History of the Parsis : including their manners, customs, religion and present position : with coloured and other illustrations : in two volumes

CHAP. III.] COVERING 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 ereater advantage if they could display their dark, shining and luxuriant hair. Though there is no religious injunction against keeping the head uncovered, 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 without 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. Considerable 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 ;