https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_head_covering schreef:Christian head covering was universally practiced by the women of the Early Church. This was attested by multiple writers throughout the first centuries of Christianity. Clement of Alexandria (150–215), an early theologian, wrote, “
Woman and man are to go to church decently attired...for this is the wish of the Word, since it is becoming for her to pray veiled.” Clement of Alexandria (c. 150 – c. 215) writes about veiling, “
It has also been commanded that the head should be veiled and the face covered, for it is a wicked thing for beauty to be a snare to men. Nor is it appropriate for a woman to desire to make herself conspicuous by using a purple veil.” The early Christian writer Tertullian (150–220) explains that in his day, the Corinthian church was still practicing head covering. This is only 150 years after the Apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians. He said, “So, too, did the Corinthians themselves understand [Paul]. In fact, at this day the Corinthians do veil their virgins. What the apostles taught, their disciples approve.” Another theologian, Hippolytus of Rome (170–236) while giving instructions for church gatherings said "
...let all the women have their heads covered with an opaque cloth..." “Early church history bears witness that in Rome, Antioch, and Africa the custom [of wearing the head covering] became the norm [for the Church].” Origen of Alexandria (c. 184 – c. 253) wrote, "There are angels in the midst of our assembly...we have here a twofold Church, one of men, the other of angels...And since there are angels present... women, when they pray, are ordered to have a covering upon their heads because of those angels. They assist the saints and rejoice in the Church." In the second half of the third century, women praying with their heads covered is mentioned as church practice by St. Victorinus in his commentary of the Apocalypse of John.
Later, in the 4th century, the church leader John Chrysostom (347–407) stated, “
…the business of whether to cover one’s head was legislated by nature (see 1 Cor 11:14–15). When I say “nature,” I mean “God.” For he is the one who created nature. Take note, therefore, what great harm comes from overturning these boundaries! And don’t tell me that this is a small sin.” Jerome (347–420) noted that the hair cap and the prayer veil is worn by Christian women in Egypt and Syria: “do not go about with heads uncovered in defiance of the apostle’s command, for they wear a close-fitting cap and a veil.” Augustine of Hippo (354–430) writes about the head covering, "
It is not becoming, even in married women, to uncover their hair, since the apostle commands women to keep their heads covered." Early Christian art also confirms that women wore headcoverings during this time period.
