Karaka, Dosabhai Framji: History of the Parsis: including their manners, customs, religion and present position ; in two volumes (Band 1) (London, 1884)

chap, in.] CO VERING THE HEAD.

121

Parsi women are generally well formed, fair in
complexion, and of a soft and pleasing countenance.
They would look more handsome and appear to
greater advantage if they could display their dark,
shining and luxuriant hair. Though there is no
religious injunction against keeping the head un-
covered, the Parsis have imbibed the notion, supported
by long usage, and originally imported from Persia
itself, that it is sinful and contrary to religion to leave
the head uncovered by either day or night; hence a
male is never without his skull-cap or a female with-
out her "mathabana," which is a thin cloth of white
linen of the size of a small handkerchief. The Parsi
woman is therefore prevented from displaying what
is generally considered one of the most glorious
natural adornments of her sex by being ludicrously,
and almost barbarously, obliged to conceal her hair
under the " mathabana," This has also come to be
regarded as a token of feminine modesty. Consider-
able change has, however, taken place of late in
the mode of putting the "mathabana" on the head.
Half a century ago Parsi ladies would have scouted
the idea of showing the hair above the forehead, as is
done by the Parsi girls of the present period, who
put the " mathabana " as far back as possible in order
to bring into view the front portion of their head
with well-parted hair. Their graceful appearance is
now being emulated by ladies of more advanced age ;