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Hoods were originally worn by monks for practical reasons, but are now associated with religious orders and also used to cover car engines and chimneys. They come in various colors and are worn by nuns too. The word “cowl” comes from the Latin word cucullus, which originally referred to a type of bag. The cowl is also associated with Death and is worn by graduates at graduations. Children may wear hoods on Halloween, and they can be made at home using natural fibers like wool.
A hood is a long, hooded robe with wide sleeves worn by members of some monastic orders. The term has also been adopted to refer to a wide range of linings, from the cowling that covers a car’s engine to the cowls that are used to cover chimneys, improving their draft and reducing errant sparks. You may also hear the word “hood” in reference to a loose, hood-like neckline on a woman’s garment. Cowl necklines are very popular in winter sweaters as they offer insulation to the neck to keep the wearer comfortable in cold weather.
The word is derived from the Latin cucullus, which originally referred to a type of bag used to carry groceries. Over time, the word was used in reference to hoods, which were sewn in the same style. While many people associate the hood with an expression of religious faith today, the earlier ones were much more practical. Monks often lived in cold, drafty monasteries, and hoods kept them warm, reducing the risk of getting sick. They also acted as visual symbols as an office, as the hoods were only given to monks who had taken vows.
Hoods come in a wide range of colors, linked to various religious orders, and a version of the hood is also worn by nuns. The fabrics tend to be very simple, in keeping with religious orders against vanity, and are usually dyed in a single color. Both monks and nuns may wear woven belts attached to rosaries, crosses, or other religious items, and the hood is usually not worn, instead flowing over the back of the robe.
Depending on your cultural origins, you may also associate the cowl with Death, who is often depicted in a black cowl with the hood on, carrying his scythe of office. The formal hooded robes worn by scholars at graduations also resemble the medieval hood, although hoods are often multicolored, providing information about the graduate’s achievements and indicating the university from which he is graduating.
Because the cowl is such a well-known part of religious iconography, it is not uncommon to see some children wearing various versions of the cowl on Halloween, dressed as monks, nuns, or death. Some costume stores sell hoods for this purpose, and you can also make your own at home. For an authentic touch, you should use a heavy natural fiber like wool, and you may want to line the hood with cotton or silk for comfort. In addition to looking more accurate, the hood will also keep its wearer warm on Halloween night, which often gets pretty chilly.
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