According to data available on the website zakony-zenskie.pl, there are currently over 106 active religious orders for women in Poland, with around 17,000 sisters. Each order differs not only in its rules but also in its attire. Despite the variety of cuts and colors, certain elements like the dress, cloak, scapular, belt, or cord are consistent. Wherever nuns go, their heads are always covered with a veil, also known as a wimple.
What Do Nuns Wear on Their Heads? The Reason Might Surprise Some People
For most of us, a veil is immediately associated with brides getting married. As it turns out, this connection is not without basis. "[...] It is a symbol of complete devotion to God and humility before Him" - explains the portal Krytyka Polityczna. Wearing a veil by a nun represents a kind of vow and dedication to God. It creates a modest image, highlighting purity and the dedication of one's life to faith.
The veil is perhaps the most characteristic element of a nun's attire. It signifies the person who wears it – a visible sign of a servant of God. In our case, its color also holds meaning...
White is associated with youth – or even childhood, representing the time of novitiate and the period of temporary vows. Black signifies maturity and adulthood – it is worn by perpetual professed nuns, who after many years of formation make the final decision to become the Bride of the Most High through consecrated life in the Order.
- writes one of the nuns from the Carmel of Mary, Mother of Reconciliation in Borne Sulinowo, on their website.
Can a Nun Remove Her Veil? She Does So Only Before and After Wearing the Wimple
Seeing a nun without her veil is rare for most of us. However, this doesn’t mean they wear it all the time. Nuns remove their veils when performing various hygienic tasks or when going to sleep. According to the portal Opoka, before putting on or after removing the wimple, a nun performs a very important gesture. Each time, she kisses the veil, showing respect for her attire.
