Yes, I figured he was being sarcastic. But I’m not sure why. Women don’t have to wear veils any more, but it seems legitimate to ask what was customary before the rules were thrown in the trash.
Basically, women were expected to wear veils or hats at the same boundaries where men removed them. Men still are expected to remove their hats in church. The correct boundary is the door between the vestibule and the church. Men are allowed to wear hats in the vestibule, I suppose so they won’t be struck down by the cold when they go through the outer door in winter. I presume it would be the same for women.
Of course, it was unthinkable for a gentleman or a lady to go outside in the old days without a hat, and that custom has changed, too—no reference to the Church.
I agree.
Though I am not Catholic, I was surprised at the strong sarcasm in answer to what seemed to be a sincere question.
“Yes, I figured he was being sarcastic. But I’m not sure why. Women don’t have to wear veils any more, but it seems legitimate to ask what was customary before the rules were thrown in the trash.”
I was taken also by the sarcasm to a very legitimate question. Nothing much is sacred as it is. Now the traditional mantilla gets a chuckle as if a joke. Too bad, isn’t it?