebecca saw Isaac for the first time, she immediately covered herself with a veil! Also, women who dedicated their lives to God, such as widows or consecrated women, had to cover themselves more strictly as a sign of separation from the world, their dedication to prayer and sacrifice for God. Thus giving way to today’s nuns and consecrated women.
In the New Testament, St. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 11, 2-16 that women must cover their heads as a sign of authority and respect in prayer and liturgy. St. Paul explains that the veil symbolizes the submission of the woman to the Divine Order and to the authority of her Husband, reflecting the relationship and the flat love of Christ with the Church.
(Note: the concept of submission of the woman to the husband is not sexism and much less slavery or inferiority. St. Paul says in the Holy Scriptures in Ephesians 5, 22-25: “Wives, be subject to your husbands as to the Lord; because the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the Church, and he himself is her Savior. Just as the Church is subject to Christ, so also more women will be to their husbands in EVERYTHING. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her.”)
Canon Law and current events
The canon code of 1917 (Canon 1262) established that women should cover their heads in the church and that men should uncover themselves, as a universal and obligatory practice. For centuries, the veil has maintained its importance in the liturgical and social life of Catholic women, making it a duty and even part of their daily life.
Today, many traditionalist women have taken up its use again and, above all, have promoted it by their example. Honoring the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, it expresses in all areas its role as a symbol of the Bride of Christ and as a sign of reverence, solemnity, humility and femininity!
By covering the head, it is gathered in prayer and thus avoids distraction from the exterior and interior. The veil is the opposite of quantity, covering oneself to offer to God and imitate Mary, since she wore the veil all the time!
Colors and types of veils
The colors and shapes of the veil have many variations throughout history! It depends on the culture, the function, even the symbolism within Catholicism!
In Tradition, there are 2 basic colors; Black and white;
White or ivory:
Symbol: purity, modesty, innocence, reverence, respect.
Use: brides, girls, young women.
Black or dark grey:
Symbol: humility, penitence, mourning
Use: widows, married women, women in mourning, religious women as a sign of renunciation of the world.
There are also other colours which can be used, including shapes designed by the veil designer:
Blue:
Symbol: Virgin Mary, fidelity, devotion.
Red and shades:
Symbol: martyrdom, passion, dignity.
Use: queens or noble women.
Green:
Symbol: green and spiritual life.
Use: not so common, used in religious contexts.
Gold or beige:
Symbol: glory and royalty.
Use: special festivities.
Its form varies according to the liturgy and history; Spanish mantilla, shawl, hood or Orthodox, monastic veil, bridal veil, beret or headdress, net or grid, etc!
Conclusion
The use of the veil is a practice with deep and significant roots in biblical history and Catholic tradition. From the Old Testament to the present, it is a symbol of modesty, reverence, recollection, dignity and femininity, reflecting the full love of the Church with Christ. The veil is an act of love and devotion, an external expression of an inner life given to God.
Today, many Catholic women choose to recover this beautiful custom and duty, as a sign of respect in the Holy Mass, in prayer and even in their daily lives. If you wish to live this tradition with elegance and meaning, at @vivumincastitate you will find veils designed and made with inspiration from Saints and biblical Figures, ideal to strengthen your spiritual life while reflecting your femininity and faith. Made to enhance the beauty of women in their vocation and relationship with God because…
“Everything beautiful must be covered by a veil that inspires love for God”
About the Author
Esther Ramírez is a devout Catholic born in Mexico City; her passion is writing about God and his Church. She sells Catholic products: handmade rosaries, candles, veils, etc. For more information about Esther click here
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