What Is a Yarmulke & Why Is It Worn?
The skullcap is known as a "kippah" (plural: "kippot") in Hebrew or by its most common name of "yarmulke," which is a Yiddish term. Many Jewish men and boys don yarmulkes, especially those Jews of the Orthodox and Conservative sects. Some may wear them all the time, while others may put them on only when attending religious services. Yarmulkes have been around for ages, and serve various functions.
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History
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The first mention of a head covering is found in the Torah, when a religious leader wore one to conduct a service.
A head covering comes up again in the Talmud. A catalog of Jewish law, known as the Shulchan Aruch, states that nobody should walk more than 6 feet without a head covering.
Significance
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By far the biggest message a yarmulke gets across is the identification of the wearer as belonging to the Jewish faith. While it serves as an automatic identifier, it also serves as a reminder for the wearer to behave as a good Jew should.
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Function
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Yarmulkes are worn for several reasons. One function of the yarmulke is to keep heads shielded from the glorious light of God.
Another is to remind the wearer that something bigger is above them, like the yarmulke is above their head. One more reason to wear one is because it's expected--after all, it is mentioned in the catalog of Jewish laws.
Types
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Basic black yarmulkes are the most common and popular choice. As with any accessory, yarmulkes have evolved to meet various personality types. Less basic styles include homemade crocheted yarmulkes, and durable leather or suede yarmulkes.
Kids can have yarmulkes with cartoon characters or their names printed on them. College students often adorn yarmulkes with their school's mascot or fraternity letters. Sports fans sport their favorite team. Even skull caps with skulls on them are available in today's market. As long as the design is not offensive or against the religion, pretty much anything goes.
Size
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A yarmulke is fairly small, at least compared to the size of a head. It usually measures about 5 inches in diameter. Think of a side order dinner plate or your average CD. It should be large enough to cover the back part of the skull, but small enough that it fits snugly. Companies that manufacture yarmulkes often offer an extra-small, small, medium and large sizes to better customize the fit. Yarmulkes are often held in place with bobby pins or hair clips.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Photo of kids in yarmulkes by Ryn Gargulinski
