[EinNYC]

The reason that Orthodox women cover their hair--and it is only the MARRIED women that do it--is because of the old feudal system in Europe. The duke/thain/earl/head guy of the particular fiefdom would claim "first night rights" of brides, deflowering them before their husbands had ever touched them. In order to discourage this heinous act, the brides made themselves ugly by shaving their heads and then wearing ugly wigs or kerchiefs. Today, only a very few sects of Chassidic women actually shave their heads. Virtually all other Orthodox women opt for gorgeous wigs.

Another reason for it is that a woman's hair is considered beautiful and alluring. This is a treasure that she wants, by virtue of modesty, to reserve only for her husband's viewing pleasure. Thus, married women wear wigs, kerchiefs, or hats to hide their hair from the gaze of just any man. These wigs are usually custom made, quite expensive, and gorgeous. So are the hats, and even the better kerchiefs. Some married women who are more "modern" Orthodox, especially in out-of-town communities, do not opt to cover their hair, or do so only in the synagogue and only by wearing a hat which still reveals plenty of hair. No one is beaten for not covering their hair! There might be a few harrumphs about it from wagging tongues, especially in NYC, but there would never be any physical punishment for not doing it or being brought up on charges!

Therefore, there is little similarity between these Muzzie women and Orthodox Jewish women.

There is no requirement for unmarried women to cover their hair, at any age.

[Sherman Logan]

The duke/thain/earl/head guy of the particular fiefdom would claim "first night rights" of brides, deflowering them before their husbands had ever touched them.

Unfortunately for books and movies, there is zero evidence of there ever having been any place or time in Europe where such an atrocity was part of the legal system.

No doubt it happened from time to time under a particularly vicious baron, but not legally.