Why is covering your head a sign of respect

The cap is also known as the yarmulke, a Yiddish word — the language of the Ashkenazi Jews from Eastern Europe. In Israel, the yarmulke is a telltale sign of the specific religious movement the wearer adheres to. While the kippa has become a religious symbol, any other head covering, such as a hat or scarf, would do, too. The kippa covering is common at Jewish festivities. All men, even if they are not Jewish, must wear a yarmulke when they enter a synagogue. Jews are not obligated to wear the skullcap outside of these religious services.

Orthodox Jews, however, often wear their kippa at all times as a sign of reverence for God. To them, it makes sense to wear the yarmulke all day long as they often intersperse the day with blessings and thanksgiving. Reform Jewish communities often don't even wear the kippa during prayer services but make it optional, as the tradition is not based on a biblical command or the Talmud, writings that are the primary source of Jewish religious law and tradition.

While Judaism developed more than 3, years ago, wearing a kippa is relatively new, and only asserted itself among European Jews in the 17th and 18th centuries. The "experiment" of wearing a kippa in public and documenting the reactions isn't new, either.

In , Israeli journalist Zvika Klein walked the streets of Paris for hours wearing a yarmulke and recorded people's reactions — spitting out, calling him names — with a hidden camera. That same year, Amit Jacobi, an Israeli artist, walked through different neighborhoods all over Berlin, without encountering any aggressive reactions.

The German chancellor called it "inconceivable" that Jewish institutions still need police protection. Angela Merkel said that Germany's new government needs an anti-Semitism commissioner.

Followers of various religions wear special head coverings to express their faith and show humility and dignity. Yarmulkes, mitras, veils and turbans are made of a great variety of materials. Visit the new DW website Take a look at the beta version of dw. Go to the new dw. More info OK. Wrong language? Change it here DW. COM has chosen English as your language setting.

COM in 30 languages. Deutsche Welle. Audiotrainer Deutschtrainer Die Bienenretter. Lifestyle The kippa, a sign of respect for God Berlin is a holding a "wear a kippa" protest following the recent anti-Semitic attack in the city. Germany must decide What does the kippa stand for, what is the headgear's religious significance for Jews?

Moreover, the world believes the veil robs a woman of her identity, but Muslims proudly consider it an announcement of their religious identity. Glimpses through a veil tantalise men more than an uncovered face or body. Most of the world sees the veil as dehumanising, while those who wear it see it as a symbol of piety and purity. Many religions demand that the head be covered in places of worship. Some orders of nuns wear a headdress; Mother Mary too is depicted with her head covered.

Muslim men wear skullcaps inside mosques. In Hindu temples and in gurdwaras, it is mandatory to cover the head as a mark of respect to God. In North India, women are told that covering the head is a mark of respect towards elders. Brides and grooms cover their heads for the wedding ceremony. Christian brides also cover their heads with a veil. However in South India, which escaped the devastating attacks North India faced, the veil is almost non-existent, and for a bride to cover her head is sacrilegious.

Veils and head coverings have, of course, been used for practical and social reasons too. In some places, veils protect the face and hair from sand and heat or the extremities of cold. Veils were even used effectively to announce the marital status of women.

Snoods fitted net material worn to gather hair neatly were worn by unmarried women in Middle Ages in Scotland and parts of England. Today, some footballers wear snoods to keep long hair in check. In hotels, chefs and kitchen staff are expected to wear head coverings for hygiene factors. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience.

Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets CSS if you are able to do so. This page has been archived and is no longer updated. Find out more about page archiving. On this page Page options Print this page. Wearing a skullcap is seen as a sign of devoutness.

Women also cover their heads by wearing a scarf or a hat. One should not walk bare-headed the distance of four cubits Shulchan Aruch, Oracn Chayim, chapter 2. See also.