One of the most potent symbols of Amish life, the kapp signifies submission to authority and tradition, exemplifying the Amish values of unity and plainness.
Purpose of the Kapp
Amish kapps, though worn all the time, are technically 'prayer veils'. Their use stems from the Biblical passage 1 Corinthians 11: 3-16, which can be interpreted as mandating head coverings for women. This passage applies to women's headwear during worship only; however, the Amish cite the Biblical injunction to 'pray without ceasing' as a reason to stay veiled permanently.
Additionally, Romans 12:2 commands Christians not to conform to the world. This verse is the basis for many Amish traditions which involve conspicuously 'different' customs or attire, and one of the reasons Amish kapps are worn outside church meetings. The veils are a visible symbol of separateness and submission. No Amish woman wearing a kapp could be mistaken for an Englischer (non-Amish), and this is how the Amish like it.
Style and Regional Variations of the Kapp
Amish kapps are usually made of organdie muslin. White muslin kapps are worn by children and married women, while teenage girls wear black kapps; however, this differs from community to community.
The style of kapps also varies between congregations. Most kapps are pleated at the back and tied at the nape of the neck with ties, with longer ties loosely knotted under the chin. More conservative kapps cover every trace of hair and sit over the ears; other styles sit behind the ears, revealing a few inches of hair from the hairline. Some styles are heart-shaped when viewed from the back; others, such as the Swartzenruber Amish kapps, are needleworking marvels with intricately-patterned pleats. Many kapps are stiffened to create a very crisp, chef's hat-type look, while others are softer Interestingly, many kapps are made of muslin so fine the hair is quite clearly visible through the fabric.
Kapps are not to be confused with bonnets, which are sometimes worn over the kapps, particularly by young girls. Amish women also wear straw hats for outdoor work during the summer months, and sometimes kerchiefs tied under the chin.
Buying Amish-style Kapps
A number of online stores sell Amish kapps. Mennonite women often make and sell kapps as headwear for Mennonite and conservative Christian women. Kapps are not generally worn by non-religious women, but are often purchased as curios or quaint dress-up items. Amish hair pins are also increasingly popular among non-Amish women for their sturdiness and hair-friendly properties.
See also Hair Styles For Amish Men and Hair Styles for Amish Women.
Sarah Tennant - Sarah Tennant is a onetime English major who lives in New Zealand with her husband and two small children. Her interests range from ...
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