Transition to modernity: From tradition to accessory
The beginning of the 20th century marked a turning point in veiling traditions. This change was epitomized by the rise of “flapper” culture in the 1920s. Flappers were young women who rebelled against the social norms and expectations of the time. They wore short skirts, bob cuts and challenged traditional gender roles. They adopted a freer, more independent lifestyle and often enjoyed jazz music, dancing and socializing. This cultural movement symbolized a break with tradition and reflected the general social changes of the time.
Fast forward to the 1960s and Europe was swept by another wave of cultural change. World War I and the social changes that followed paved the way for what is known as the sexual revolution in the Western world. Traditional norms were challenged and the role of women began to change. The birth control pill and the increasing availability of contraceptives sparked the sexual revolution. Conventional notions about gender roles, relationships, and sartorial norms have been completely upended. The veil, once a symbol of modesty and civil status, has been relegated to the background.
Meanwhile, in the United States, the southern states cultivated a unique “church crown” culture inspired by biblical verses: hats, worn according to strict etiquette, became a cultural emblem.
Even though wearing the veil has become less common in daily life in the Western world, it is still present. Mourning veils and religious practices preserve the solemnity of this tradition. The symbolism of the veil also evolves: from obedience to identity, it remains in various forms. In some Orthodox Christian countries, the veil is maintained in churches, while religious communities such as the Amish and Mennonites maintain the tradition in daily life.
The Amish originate from Switzerland, Alsace, Germany, Russia and Holland and emigrated to the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries. In some parts of Europe, the tradition of women wearing the veil during religious practices is maintained. In Orthodox Christian countries, for example, wearing the veil is still obligatory in churches. In Catholic countries, such as Spain and Portugal, however, this custom disappeared over time.
