Veiling

Veiling refers to the practice of covering part or all of the face or body with a veil or similar fabric. Veiling can serve religious, cultural, ceremonial, fashion, or practical purposes, and the specific form varies widely by community and era.

Religious and cultural veiling appears in many traditions. In Islam, garments such as the hijab, niqab, and burqa are worn to varying degrees of coverage. In Christian contexts, veils such as the mantilla have been used in church or procession settings. In Jewish weddings, a veil is part of the Badeken ritual. In many cultures, bridal veils are worn as a decorative or symbolic element, and everyday veiling—headscarves and similar coverings—can express modesty, identity, or weather protection.

Historically, veiling has signaled status, age, or mourning and has evolved with fashion. In Europe, fashion veils became a popular accessory in the 19th and early 20th centuries; in other regions, veils indicated marital status or religious commitment.

Contemporary debates around veiling touch on religious liberty, gender norms, and public security. Some countries restrict face coverings in public spaces, while others emphasize freedom of religion and expression. Policies vary and are often contested in legal and political arenas.

Beyond clothing, “veiling” appears in science and other fields. In astronomy, veiling describes the addition of continuum light that weakens spectral lines; in optics, it can refer to a diffuse overlay that softens an image.