Vol. 76 No. 5 (2021): South African Dental Journal

Veils are a form of face covering that have been worn for many centuries. Veiling is mostly associated with women and sacred objects and has played a significant role in many customary and religious ceremonies. Elite women in ancient Greece and Persia wore veils as a sign of respectability, status, and rank in society. Roman brides wore saffron-coloured veils to protect them from evil spirits and in honour of the flame of Vesta, the goddess of hearth and home and protector of life. The practice of marital veiling is still seen today in many religions and cultures where brides wear veils as a symbol of purity, virginity, and modesty. The variety, beauty and intricacy of these adornments serve as a pleasant reminder that facial coverings can serve both a protective and aesthetic role in our lives.