Why have Catholic women traditionally worn hats in church?

Question

I remember wearing a hat or scarf when I was young , but the tradition has died, when did this change, The Apostle Paul explains that Catholic women should cover their heads while in church: ``You yourselves judge: doth it become a woman, to pray unto God uncovered?'' (I Cor. 11:13). ``Every man praying or prophesying with his head covered, disgraceth his head. But every woman praying or prophesying with her head not covered, disgraceth her head: for it is all one as if she were shaven....'' (I Cor. 11:4-5)

So as a woman am I going against the Bible by not wearing a hat ?

Also can you explain what Paul means?

Answer 1

I remember that too. It is funny how long ago that was. I think it was because The Virgin Mary always had her head covered, which I think was a tradition back then. It was a big deal when a lady came to church without a head scarf at least. Do you remember the little doily's that were used in such times? Then when I was about 12-15 they decided it ok if women did not cover their heads. Other changes at that time were things like standing and getting handed communion and the priest talking in English except for certain parts of the mass. Oh yes and we must not leave out the no meat on Friday thing. Gone like my last paycheck...well except of during lent.

Answer 2

Catholic and Orthodox both. (If you go to any Catholic or Orthodox church anywhere in the world, especially as a tourist, it is only polite to cover your head--whether or not you believe in their beliefs--as a courtesy to your hosts. No one forces them to open their house of worship to non-believers; well, perhaps finances.)

I learned once that it was because of original sin. Adam's excuse was "the woman tempted me, Lord", and poof...women are stuck with the blame for the fall from grace for all eternity. Paul was just being his natural misogynistic self.

Answer 3

No, you are not required by scripture to wear a hat to church.
For women, their hair is a covering for their head.
And for men, it is a shame to them for wearing their hair long like a woman.
Men are to be uncovered; woman are already covered by their hair.

Answer 4

Look back at history..Women wore hats every where they went. Look at the old I love Lucy shows. Everyone had a hat and gloves!

Answer 5

IDK but I know my granny always wore a scarf in church. But if you look back in history to the early ages all women covered their hair it was considered rude and brazen not to, maybe that has something to do with it.

Answer 6

I was told it was to keep the evil spirits out of their ears.