väckningskåpa

A väckningskåpa, often translated as a "waking cap" or "awakening cowl," is a historical head covering. These were typically worn by women in Sweden during certain periods, particularly from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. The primary function of a väckningskåpa was to cover the hair and head when a woman was not fully dressed or ready to receive visitors, or when she was engaged in domestic chores.

These caps varied in style and material depending on the social class and the specific occasion. Simpler versions made of cotton or linen were common for everyday wear. More elaborate versions, often made of silk or lace, might have been used for more formal settings or as part of a woman's night attire. The design could range from simple bonnets to more fitted caps that covered the hair completely.

The term "väckningskåpa" itself implies a connection to waking or being woken. It suggests that the cap was worn in the morning before a woman had fully attended to her appearance, or perhaps in the evening. It served as a practical and modest way to manage one's hair and present a more presentable appearance when the need arose. While not a strictly utilitarian item, it played a role in the social customs and expectations of dress for women in historical Swedish society. The tradition of wearing such head coverings gradually declined with changing fashion and social norms.