Covering up!

Is time to try and understand just what is what? The average Australian is used to uncover in these temperatures. No wonder there are some newcomers in this community who think the Australian females are exposing themselves to all kinds of man-trouble. Aren't we women God's police? That is aren't we meant to keep the men from getting excited by our bare skin? Well maybe our responsibilities extend to that at times. However seeing this is a travelling column we can welcome those who like covering up into our environment by trying to understand their intentions.
The CBBC newsround has helped. http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/24118241 The explanation is that 'headscarves are seen as a sign of modesty and a symbol of religious faith.' So what is what? When in Jordan as tourists we were warned to keep our forearms covered and not to wear shorts showing off our bare legs. Not a problem for someone my age but I did watch some local younger men trying to move in on a young girl dressed to accommodate the hot weather...like bees to a honey pot!!

 This is a veil for the face that leaves the area around the eyes clear. However, it may be worn with a separate eye veil, an accompanying head scarf.

 The Al-Amira is a two-piece veil, consisting of a close fitting cap, usually made of cotton or polyester and a tube-like scarf.

 The Shayla is a long rectangular scarf popular in the Gulf region. It is wrapped around the head and tucked or pinned in place at the shoulders.

The Khimar is a long cape-like veil that hangs down to just above the waist. It covers the hair, neck and shoulders completely but leaves the face clear. They do remind me of some of the Catholic nuns in our community.

The Chador, worn by many Iranian women when outside the house is a full-body cloak. It is often accompanied by a smaller headscarf underneath.

Now for the scary one...the one who is dressed to frighten all the little western children out on their shopping jaunts with their parents...that is the Burka! Yes Ms.Invisible is in there somewhere. It is the most conceiling of all Islamic veils. It is a one-piece veil that covers the face and body, often leaving just a mesh screen to see through.

So are you up with the latest now? I have it on good evidence that under all that dressing-up there is a body covered in the latest western-style underwear and fashion. Amazing? I think so!