In the Catholic church, why did women used to have to cover their heads at Mass?

Question

I thought you were not supposed to cover your head!!! I'm so confused!!!

Answer 1

Because they don't understand the Word.
I CORINTHIANS 11:15
But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

Answer 2

It is the above comments from Corinthians that is the reason. It is important to note, however, that this is not mandatory but rather the strong suggestion of an apostle. Women have changed roles and with it left the head covering at home. Men don't wear hats much either if you notice. If you look at pictures from before the sixties men and women wore hats everywhere. Men would uncover their hats in Church, women if they were not wearing a hat would cover their head with a scarf of cloth when entering Church. Both are signs of humility but in different ways reflecting older understandings of humility and social roles.

As important, it not only matters what the apostle said, but why he said it. It is the meaning that is important not the specific directive.

Answer 3

Once upon a time in the Old Testament, women were required to cover their heads in public places and in church, very much in a similar fashion Muslim women are today. I guess they were a little fundamental in the way they interpret the Bible and followed every words on the Bible literally.

Answer 4

Headcovering for Catholic Women

"But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a woman is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. Any man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, but any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled dishonors her head—it is the same as if her head were shaven. For if a woman will not veil herself, then she should cut off her hair; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her wear a veil.
"For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. (For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.) That is why a woman ought to have a veil on her head, because of the angels....If any one is disposed to be contentious, we recognize no other practice, nor do the churches of God." (1 Corinthians 11:3-10,16)

In obedience to Sacred Scripture, many Catholic women wear some kind of veil or headcovering. Some wear a headcovering only at Mass. Others feel called to wear a headcovering at other times during the day, as well as at Mass. Many non-Catholic Christian women also wear a headcovering.

Answer 5

It's strange, but in earlier times christian women were to cover their heads, just like Muslim women now. Has something to do with religion.

Answer 6

The Bible says women should cover their heads. It says, however, that if they are contentious to let them be.

As women are more contentious now, the cannon law no longer requires it, but they still should. It is simply not worth the arguement to make them.

Answer 7

A papal dictate (The Pope said so), which has since been rescinded.

Answer 8

MAYBE THEY WERE UGLY