Hat LoreUnder the Veil |
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Group of Muslim women, Montreal, 1995 |
The veil is the only head covering virtually exclusive to women. It has been worn since ancient times, and today it is still worn by women who follow a religion that demands that the hair, and sometimes the face, be kept covered in public. Many Islamic women in Canada wear the Hijab (head covering) as part of a dress code prescribed in the Koran. They may also wear the Niqab (face veil). In Muslim countries, covering the head and face is sometimes viewed as a sign of female oppression, but to many Muslim Canadian women the Hijab denotes both female modesty and reserve, and female dignity and respect. |