The history of bridal veils varies depending on who you ask, however most agree that it has its origins with the Greeks and Romans. Romans were the first to really have good documentation of the bridal veil. According to them, brides were seen as a desirable object to evil spirits, and if they covered their face then it would disguise her and prevent her from harm of said evil spirit. They were not just exclusive to the bride either - bridesmaids would sometimes wear veils to be decoys of the actual bride to further protect her. It was also seen as a way to present a modest and untouched woman. Veiling in any form is actually a great example of how traditions can persist throughout time and end up having a completely different meaning than it did originally. Today bridal veils in western traditions are connected to ideas of innocence and purity, the white of the dress symbolizing the purity, while the veil is to hide her face until the groom reveals it. Today bridal veils are more trendy than they were in the past, some just completely opt out of wearing anything on their head - seeing it as a sign of oppression, while others sometimes opt for flower crowns or tiaras instead - sometimes it just isn’t someone's style.
Studies have actually shown that veiling can help with one’s emotional and sometimes physical health, although mainly emotional and mental health. Some people can become overstimulated to their environments, especially if they're in large crowds, or experiencing certain emotions. This could either be due to trauma or neurodivergence, or maybe even something else entirely. A small side note to give an off example - a weighted blanket works by putting pressure on nerves that help put the body in this sort of anti anxiety rest mode, which eases anxiety symptoms, like a quick heart rate, or high blood pressure. For people who have ADHD or autism, etc, it helps to relieve anxiety by activating the sense of touch, which helps to distract from stimuli coming from other senses like sound. Veiling works in a similar way - It can be used as a tool to ground someone if they become too overstimulated, or become anxious. It can provide this really calming effect.
So how does this tie into our practices?:
For a multitude of reasons. It really crosses over with all the reasons mentioned in the above paragraphs. It can be protection and connection between the physical and spiritual. It can be used as a grounding tool for those who become too overwhelmed. For many it is as a way to keep out unwanted energies and emotions, to make the mind less foggy and aid in focusing. It also holds such a large association with the person’s identity. It is a form of self expression. It represents one’s faith, one’s practice, one’s sense of self. It gives that feeling of being comfortable, and a feeling of security. Some traditions are a little more technical than others, and most religions that require veiling say any more than the hairline showing while wearing a veil is considered improper. So how does one veil? The more modern outlook is that it is up to you! It is your style! Some use full headscarves, some use a bandana, hell you can throw on a hoodie or a tablecloth in a pinch, and it could still be a veil.
